Where are we on the environment? #9

What happened around the world in May in five news items, for those interested in the environment, sustainability and ecological transition.

1.

By 2050, two-thirds of global energy and nearly 90% of electricity will have to come from renewable sources. Solar and wind power should have central role, generating 70% of electricity. Fossil fuels, accounting for 80% of global energy production today, would be responsible only for 20% in 2050%. These are some of the conclusions of the latest, long-awaited report from the International Energy Agency (IEA), “Net Zero by 2050: a Roadmap for the Global Energy Sector”, which sets out 400 steps to reach net zero.

2.

It is now confirmed that noise pollution – and road traffic noise in particular – slows down the song-learning capacity of songbirds.

3.

One study has found that researchers tend to give more attention to plants that are aesthetically attractive even if they are not endangered – and this has consequences for those that are at risk but are less pleasing to the eye.

4.

In Wisconsin, the reintroduction of wolves has changed the behaviour of deer and how they react to their environment, leading to a reduced risk of road accidents with cars.

5.

It has been calculated that in one of the next five years, there is a 40 percent chance that global warming will rise above the 1.5 degree-threshold.