February 28, 2019 3 min read
The world needs more good news! That's why we've gathered some stories to make you smile.
February is coming to a close and people in the Northern Hemisphere are getting excited for spring - which, according to scientifically inclined groundhogs, will be coming early this year. Regardless, winter rages on and the weight of seasonal affective disorder remains heavy.
So, if the weather has got you down, we have just the cure!
Here is the second edition of our monthly round-up of good environmental news to put you in a better mood (check back on January's good news if you need more!). Below are some fun and positive environmental stories from the past month to be hopeful about.
1. Black Leopard's Presence in Africa Confirmed After a Century of Searching
After 100 years without being spotted, the existence of an extremely rare black leopard was confirmed in Kenya this month. The black melanistic cat, characterized by a surplus of pigment (think the opposite of albinism), was caught on the camera by Kenya-based American biologist Nick Pilford in central Kenya. Though the presence of the completely black leopards has been reported for years, this was the first time in a century that the big cat had been scientifically documented.
If after reading this story you feel inclined to preserve other ecosystem in the East African country, we have planting projects in Kenya that would love your support!
Photograph by Will Burrard-Lucas, CAMTRAPTIONS, courtesy of Black Leopard Photo National Geographic.
2. Costa Rica to Go Zero-Emissions by 2050
The small Central American country squished between the Atlantic and Pacific oceans unveiled its plan to completely eliminate its net carbon emissions over the next 31 years. Costa Rica hopes to produce no more carbon than it can offset by taking steps such as ensuring all taxis and buses are fully electric, invest in alternative fuel sources, and, most significantly, expand and maintain its extensive forest coverage. The national plan to 'decarbonize' the country by 2050 is ambitious, but shows other nations that tackling climate change requires serious action.
3. Grand Canyon National Park Turns 100
On February 26, 1919, President Woodrow Wilson established the Grand Canyon national park in Arizona. Now a century later, the park attracts more than 6 million tourists every year and remains one of the most beautiful and wild places this planet has to offer. Its centennial is the best representation of good environmental stewardship and is a testament to the importance of protecting wild and culturally significant lands.
4. Communities Given Control Over Local Forests in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC)
People of the DRC are regaining control over the forests that surround their communities. The Rainforest Foundation UK has been working with communities in the DRC to educate them on their rights and providing training on proper forest management. These forests are the lifeblood of many communities in the central African nation as they provide jobs, food, medicine and water. Placing them in the hands of the people who need them most is ideal; these communities will protect the forests from over-harvesting and help reduce global tropical deforestation, which is a major contributor to climate change.
5. Swedish Teen Pushed the E.U. to Commit Billions of Euros to Combat Climate Change
Over the last several weeks, sixteen-year-old Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg has inspired kids across the world protest government inaction on climate change. Now the high-schooler can claim quite a victory after European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker announced that the European Union should spend hundreds of billions of euros to combat climate change. The announcement came after more than 10,000 students protested across Belgium on February 28th. Now who said kids these days are lazy?
6. Green Space Improves Mental Health in Children
According to a recent study by Danish researchers, children who live in close proximity to forests and parks have a lower risk of developing mental health issues - up to 55% lower! The study also showed that the longer someone lived near green space, the higher the potential positive mental health outcome. Of the outcomes studied, the most significant risk decreases were seen for substance and alcohol abuse, and neurotic or stress related illnesses. As if you needed another excuse to get outside and play!
Here's to hoping these stories lifted you out of your late winter funk!
Check out January's good news too, and we'll see you back here in March for more GOOD environmental stories.
by Joseph Coppolino
Organic Content Creator & Enviro-fabulist
One Tree Planted, Inc.'s mission is to work with our partners to reforest our planet, empowering communities, and fostering a healthier, greener future. Financial and other information about our charity’s purpose, programs and activities can be obtained by contacting Leila Melody, Chief Financial Officer, 145 Pine Haven Shores Rd Ste 1000D Shelburne, VT 05482-7812 United States, 1-800-408-7850. If you are a resident of any of the following states, please review the relevant disclosure statement.
COLORADO: Colorado residents may obtain copies of registration and financial documents from the office of the Secretary of State, 303-894-2860, www.sos.state.co.us/ re: Reg. No 20193029414.
