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Our Wonderful Green Future<p><a href="https://mastodon.world/tags/OWGF" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">#<span>OWGF</span></a> <a href="https://mastodon.world/tags/Cycling" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">#<span>Cycling</span></a></p>
Our Wonderful Green FutureSome more sweeeet <a href="https://pixelfed.social/discover/tags/SolarPunk?src=hash" class="u-url hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">#SolarPunk</a> vibes. This time from Hans Christian Andersen Museum. <a href="https://hcandersenshus.dk/en/" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://hcandersenshus.dk/en/</a><br> <a href="https://pixelfed.social/discover/tags/OWGF?src=hash" class="u-url hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">#OWGF</a> <a href="https://pixelfed.social/discover/tags/Architecture?src=hash" class="u-url hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">#Architecture</a> <a href="https://pixelfed.social/discover/tags/Denmark?src=hash" class="u-url hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">#Denmark</a>
Our Wonderful Green Future<p>Peer-to-peer energy trading + cheap solar &amp; storage = millions of people lifted out of energy poverty. <br><a href="https://mastodon.world/tags/Bangladesh" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">#<span>Bangladesh</span></a> <a href="https://mastodon.world/tags/Cambodia" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">#<span>Cambodia</span></a> <a href="https://mastodon.world/tags/ClimateChange" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">#<span>ClimateChange</span></a> <a href="https://mastodon.world/tags/Energy" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">#<span>Energy</span></a> <a href="https://mastodon.world/tags/MicroGrids" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">#<span>MicroGrids</span></a> <a href="https://mastodon.world/tags/OWGF" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">#<span>OWGF</span></a> <a href="https://mastodon.world/tags/Peer2Peer" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">#<span>Peer2Peer</span></a> <a href="https://mastodon.world/tags/RenewableEnergy" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">#<span>RenewableEnergy</span></a> <a href="https://mastodon.world/tags/Solar" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">#<span>Solar</span></a> <a href="https://mastodon.world/tags/SolarPower" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">#<span>SolarPower</span></a> <a href="https://mastodon.world/tags/SolarPunk" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">#<span>SolarPunk</span></a> <a href="https://mastodon.world/tags/Sustainability" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">#<span>Sustainability</span></a><br><a href="https://owgf.org/2025/03/10/peer-to-peer-energy-in-developing-nations/" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" translate="no" target="_blank"><span class="invisible">https://</span><span class="ellipsis">owgf.org/2025/03/10/peer-to-pe</span><span class="invisible">er-energy-in-developing-nations/</span></a></p>
Our Wonderful Green Future<p><strong>Peer-to-peer energy in developing&nbsp;nations</strong></p><p></p><p><a href="https://youtu.be/j6oB1UjwY5w?feature=shared" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://youtu.be/j6oB1UjwY5w?feature=shared</a></p><p>It’s estimated that globally 1.18 Billion people are living in energy poverty and 700 Million are living with no electricity at all. [<a href="https://data.undp.org/blog/1-18-billion-around-the-world-in-energy-poverty" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">1</a>] Many of them are in rural areas with no chance of ever getting connected to a mains (Fossil Fuel) grid because the electricity/maintenance would be just too expensive. Enter peer-to-peer energy trading technology, coupled with cheap solar and storage. A technology that has the potential to lift millions out of energy poverty, especially those living in equatorial regions. </p><p>Established in 2015, <strong>SOLshare</strong>, in Bangladesh, has developed one of the world’s first solar peer-to-peer energy exchange platforms, allowing households with rooftop solar home systems to trade excess electricity in real-time. This technology enables users to become both producers and consumers of electricity, enhancing energy access in areas where traditional grid infrastructure is lacking. </p><p>The SOLshare platform is comprised of three key elements</p><ul><li><strong>SOLbazaar Platform</strong>: This is the core of SOLshare’s P2P trading system, which connects households and small businesses. Users can sell surplus energy generated from their solar installations to neighbours, facilitating a decentralised energy market.</li><li><strong>SOLbox Meter</strong>: A bi-directional smart meter that allows for the measurement and trading of electricity between users. It supports mobile payments, making transactions seamless and accessible.</li><li><strong>Mobile App</strong>: The SOLapp helps manage user energy and tracks consumption and trading activities, enhancing user engagement and efficiency.