This week’s good climate news

National parks going green(er)

More than 70% of U.S. national parks are threatened by climate change, and the National Park Service hatched a plan to take action. NPS will slash greenhouse gas emissions by 50% by 2032 and ensure its infrastructure and transportation achieves net-zero emissions by 2045.

Visitors are also encouraged to do their part, with more recycling, fewer single use plastics and a stronger push to leave no trace.

Crucial snails headed to Pacific islands

Partula snails have been called the “Darwin finches of the snail world,” and they play a crucial role in preserving forest health by eating fungi and decaying plant tissue. They’ve long been extinct from natural settings, but conservation efforts reintroduced 5,000 snails in Tahiti and Moorea to help restore ecological balance.

The snails were bred and raised in zoos in London, Scotland and the U.S.

New York transitioning to all green energy

In the U.S., New York state took historic steps toward a green future by passing a bill that allows the state's public utility to build and own renewable energy, lowering costs to consumers and requiring the state’s public power provider to generate all of its electricity from clean power sources by 2030.

The legislation will also create good-paying, union jobs for the clean energy projects and fill new positions with traditional energy workers.

Maryland moving to zero-emission trucks

Black residents in Maryland in the U.S. are exposed to roughly 12% higher levels of toxic particulate matter than other residents, and the state is making important progress to remove harmful air pollution.

Maryland’s Clean Trucks Act of 2023 takes effect June 1, and it will ensure automakers produce a growing number of electric vehicles to keep pace with California’s Advanced Clean Trucks rule.