fbpx

Human Progress Logo Human Progress

01 / 05
Things Are Looking up for Africa’s Upside-down Baobab Trees

New York Times | Conservation & Biodiversity

Things Are Looking up for Africa’s Upside-down Baobab Trees

“Baobabs are arboreal icons that have punctuated Africa’s landscapes for around 12 million years. With crowns that can grow as large as three tennis courts, they are important for more than their role in ecosystems. The trees are featured in cultural traditions across Africa, and they also support the livelihoods of thousands of people who harvest baobab fruit.

And across mainland Africa, a researcher has argued recently, the trees are flourishing.

This finding offers a contrast with reports several years ago that Adansonia digitata, a baobab species that is widespread, was in serious jeopardy in the face of droughts and rising temperatures linked to climate change, with some of the largest baobabs collapsing in on themselves.”

From New York Times.

World Bank | Adoption of Technology

Senegal Closing on Universal Electricity Access

“Khady’s story reflects Senegal’s broader journey toward universal electricity access. The country has made significant strides, with a national access rate of 84% according to government sources. This progress has transformed millions of lives, yet the journey is far from over. While urban areas enjoy near-universal access, over 30 % of rural communities remain disconnected from the grid.”

From World Bank.

Hürriyet Daily News | Conservation & Biodiversity

Tuz Lake’s New Water System Averts Mass Flamingo Deaths

“As diligent efforts continue to sustain the country’s flamingo population, the new water system at Tuz Lake — home to the largest flamingo colony in the Mediterranean — has successfully prevented mass flamingo deaths caused by water shortages this year.

This development follows the General Directorate of Nature Conservation’s well-drilling initiative in 2022, which aims to allow flamingos access to water during severe droughts. The system manages this by providing water to the hatching area, known as ‘kindergarten,’ via a 4-kilometer pipeline utilizing solar-powered motor pumps.”

From Hürriyet Daily News.

Ember | Energy Production

Turkey Doubles Solar Capacity

“Türkiye’s solar energy capacity doubled from 9.7 GW in July 2022 to exceed 19 GW by the end of 2024. By August 2024, the country had already exceeded the 18 GW target set for 2025 in the National Energy Plan (NEP) by the Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources (MENR). Achieving this target 1.5 years ahead of schedule underscores Türkiye’s strong commitment to solar energy and signals the need for more ambitious future targets.

Unlicensed plants, primarily built for self-consumption, accounted for 90% of new installations in the past four years.”

From Ember.

Washington Examiner | Energy Production

Closed Lowa Nuclear Plant Could Come Back Online by 2028

“The decommissioned Duane Arnold nuclear plant in eastern Iowa is inching closer to a restart as NextEra Energy has asked for a licensing change for the facility.

A representative for the renewable energy company confirmed to Bloomberg that it filed a request with federal regulators from the Nuclear Regulatory Commission on Thursday, marking the first step toward bringing the plant back online.”

From Washington Examiner.