</li></ul><p>SOLshare’s initiative has significantly improved energy access for rural communities in Bangladesh, where approximately 60 million people still lack reliable electricity. Some of these communities have never had access to reliable electricity. By enabling households to monetise their excess solar energy, SOLshare not only addresses energy poverty but also empowers local economies by allowing individuals to earn income through energy trading.</p><p>The company’s technology exemplifies the benefits of a shift towards decentralised and sustainable energy solutions. The Fossil Fuels industry to this day claims that renewables can’t power the world, but if history has taught us anything it’s centralised Fossil Fuels can’t power poorer regional areas. While this technology is most applicable in rural areas it can be deployed in cities to help combat blackouts and rising electricity costs.</p><p>There are other similar initiatives happening in the developing world. I touched on another initiative in Africa in this article <a href="https://owgf.org/2024/12/23/africans-quiet-energy-and-environmental-revolution/" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">HERE</a>. Also in Cambodia Okra Solar are deploying something very similar which they call a Mesh Grid. It can be quickly deployed, and in this case below, redeployed when needed. Someting that is increasingly important when it comes to Climate Change adaptation.</p><p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qI4S2lH9DdM" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qI4S2lH9DdM</a></p><p>You can see other projects that Okra Solar are deploying around the world here: <a href="https://www.okrasolar.com/category/case-studies" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.okrasolar.com/category/case-studies</a></p><p>It’s not just the developing world that can benefit from this type of Solar Micro Grid. In Australia remote communities that are currently dependent on diesel generators are now being powered by Solar and Batteries. These towns would also benefit from the addition of peer-to-peer energy trading as a way to save money and build more resilience into their micro grids. <a href="https://reneweconomy.com.au/horizon-slashes-diesel-use-with-solar-and-battery-microgrids-for-remote-towns/" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://reneweconomy.com.au/horizon-slashes-diesel-use-with-solar-and-battery-microgrids-for-remote-towns/</a> </p><p>Solar and Storage will 100% power equatorial regions, and beyond, in the the future. It will be cheaper and more reliable. It will allow for more energy independence and will dramatically reduce emissions. We just need to hit the accelerator pedal and get deploying these projects faster so they can benefit from economies of scale.</p> <p>Notes*</p><p>The Bangladesh video is from Damon Gameau who embarks on a personal journey to explore what the future could look like by the year 2040 if we embraced the best solutions available today to improve our planet and wellbeing. <a href="https://theregenerators.org/2040/" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://theregenerators.org/2040/</a></p><p>You can read more about Mesh Grids here: <a href="https://www.okrasolar.com/category/case-studieshttps://cleantechnica.com/2024/04/05/the-potential-of-solar-mesh-grids-for-last-mile-electrification/" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://cleantechnica.com/2024/04/05/the-potential-of-solar-mesh-grids-for-last-mile-electrification/</a></p><p>Other links:</p><p>Al Jazeera video on Solshare: <a href="https://youtu.be/v33ERl42VYM?si=U_dZvHwzlnZEmKuk" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://youtu.be/v33ERl42VYM?si=U_dZvHwzlnZEmKuk</a></p><p>World Economic Forum video: <a href="https://www.weforum.org/stories/2018/06/rural-bangladesh-villages-transition-renewable-energy-sebastian-groh/" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.weforum.org/stories/2018/06/rural-bangladesh-villages-transition-renewable-energy-sebastian-groh/</a></p><p></p><p><a rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://owgf.org/tag/bangladesh/" target="_blank">#Bangladesh</a> <a rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://owgf.org/tag/cambodia/" target="_blank">#Cambodia</a> <a rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://owgf.org/tag/climatechange/" target="_blank">#ClimateChange</a> <a rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://owgf.org/tag/energy/" target="_blank">#energy</a> <a rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://owgf.org/tag/microgrids/" target="_blank">#MicroGrids</a> <a rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://owgf.org/tag/owgf/" target="_blank">#OWGF</a> <a rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://owgf.org/tag/peer2peer/" target="_blank">#Peer2Peer</a> <a rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://owgf.org/tag/solar/" target="_blank">#Solar</a> <a rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://owgf.org/tag/solarpunk/" target="_blank">#SolarPunk</a> <a rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://owgf.org/tag/sustainability/" target="_blank">#sustainability</a></p>
