Global poverty is on the rise. With the toxic mixture of the Covid-19 pandemic, the war in Ukraine, the ensuing economic instability, and the mushrooming cost of living crises, for people and communities around the world it is difficult to imagine how life could be any harder or how it could improve. The World Bank estimates that in 2020 the number of people living in extreme poverty rose by 70 million to more than 700 million. The bumpy road to post-pandemic recovery has brought little improvement as the present overall number is only expected to have dropped to around 685 million people. If this global turbulence were to continue then we can expect to still see 574 million people living in extreme poverty i.e. living on less than $2.15 a day, in 2030 (The World Bank, 2022)…

Today the sight of solar panels on the roofs of homes, universities and even businesses is becoming increasingly common. Yet, many remain confused by how solar panels work and continue to feel discouraged from introducing them into their energy supply chain due to the high price tag associated with installation. Uptake has been gradual, and their effectiveness remains questionable in countries such as the UK where temperamental weather patterns are at play. However, in nations and regions that experience steady sunshine solar panels can provide green energy, sustainable jobs, additional income from power sold back into the national grid, and access to electricity for remote communities who were previously living off grid.

2022 marked a year of hope as numerous nations continued to speak out on climate change and the need for sustainable development. The Cop26 agenda appeared to be in full force as not just international governments but entire communities were dedicated to making changes that would positively benefit our planet. Six months later and the progress we have made leaves much to be desired.

Climate news can often leave one feeling despondent about the future of our natural world. As great tree's that have seen more of history than a mere human could ever hope to are felled to meet the short-term needs of a greedy society and plastic chokes our oceans, destroying ecosystems which have existed untouched for thousands of years, the consequences of our presence on this planet continue to be truly catastrophic and yet hope remains as is evidenced both in the small and larger acts that can be identified if we look hard enough.

The new year has arrived and we are looking forward to positive changes for the climate and sustainable investment. As Cop26 fades from the wider public discourse it has never been more important to share news on the various events occurring across the world and to hold governments and organisations accountable for their actions.