Earlier this month, a UN report found the world isn’t doing enough to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius (above pre-industrial levels). A study found cyclones in southern Africa became more severe. Most recently, devastating floods in South Africa left more than 440 dead. Across Asia, 57 million people were affected by climate disasters in 2021. In the US, debris from disasters (think: hurricanes and wildfires) could be posing health risks to local communities. And more than 4 in 10 Americans live in counties that were impacted by climate disasters last year.
What’s being done?
President Biden’s thinking green. He pledged to cut greenhouse gas emissions in half by 2030. The US officially rejoined the Paris climate deal reaffirming its promise to limit global warming. But not everyone’s on the same page. During last year’s COP26, India and China weakened their pledge to “phase out” coal use. More than 100 leaders agreed to address deforestation and slash methane emissions by at least 30% within the next decade. TBD if that’ll be enough.
Go on.
Climate change will affect everyone. But low-income families are at the greatest risk for natural disasters. Scientists say ‘it’s now or never,’ and that we've got until 2030 to get things back on track — or the impacts could be irreversible. That means making major changes. Like phasing out coal, cutting methane emissions (which warms the planet 80 times more quickly than CO2), and planting more trees to remove extra carbon from the air. There are also things we can all do in our day-to-day that could have an impact. That includes everything from traveling greener to choosing vegetables over meat — and even shopping sustainably. Don’t forget to reduce, reuse, and recycle.
theSkimm
The timer on climate change is about to ring. If world leaders don’t get it together, the effects of climate change will become irreversible. We only have one planet.
Welcome to our series on abortion rights and restrictions. theSkimm is tracking state actions in the lead-up to a landmark Supreme Court decision expected by July. Here’s the latest…
Yesterday, a federal judge temporarily blocked Kentucky's new abortion law. The legislation went into effect last week after the state’s GOP-majority legislature overrode a veto from Gov. Andy Beshear (D). The law banned most abortions after 15 weeks. And other requirements prevented the state's two abortion clinics from performing the procedure. Now, both clinics are reportedly planning to resume this week. A Planned Parenthood official called it a win, but said they will keep fighting for "patients’ right to basic health."
Here’s where states stand on abortion. A ruling from the Supreme Court on the fate of Roe v Wade is expected within three months.
And Also...This
What’s not a walk in the jardin…
The French presidential election. French President Emmanuel Macron is facing off against far-right candidate Marine Le Pen for the French presidency. If this match-up sounds familiar, that’s because it is. In 2017, middle of the road Macron defeated Le Pen for the presidency by a large margin. Under Macron, France has stood strong behind the EU and has supported issues like climate change. He's even called for more efficient deportations of those who’ve been denied entry to the EU. On a global scale, Macron’s called for better cooperation between NATO members and has tried to negotiate between Ukraine and Russia (with little success). Macron’s approval rating is hovering between 41-43%. And French citizens have grown frustrated over issues like inflation, proposed vaccine mandates, and the war in Ukraine. All of this has politicians saying…
Challenge accepted: Le Pen’s trailing slightly in the polls. Her vision: a pro-France, anti-immigration referendum, a ban on headscarves in public places, and cutting France’s EU contributions. She also isn’t feeling too green and wants to dismantle the country’s wind turbines and end subsidies for renewable energy.
Next up: This weekend, voters will decide whether they want another five years of Macron or welcome their first madame présidente.
Who’s singing ‘It’s a small world after all’…
Gov. Ron DeSantis (R-FL). Yesterday, Florida decided to strip Disney of its special status, which allowed the company to operate as an independent government. This all stems from FL’s Parental Rights in Education law (aka the “Don't Say Gay” law). Last month, DeSantis signed the legislation which blocked public schools from discussing sexual orientation or gender identity with kids K-3. The law has been met with pushback — including from Disney. Fast forward to this week, the governor urged Republican state lawmakers to remove the 1967 status. Yesterday, legislators did just that. The bill would erase Disney’s special district on June 1, 2023…pending the governor’s signature.
