Wondering what went right this week in the conservation world? We’ve got you covered with our Conservation Optimism Round-Up! Each week we are collating stories of optimism from around the globe so that you never miss your dose of Monday Motivation.

1. COP26- the biggest climate change conference since 2015- kicked off yesterday in Glasgow, UK

” There are big hopes for ambition at this year’s COP- with a particular focus on reducing emissions from the G20. The President of COP made the opening address to nations yesterday stating- “So let’s come together over these two weeks. And ensure that where Paris promised, Glasgow delivers””

2. Nature based solutions and wildlife can play an important role in reducing emissions

 “It’s not too late to win the fight against the climate and nature crises. Given the chance, nature can recover in the most remarkable ways.”

3. Cooking with the sun: Entrepreneurs help launch Mexico’s solar revolution

“Much of Mexico gets 300 days of sunshine out of the year which is helping make the country a solar energy pioneer. A range of entrepreneurs is leading the way, especially in the food industry. In the southern state of Oaxaca, Victoria Aguilera designed and now sells a solar kitchen for use in homes and restaurants.. In central Mexico’s Hidalgo state, Gregor Schäpers’ company, Trinysol, achieved initial success with solar-powered water heaters. In the state of Jalisco, Angel Mejía and Aldo Agraz co-founded Inventive Power in 2010, specializing in thermal solar systems. ”

4. The Count Us In campaign aims to encourage one billion people to take practical steps in their own lives to reduce carbon pollution

” It is made up of 16 steps overall, including: cutting down on food waste, repairing and reusing, eating more plants, and sharing experiences with friends and colleagues to raise awareness around climate action. These actions were selected by experts from the UN Environment Programme as being the most effective ways to reduce global emissions. “

5. Why hope and optimism is crucial for fighting climate change

“The kind of hope we need – rational, stubborn hope – isn’t about positive thinking, but it doesn’t begin with imitating an ostrich, either. It starts by acknowledging just how serious climate change is and what is at risk: the future of civilisation as we know it. Recognising the overwhelming nature of this crisis can fill us with fear and anxiety, and we need to acknowledge these emotions as well.”

6. How New York Just Took a Big Step Away From Fossil Fuels

“In a major win for climate advocates and supporters of wind and solar energy, New York State environmental regulators refused on Wednesday to allow two companies to upgrade their gas-fueled power plants — signaling a newly aggressive approach to ending fossil-fuel emissions that drive climate change.”

7. Try to re-imagine what this journey to net-zero emissions could look like through another lens. One that puts our focus on investing in people to reach their potentials while protecting the planet.

“It’s not too late, but the window of opportunity is closing. Which brings me back to you. You’re the reason that I have hope. Time and time again, we’ve seen that when people raise their voices, that chorus becomes too urgent and too loud for leaders to ignore. That chorus for bold climate action is growing.”

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