Our Wonderful Green Future<p>Let's spin a tale about our clothing, as they tell a story interwoven with identity, class, and self-expression. We'll unravel the stained truth about fashion’s impact and stitch together a future that mends our broken connections.<br><a href="https://mastodon.world/tags/OWGF" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">#<span>OWGF</span></a> <a href="https://mastodon.world/tags/SolarPunk" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">#<span>SolarPunk</span></a> <a href="https://mastodon.world/tags/Fashion" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">#<span>Fashion</span></a> <a href="https://mastodon.world/tags/Consumerism" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">#<span>Consumerism</span></a> <br><a href="https://youtube.com/watch?v=pwxk8JodbyE&amp;feature=shared" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" translate="no" target="_blank"><span class="invisible">https://</span><span class="ellipsis">youtube.com/watch?v=pwxk8Jodby</span><span class="invisible">E&amp;feature=shared</span></a></p>
Our Wonderful Green Future<p>Feels very topical in 2025!<br><a href="https://mastodon.world/tags/Biodiversity" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">#<span>Biodiversity</span></a> <a href="https://mastodon.world/tags/ClimateChange" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">#<span>ClimateChange</span></a> <a href="https://mastodon.world/tags/ClimateCrisis" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">#<span>ClimateCrisis</span></a> <a href="https://mastodon.world/tags/Ecosystem" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">#<span>Ecosystem</span></a> <a href="https://mastodon.world/tags/Egosystem" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">#<span>Egosystem</span></a> <a href="https://mastodon.world/tags/Environment" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">#<span>Environment</span></a> <a href="https://mastodon.world/tags/OurWonderfulGreenFuture" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">#<span>OurWonderfulGreenFuture</span></a> <a href="https://mastodon.world/tags/OWGF" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">#<span>OWGF</span></a> <a href="https://mastodon.world/tags/Regeneration" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">#<span>Regeneration</span></a> <a href="https://mastodon.world/tags/SolarPunk" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">#<span>SolarPunk</span></a> <a href="https://mastodon.world/tags/Sustainability" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">#<span>Sustainability</span></a> <a href="https://owgf.org/2025/02/15/moving-from-an-egosystem-to-an-ecosystem/" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" translate="no" target="_blank"><span class="invisible">https://</span><span class="ellipsis">owgf.org/2025/02/15/moving-fro</span><span class="invisible">m-an-egosystem-to-an-ecosystem/</span></a></p>
Our Wonderful Green Future<p><strong>Moving from an Egosystem to an&nbsp;Ecosystem</strong></p><p>In an Egosystem, the individual is seen as the centre of the universe. Success is defined solely by personal achievement, and the value of community, empathy, and shared prosperity are all relegated to the background. The Egosystem is a world view where people are encouraged to compete at all costs, accumulate wealth for themselves, and put their own interests above the well-being of others. The net result of this system is ever widening inequality, social injustice, environmental degradation and a deep sense of disconnection from one another.</p><p>In complete contrast, the Ecosystem is a world view grounded in cooperation, shared responsibility, and mutual benefit. It recognises that our individual fates are intertwined with those of others, and that a healthy planet and society require collective effort. In the natural world, ecosystems thrive because every part – whether plant, animal, or microorganism – plays a role in maintaining balance. Humans are not separate from planetary ecosystems. We are not isolated entities, but part of a larger whole, with each of us contributing to the well-being of the entire system. (Or destruction!)</p><p>The Egosystem is a fundamentally unsustainable system that inevitably leads to collapses. If history has taught us just one lesson it is, never give too much power to one individual or group. This concentration of power, whether in monarchies, authoritarian regimes, or empires, leads to corruption, exploitation, and instability, as unchecked control favours personal interests over the collective good. The unchecked human ego is a dangerous force that can drive individuals or groups to justify any means to achieve their desires, regardless of the cost to others. This inflated sense of self-importance has fuelled wars, from religious crusades to imperial conquests, causing violence and devastation. Leaders consumed by their own egos dismiss human life and use violence for dominance.&nbsp;</p><p>The history lessons are clear: a healthy society thrives on balance, accountability and the dispersion, of power ensuring no one can impose their will unchecked. Whenever we give too much power and allow egos to grow, the consequences are catastrophic, deepening divisions and creating widespread harm. While the pendulum has very much swung towards the Egosystem, over the last few decades, we can look forward to the pendulum swinging back towards an Ecosystem in the not so distant future. To embrace the Ecosystem is to embrace the idea that we are all interconnected – that our actions, both positive and negative, have far-reaching consequences. It is a shift from seeing the world through the lens of competition and self-interest to seeing it through the lens of collaboration and interdependence. This means recognising that prosperity is not just for the few, but for the many. It means understanding that taking care of others, supporting the most vulnerable, and ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to succeed is not only ethical but necessary for long-term stability.