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Climate is pushing our planet to a global tipping point, but some countries are still lagging behind in terms of green commitments. Not to worry though, because here are some countries who have walked their green talk!
1. Denmark
Denmark is recognised as a global leader in integrating variable renewable energy. It has the highest share of wind energy in both total primary energy consumption and electricity [1]. The Danish cycling culture is also famous in Denmark since the oil crisis hit in the 1970s. The unique cycling culture holds the key positions in modern city planning and in reducing air pollution. Besides it’s environmentally friendly, commuting by bike is the fastest, easiest, and most healthy [2].
Source: Febiyan [9]
If that wasn’t impressive enough, recently, Denmark commits to end all new oil and gas exploration and production in the North Sea by 2050 [3]. But in collaboration with the US, Denmark will construct an artificial island in the North Sea and use it as a clean energy hub [4].
2. Sweden
Let’s not forget Sweden with its revolutionary and highly-efficient recycling system [5]! Only 1% of trash is sent to landfills, and another 52% is converted into energy while the remaining 47% gets recycled. Did you know that Sweden generates $USD 100 million annually by importing and recycling trash from other countries?
Source: Waste4change [10]
Not only that, Sweden also has a new trend called “plogging” which is a combination of “jogging” and “plocka upp”, a Swedish term means picking up [6]. In other words, joggers would pick up litter alongside the road.
Sweden also aims to cut greenhouse gas emissions 59% by 2030, and to have a net-zero carbon economy by 2045 [7].
3. Italy
Starting in September 2020, Italy will make climate change and sustainability mandatory studies for every student in every grade. Lorenzo Fioramonti, Italian Education Minister of Italy, stated that all public schools in the country would be required to teach 33 hours a year on climate change and related topics.
It is also proposed that 6 to 19 years olds spend a minimum of one hour a week on topics such as ocean pollution, sustainable living, and renewable sources. The intention of this program is to educate students of all ages about the world’s current climate emergency and how to work against it through sustainability [8].
From Danish cycling culture to sustainability study curriculum in Italy, these are just a few examples where we can see climate change is being taken more seriously. From these countries, we also can learn that not only the government has pivotal roles in addressing the threat of climate change, but our own awareness as an individuals also matters, for the sake of the future and young generations.
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