FLORIDA: A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING TOLL-FREE 1-800-HELP-FLA OR ONLINE AT www.FloridaConsumerHelp.com. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE. REGISTRATION #: CH66616
GEORGIA: A full and fair description of charitable programs and activities, and a financial statement consistent with the financial statement required to be filed with the Secretary of State pursuant to Code Section 43-17-5, will be sent upon request.
ILLINOIS: Contracts and reports regarding One Tree Planted, Inc. are on file with the Illinois Attorney General.
MARYLAND: For the cost of postage and copying, documents and information filed under the Maryland charitable organizations laws can be obtained from the Secretary of State, Charitable Division, State House, Annapolis, MD 21401, 800-825-4510. A copy of the organization’s current financial statement is available on request.
MICHIGAN: MICS No. 65659.
MISSISSIPPI: The official registration and financial information of One Tree Planted, Inc. may be obtained from the Mississippi Secretary of State’s office by calling 1-888-236-6167. Registration by the Secretary of State does not imply endorsement by the Secretary of State.
NEW JERSEY: INFORMATION FILED WITH THE ATTORNEY GENERAL CONCERNING THIS CHARITABLE SOLICITATION AND THE PERCENTAGE OF CONTRIBUTIONS RECEIVED BY THE CHARITY DURING THE LAST REPORTING PERIOD THAT WERE DEDICATED TO THE CHARITABLE PURPOSE MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE ATTORNEY GENERAL OF THE STATE OF NEW JERSEY BY CALLING (973) 504-6215 AND IS AVAILABLE ON THE INTERNET AT https://njconsumeraffairs.state.nj.us/public-charity-search-results/. REGISTRATION WITH THE ATTORNEY GENERAL DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT.
NEW YORK: Upon request, a copy of the latest financial report filed with the Attorney General as well as a full description of the programs and activities supported by contributions can be obtained by contacting One Tree Planted, Inc. at 145 Pine Haven Shores Rd Ste 1000D Shelburne, VT 05482-7812 United States. Financial reports can also be obtained from the charities registry on the Attorney General’s website or by writing the Charities Bureau at 28 Liberty Street, New York, NY 10005. For more information about charities, visit the Charities Bureau online at www.charitiesnys.com or call 212-416-8401.
NORTH CAROLINA: Financial information about this organization and a copy of its license are available from the State Solicitation Licensing Branch at 1-888-830-4989 (within North Carolina) or (919) 807-2214 (outside of North Carolina). The license is not an endorsement by the State.
OREGON: Registration in no way constitutes or implies any endorsement, sanction or approval of the solicitation, its purposes, the manner in which it is conducted or the person or organization conducting it, by the Attorney General or any other governmental agency or officer.
PENNSYLVANIA: The official registration and financial information of One Tree Planted, Inc. may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling toll-free, within Pennsylvania, 1-800-732-0999. Registration does not imply endorsement.
VIRGINIA: A financial statement is available from the State Office of Consumer Affairs in the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services P.O. Box 1163, Richmond, VA 23218.
WASHINGTON: The notice of solicitation required by the State Office of Consumer Affairs is on file with the Washington Secretary of State, and information relating to financial affairs of One Tree Planted, Inc. is available from the Secretary of State, and the toll-free number for Washington residents: 800-332-4483.
WEST VIRGINIA: Upon request, the estimated percentage of the money collected which will be applied to the cost of solicitation and administration or how much of the money collected will be applied directly for the charitable purpose will be provided. West Virginia residents may obtain a summary of the registration and financial documents from the Secretary of State, State Capitol, Charleston, West Virginia 25305. Registration does not imply endorsement.
WISCONSIN: A financial statement of One Tree Planted, Inc. disclosing assets, liabilities, fund balances, revenue and expenses for the preceding fiscal year is available upon request.
CONTRIBUTIONS ARE DEDUCTIBLE FOR FEDERAL INCOME TAX PURPOSES IN ACCORDANCE WITH APPLICABLE LAW. REGISTRATION IN A STATE DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION OF ONE TREE PLANTED, INC. BY THE STATE.
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