&nbsp;</p><p><strong>The Benefits of Embracing the Ecosystem</strong></p><p>The benefits of adopting the Ecosystem world view are profound. An Ecosystem creates a more just and equitable society. In an ecosystem, resources are shared and distributed in a way that supports the well-being of all its members. It’s a world where no one is left behind, inequality is reduced, and opportunities for personal growth and success are more widely accessible, because the system is helping everyone, not just a privileged few.</p><p>Embracing an Ecosystem approach leads to greater environmental sustainability. The exploitation of the Earth’s resources for individual gain without regard for long-term consequences has led to this climate crisis, biodiversity loss and environmental degradation. Recognising we live in an Ecosystem means recognition that we are stewards of this planet. To care for the Earth is to care for ourselves. By focusing on sustainable practices, regeneration, and reducing our collective environmental footprint, we can restore balance and create a healthier world for future generations.</p><p>The Ecosystem fosters greater social cohesion and solidarity. When we prioritise the communal good, we begin to heal the divisions that have fractured many societies around the globe. Whether it’s through universal healthcare, social safety nets, or fair wages, creating systems that ensure everyone has a stake in society builds trust and mutual respect. A society that values community over competition is a society that thrives.</p><p>The Ecosystem is not centrally controlled. In nature it is guided by fundamental laws of physics and planetary boundaries, but there is no “ruler.” A social Ecosystem is guided by basic principals, that support the concept, with as much decision making as possible being made at a “community” level. Human activities that cause the most environmental damage are considered less desirable than activities that minimise environmental damage. Actions that are less exploitative are considered more desirable than actions that blatantly exploit. Human endeavours that benefit both the individual and the whole are more desirable than endeavours that just benefit the individual.</p><p><strong>A Better Future for All</strong></p><p>The important thing for us to do is make sure the Egosystem never dominates the public realm and how we govern our nations and our planet. Our Wonderful Green Future is not one where the individual stands alone, isolated in their pursuit of wealth and power. It is one where we embrace the Ecosystem – a world built on cooperation, mutual respect, and shared responsibility. By prioritising the well-being of all over the interests of a few, we can create a more just, sustainable, and prosperous world for everyone.</p><p>Living in an Ecosystem does not mean giving up freedom, individuality or autonomy. Just the opposite. It simply recognises that individuality exists as part of a bigger whole, not completely separate from it. Freedom of expression, individuality, uniqueness and diversity are all celebrated in an Ecosystem, much more than they are in an authoritarian Egosystem that demands compliance and uniformity. The Ecosystem fully embraces human creativity and encourages it to flourish. This is the opposite of an Egosystem where the creativity and imagination of an individual is crushed and replaced with that of the leader. The Ecosystem does not completely deny the ego, or some degree of selfishness, it’s just they are recognised as PART of a bigger Ecosystem, not completely separate, and of greater importance. People are encouraged to build their personal “wealth” but not though the exploitation of the environment or to detriment of others.</p><p>The Egosystem has become the dominant world view since the 1980’s but it has led us to the brink of a poly crisis. It has fuelled inequality, environmental destruction, and the rise of deadly ideologies. Ecosystem thinking offers a better way forward that restores balance, nurtures our planet, and fosters community. It is time for us to embrace this vision, for the good of all. Our Wonderful Green future depends on this and it really is the only way to escape the endless cycle of destruction, exploitation and violence we see in the world today.</p><p>The only reason we exist is because of our Planetary Ecosystem. Without it there would be no humans and no egos. Diversity is our strength. Just as ecosystems in nature rely on balance, so too does humanity. To thrive, we must recognise that without the health of the whole, there is no individual success. Only through cooperation and Ecosystem thinking do we build a better future.