This week: coffee is going to be a luxury item if climate change continues. Scientists have figured out a way to halve emissions by 2030. And the full lowdown on global participation in worldwide climate strikes last week. Read all that and more about the latest sustainability news, right here.
1. Coffee-growing is getting harder because of the climate breakdown.
Experts say coffee producers in Peru are ditching the trade. Scientists are predicting that 50% of land currently used for growing coffee will become unsuitable by 2050. Already, the rising temperatures are driving farmers to look for higher and cooler grounds to grow coffee. Experts also say that the quality of the coffee will drop and that prices will hike. Although that’s the least of our concerns. Why? The most impoverished farmers are already being hit the hardest by the climate breakdown, as they can’t afford to invest their profits in tools to improve the soil. To help these farmers, we have to invest in coffee farming.
(While, of course, reducing our emissions to begin with.)
2. Scientists set out how to halve greenhouse gas emissions by 2030.
It has always been the goal. But now we have a plan. At least, according to the Exponential Roadmap report from an international group of experts. They identified 36 developments that would produce the necessary emission cuts to achieve our goal. From renewable energy and food systems to sustainable cities and international transport, they’ve covered it all. And they’re saying it’s possible to achieve by 2030. How? If a small number of current technologies and behavioural trends are ramped up and adopted more widely. And if strong civil society movements drive the change. We’re talking solar and wind power, electric vehicles, avoiding deforestation, improving land management, and more. While these are all solutions we know and support already, it’s good to see that science is backing up what we talk about all the time.
3. 7.6 million people all over the world demanded action at the Global Climate Strike last week.
The week of the Global Climate Strike just ended, and the numbers are in; Asia, including the little red dot, definitely showed up. In the rest of the world? 1.5 million took to the streets in Italy, over 500,000 in the United States and Spain, and 5,000 in South Africa! And we aren’t even done counting yet. The Global Climate Strike is on par with the 2003 anti-Iraq war protest as one of the largest coordinated global protest in history. We saw people of all ages, races, nationalities, faiths, and backgrounds unite for the climate, holding more than 6,100 events. All over the world. Let that sink in for a minute.
We’re making history.
4. Disney’s US theme parks are going vegan!
(Okay, sort of.) Disney just announced that it’s adding plant-based food options to every single dining location in their US theme parks. Over 400 vegan dishes will be made available. Think steamed Asian dumplings, Felucian Garden Spread, even shepherd’s upside-down pie, which will include (you guessed it) plant-based proteins! If you’re planning a visit, look out for the new green leaf icon that will be popping up next to plant-based menu items and keep your Disney meals animal-friendly.
The plant-based revolution is here!
5. Cathay Pacific is the world’s first airline to serve Omnipork!
Getting flight anxiety? Maybe this will help. We’re not going to say this is the best solution, because of course that’s reserved for flying less (and if you have to, remember to purchase carbon offsets.) But it’s always good to create lesser waste as you fly and be as plant-based as possible. And Cathay Pacific, collaborating with Hong Kong’s local social venture Green Monday, is here to help. Omnipork, a vegan blend of pea protein, non-GMO soy, shiitake mushrooms, and rice, looks and tastes like real pork. But it has no cholesterol and is cruelty-free, and better for the planet.
For the entire month of October 2019, Business Class passengers can enjoy Omnipork on all long-haul flights departing from Hong Kong.