Among all the news that scrolls by all day long (and there’s a lot of it), some stories fall by the wayside. For those of you with a special interest in ecology and environmental responsibility—topics that are particularly close to our hearts here at Kipli— we’ve selected five news stories that made headlines in October 2020. Check them out below!
Parliament voted in favor of an ambitious climate bill
On October 7, Members of the European Parliament adopted an amendment aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the European Union by 60% by 2030. This goes beyond the 55% reduction—compared to 1990 levels—proposed by the European Commission in mid-September.However, the outcome is not yet certain: Member States must make a decision following a meeting scheduled for the end of the year. Stay tuned... Learn more here
"Countdown": Dozens of Public Figures Sound the Alarm on the Climate Emergency
Organized by the TED conference platform, “Countdown” brought together about 50 prominent figures—including Pope Francis, Prince William, Jane Fonda, Priyanka Chopra, and many others—to discuss the risks facing the planet if we continue to do nothing.The virtual event took place on October 10, and all these well-known voices called for action at every level to resolve the current climate crisis, highlighting the links to economic and racial inequalities. The event also featured ordinary people sharing how they’ve started recycling, reducing waste, or cutting back on plastic use. In total, five hours of fruitful discussion—and now: it’s time to take action! Learn more here.
Do you know how much air pollution costs per person in France?
The European Public Health Alliance has undertaken a detailed analysis that gives us a concrete sense of the cost of outdoor pollution. The figures were published on October 21, and they certainly caught our attention. €1,000 per year per resident: that is how much air pollution costs in France. For a resident of Paris, the figure rises to €1,602. These amounts reflect the costs associated with premature deaths, medical care, and lost workdays. The report was prepared by CE Delft, which analyzed 432 cities across the 27 EU member states, as well as Norway, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom.Transportation, residential heating, industrial activities, and agriculture: these are the main causes of air pollution. It is difficult, however, to assess the exact contribution of each of these sectors, but it is important to note that a 1% increase in the number of cars in a city would raise social costs by 0.5%! Learn more here
Unusual: Listen to forests from around the world with this interactive map!
The organizers of the Timber Festival, an event that celebrates the forest, have launched an interactive map that lets you discover the sounds of forests from around the world! These sounds were recorded in every corner of the globe through a participatory effort. The Sorreisa Forest in Norway, the Andasibe Forest in Madagascar, and Yasuni National Park in Ecuador: listen to the rustling of leaves, the singing of birds, and the wind rustling through the trees—all while wearing headphones, right from the comfort of your own home!During the first lockdown in early 2020, nature reclaimed its place , and outdoor noise levels dropped significantly, especially in cities. In the current context, with the onset of the second wave of the pandemic and the second lockdown in France, there’s nothing quite like this map to help you reconnect (at least a little) with nature! Learn more here
A homeless man donated his savings to the victims of Storm Alex; the city of Nice is offering him a job
In early October, the hinterland of Nice was hit by severe flooding caused by Storm Alex. In the Roya Valley, which was completely devastated , a 56-year-old homeless man named Jojo donated all his savings to those affected by the disaster. A total of €150, patiently raised through the sale of the *Journal Sans Abris 06*. This gesture was recognized by the City of Nice, which reached out to Jojo by offering him a job. Other heartwarming acts of solidarity have also emerged in the region, such as the “Solidarity Weekends” organized on social media to bring together volunteer citizens to help with the reconstruction effort. Learn more here