Not enjoying the ride: Democratic state lawmakers say the change could mean Florida residents would have to front the bill for $1 billion in bond debt. That’s because all of the things that Disney once paid for under its independent government (everything from emergency services to water, utilities, and sewage) would need to be covered by nearby counties.
Where people are outraged…
Puerto Rico. Yesterday, the Supreme Court ruled that the US territory would continue to be excluded from the Supplemental Security Income program (SSI). The program provides financial assistance for low-income, elderly, disabled, and blind Americans — and doesn't apply to US territories. PR sued, arguing the exclusion unconstitutionally discriminated against them. But the court majority said ‘if you’re not paying all federal taxes, you’re not getting all federal programs.’ Justice Sonia Sotomayor, the only dissenter in the case, called the ruling “irrational."
That’s the percentage of US land that’s permanently protected. Think: national and state parks, wilderness areas, wildlife refuges, etc.
Ideally, we’d get that number up. Walmart’s already on it. Back in 2005, they teamed up with the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (aka NFWF) to create Acres for America, a public-private partnership that aims to conserve critical habitats for plants and wildlife and create more opps for people to enjoy the outdoors. So far, it’s protected more than 1.6 million acres of land across the US. And it takes multiple teams to make that happen. Learn more about Acres for America — and discover the story of three incredible women who have dedicated their careers to sustainability and conservation — here.
If you’ve ever looked at Reese Witherspoon’s face and thought ‘man I’d love to know her skincare secrets,’ you’re about to be very happy. Because she’s a Biossance Global Brand Ambassador. And as part of that partnership, they’ve created a limited-edition set with a bunch of her fave clean, sustainable, glow-inducing goodies. Like…
Award-winning, luxuriously lightweight rose oil. Which brightens, firms, and hydrates skin. Sign us up.
Deeply moisturizing vegan balm that’ll nourish your lips. Oh, and make ‘em look plumper.
Planet-friendly, reef-safe sheer mineral sunscreen. Because we love soaking up some sun. But we also love Mama Earth. And keeping our skin protected.
Psst…we weren’t kidding when we said limited edition. Don’t wait.
Skimm Picks
Here are today’s recs to help you live a smarter life…
Something to take you from how-to to know-how. This company’s got videos on just about everything. Their newest one digs into the science and tech innovations that can help us get to net-zero emissions by 2050. Stream it now with a free trial.*
Sustainable products in honor of Earth Day. Like things for your kitchen and easy ways to go green. Because helping the planet will never go out of style. PS: If you wanna read up on climate change, check out our book roundup too.
A simple, wallet-friendly way to make sustainable swaps. This online marketplace sends eco-friendly home, beauty, and pantry essentials straight to your door. With carbon-neutral shipping from their zero-waste warehouse. Aaaand this Earth Day, Skimm’rs get 40% off their first order. Plus a free $50 gift.*
*PS: This is a sponsored post.
Skimm'rs
We like to celebrate the wins, big and small. Let us know how your friends, neighbors, coworkers (and yes, even you) are making career moves, checking off goals, or making an impact in the community.
Going green…Joyce C (TX). She’s setting up a virtual cleanup event to encourage people to pick up litter in their communities. Check it out here.
(Some) Birthdays…Skimm Brother Peter Zakin (CA), Kristin McCormack (NY), Adam Gross (NY), Zach Wenner (PA), Bethany Dixon (NY), Kelsey Hirsch (MA), Jaime Gelman (NY), Jodi Clark (ID), Vanessa Henry (TX), Susan Loh (NY), Kristine Mitchell (MN), Monica Weimer (NJ), Cheryl Bethe (HI), Jennifer Rose (NC), Alyssa Schneider (WI)
PS: Paging all members of theSkimm. Reach out here for a chance to be featured.
Skimm More
Something giving chaotic energy this summer? The travel industry. Our new ep of “Skimm This,” tackles what challenges to expect during the travel season, and whether delays, lost bags, and cancellations should be considered the new norm. Cue the mile cry club.
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