In this 2024, there have been some extraordinary advances in environmental protection. Perhaps they were less reported than the natural disasters that affected many places on the planet or failed public policies.
That’s why in this article, days before 2025 begins, we offer you a summary of the most important environmental milestones that occurred in the last 12 months.
Advances in environmental protection during 2024
1. The end of coal in the United Kingdom
In 2024, the United Kingdom closed its last coal-fired power plant, marking a symbolic milestone as it was the first country to use coal for energy generation.
The closure of the Ratcliffe-on-Soar power plant on September 30 represents a significant step towards the decarbonization of the country’s economy.
2. Global increase in green energy
Renewable energy sources are rapidly growing worldwide. In the United States, wind energy generation reached a record in April, surpassing coal.
The International Energy Agency (IEA) expects the world to add 5,500 GW of renewable energy capacity between 2024 and 2030, with China leading this expansion.
3. Legal personality for animals and natural ecosystems
In 2024, various natural spaces were granted legal personality. In New Zealand, the peaks of Egmont National Park were recognized as ancestral mountains, and in Brazil, the city of Linhares granted legal personality to its ocean waves.
Furthermore, a new treaty allowed whales and dolphins to be recognized as “legal persons”.
4. New ocean protections for the Azores
The Azores announced a new marine protected area (MPA) in the North Atlantic, which will cover 30% of the sea surrounding the Portuguese archipelago. This marine area will be the largest in the region and will contain important marine ecosystems.
5. Reduction of deforestation in the Amazon
Deforestation in the Brazilian Amazon reached its lowest level in nine years in 2024, with a reduction of over 30% in the 12 months until July. This marks a significant advance in the conservation of the rainforest, despite an increase in fires during the same period.
6. Effectiveness of conservation initiatives
A significant review of conservation initiatives concluded that they are effective in halting or reversing biodiversity loss. A noteworthy example is the Altyn Dala Conservation Initiative in Kazakhstan, which has helped save the saiga antelope from extinction.
7. Indigenous efforts in ecosystem restoration
In California, the Yurok tribe has successfully reintroduced salmon to the Klamath River and has increased the population of California condors in their tribal territories. These efforts demonstrate the effectiveness of conservation campaigns led by indigenous communities.
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