Climate Hope Week 8

With every passing week, we get closer to the end of the Vendee Globe and partly, its just a case of "hanging in there" for Boris. After exiting the Southern Ocean last week, which saw him reach his limits, he was rewarded with a little break after rounding cape horn when sea states calmed and sunshine finally appeared, however now he is back in the thick of it and battling on.

This past week not only marked the transition from the Pacific back into the Atlantic but also the shift from one year into the next. A new year often brings with it a renewed sense of hope, fresh resolutions, and excitement for what lies ahead. Perhaps this year can also bring inspiration for action. As Boris sails on, let these uplifting news stories remind us that progress is possible, and may they inspire hope and the drive to make a difference!

In Costa Rica, a law came into force in 2024 that bans the sale and free distribution of single-use plastic throughout the country, Styrofoam is also banned in Costa Rica. In addition, 30% of the country is under nature conservation to protect its great biodiversity. 

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In Panama, nature has its own rights: the right to exist, persist and be restored in the case of damage by humans. These rights can be used to take legal action on behalf of nature. 

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In 2025, Brazilian oceanographer Leticia Carvalho will take over as head of the International Seabed Authority, beating Michael Lodge, who is in favour of deep-sea mining. Her election was a huge surprise and is a beacon of hope for marine activists. 

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In Colombia, the exploration of new oil wells was already stopped in 2022 and no more licences have been issued since then, even though the country's reserves will be used up in seven years. Instead, Colombia is focussing on the expansion of renewable energies and now wants to invest 40 billion US dollars in the energy transition and nature protection. 

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92% of Ecuadorians are in favour of stricter government measures to force people to adopt climate-friendly behaviour, according to a survey by the European Investment Bank. This could also be due to the fact that 93% of Ecuadorians believe that climate change has an impact on their everyday lives - a key factor in the acceptance of measures. 

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In Peru, 390 Titicaca giant frogs were saved from being smuggled in 2024. Because of their alleged aphrodisiac effect, the frogs are hunted by poachers. However, these 390 were brought to safety. 

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Quite apart from all the ethical reasons: according to a study, development cooperation strengthens the (German) economy. In a study commissioned by the Kreditanstalt für Wiederaufbau, economists at the University of Göttingen calculated that every euro invested leads to a plus of 36 cents - primarily through exports of goods to the partner countries. 

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