&nbsp;</p><p></p> <p>Note:</p><p>This post was created in&nbsp;<a href="https://owgf.org/tag/wordpress/" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">#WordPress</a>&nbsp;and can be viewed on the&nbsp;SocialWeb&nbsp;at:&nbsp;<a href="http://%40owgf.org@owgf.org/" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">@owgf.org@owgf.org</a></p><p>OWGF has a SocialWeb companion profile at:&nbsp;<a href="https://mastodon.world/@OWGF" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://mastodon.world/@OWGF</a></p><p>OWGF is also on&nbsp;<a href="https://owgf.org/tag/pixelfed/" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">#Pixelfed</a>&nbsp;here:&nbsp;<a href="https://pixelfed.social/OWGF" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://pixelfed.social/OWGFhttps://pixelfed.social/OWGF</a></p><ul><li><a href="https://mastodon.world/@OWGF" class="" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><span class="">Mastodon</span></a></li></ul><p><a rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://owgf.org/tag/biodiversity/" target="_blank">#Biodiversity</a> <a rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://owgf.org/tag/circulareconomy-2/" target="_blank">#CircularEconomy</a> <a rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://owgf.org/tag/climatechange/" target="_blank">#ClimateChange</a> <a rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://owgf.org/tag/climatecrisis/" target="_blank">#ClimateCrisis</a> <a rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://owgf.org/tag/ecosystem/" target="_blank">#Ecosystem</a> <a rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://owgf.org/tag/egosystem/" target="_blank">#Egosystem</a> <a rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://owgf.org/tag/environment/" target="_blank">#Environment</a> <a rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://owgf.org/tag/ourwonderfulgreenfuture/" target="_blank">#OurWonderfulGreenFuture</a> <a rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://owgf.org/tag/owgf/" target="_blank">#OWGF</a> <a rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://owgf.org/tag/regeneration/" target="_blank">#Regeneration</a> <a rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://owgf.org/tag/solarpunk/" target="_blank">#SolarPunk</a> <a rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://owgf.org/tag/sustainability/" target="_blank">#sustainability</a></p>
Our Wonderful Green FutureTHIS is the vehicle of the Future!!! <br> Simple, versatile, practical, shared, electric and hopefully easy to fix and maintain by India's small road side "garages." <br> Needs some <a href="https://pixelfed.social/discover/tags/Solar?src=hash" class="u-url hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">#Solar</a> panels on the roof though! <br> <a href="https://pixelfed.social/discover/tags/OWGF?src=hash" class="u-url hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">#OWGF</a> <a href="https://pixelfed.social/discover/tags/Hyundai?src=hash" class="u-url hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">#Hyundai</a> <a href="https://pixelfed.social/discover/tags/E3W?src=hash" class="u-url hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">#E3W</a> <a href="https://pixelfed.social/discover/tags/E4W?src=hash" class="u-url hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">#E4W</a> <a href="https://pixelfed.social/discover/tags/Urbanism?src=hash" class="u-url hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">#Urbanism</a> <a href="https://pixelfed.social/discover/tags/Transport?src=hash" class="u-url hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">#Transport</a> <a href="https://pixelfed.social/discover/tags/India?src=hash" class="u-url hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">#India</a>
Our Wonderful Green Future<p><strong>Connecting with nature | Field&nbsp;Studies</strong></p><p>One thing I am personally involved in right now is getting more greenery into my local community and encouraging more people to connect with it. This excellent video delves into the concept of <strong>Nature Connectedness</strong>, and how it is about more than having contact with nature, it means having a sense of a relationship with nature. </p><p>In this video The Natural History Museum outlines a five step pathway to guide people towards nature connectedness, as well as talking about how to engage with nature when in an urban environment.</p><p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xMwvCIlCmOM" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xMwvCIlCmOM</a></p> <p>Note:</p><p>This post was created in&nbsp;<a href="https://owgf.org/tag/wordpress/" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">#WordPress</a>&nbsp;and can be viewed in the&nbsp;<a href="https://owgf.org/tag/fedivers/" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">#Fedivers</a>&nbsp;at:&nbsp;<a href="http://%40owgf.org@owgf.org/" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">@owgf.org@owgf.org</a></p><p>OWGF has a Fediverse companion profile at:&nbsp;<a href="https://mastodon.world/@OWGF" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://mastodon.world/@OWGF</a></p><p>OWGF is also on&nbsp;<a href="https://owgf.org/tag/pixelfed/" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">#Pixelfed</a>&nbsp;here:&nbsp;<a href="https://pixelfed.social/OWGF" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://pixelfed.social/OWGF</a></p><p><a rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://owgf.org/tag/biodiversity/" target="_blank">#Biodiversity</a> <a rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://owgf.org/tag/climatechange/" target="_blank">#ClimateChange</a> <a rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://owgf.org/tag/community/" target="_blank">#Community</a> <a rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://owgf.org/tag/connectedness/" target="_blank">#connectedness</a> <a rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://owgf.org/tag/connection/" target="_blank">#connection</a> <a rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://owgf.org/tag/nature/" target="_blank">#nature</a> <a rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://owgf.org/tag/owgf/" target="_blank">#OWGF</a> <a rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://owgf.org/tag/philosophy/" target="_blank">#philosophy</a> <a rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://owgf.org/tag/regeneration/" target="_blank">#Regeneration</a> <a rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://owgf.org/tag/strongtowns/" target="_blank">#StrongTowns</a> <a rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://owgf.org/tag/urbanism/" target="_blank">#Urbanism</a></p>
Our Wonderful Green Future<p>7 Myths About Car-Free Cities debunked<br><a href="https://mastodon.world/tags/Cycling" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">#<span>Cycling</span></a> <a href="https://mastodon.world/tags/Bike" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">#<span>Bike</span></a> <a href="https://mastodon.world/tags/Biketooter" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">#<span>Biketooter</span></a> <a href="https://mastodon.world/tags/OWGF" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">#<span>OWGF</span></a><br><a href="https://discerningcyclist.com/car-free-cities-myths/" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" translate="no" target="_blank"><span class="invisible">https://</span><span class="ellipsis">discerningcyclist.com/car-free</span><span class="invisible">-cities-myths/</span></a></p>
Our Wonderful Green Future<p><strong>Let’s use the word ReGrowth, not&nbsp;degrowth</strong></p><p>We know the word degrowth is unappealing, thanks to <strong>loss aversion theory</strong>.<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Loss_aversion" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">0</a> Loss aversion theory refers to a cognitive bias in which a situation is perceived as worse if it is framed as a loss, rather than a gain. Losses tend to be treated as if they were twice as large as an equivalent gain. This makes it impossible to build a successful movement based on loss, such as a degrowth movement.</p><p><strong>ReGrowth is essentially Regeneration</strong>. It means fixing the mess that mass consumerism has created. Fixing the untold damage that 70+ years of consumerism has done to our planet, our cites and to people. ReGrowth means taking what has been broken and rebuilding a better world around people and nature.</p><p><strong>We need to ReGrow </strong>our social connections again, and cure the global loneliness epidemic. <a href="https://www.who.int/teams/social-determinants-of-health/demographic-change-and-healthy-ageing/social-isolation-and-loneliness" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">1</a> We need to ReGrow our lost forests and regenerate our depleted soils. We need to ReGrow our cities into thriving spaces for people, nature, commerce and entertainment. Let’s ReGrow a pollution free planet and restore the abundant wildlife it once sustained. Let’s ReGrow our democracies from the ground up, through local communities. ReGrowth is a story of positive life affirming and life enhancing growth, not the toxic, exploitative, planet wrecking growth we have today.</p><p><strong>How do we Regrow our world?</strong> It starts with one simple step; change the way we measure success. Because what gets measured gets managed. Instead of using GDP as an indicator of success we could use something different. Let’s call it <strong>RPI.</strong> (Regrowth Progress Indicator) RPI would measure environmental and societal impacts of every activity and take them into consideration in every decision making process. Everything we make and build and do would need to be contributing to ReGrowth in some way. This one change alone, if it was mandatory for Governments and Corporations, would change the world as we know it, for the better.</p><p><strong>Changing the way we measure success changes the way we make decisions.</strong><br>Instead of simply asking, how much will this cost and how much will this earn? we should ask <em>“how will this ReGrow our community, our social cohesion, our biodiversity, our…?”</em> Not measuring environmental impacts, health impacts, societal impacts has put us into this <strong>poly crisis</strong>. Measuring and taking action to avoid negative impacts is the way we get out. The only question then is, what do we measure to inform our decisions?</p><p><strong>We already have some excellent thinking in this area.</strong> Genuine Progress Indicator. (<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Genuine_progress_indicator" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">GPI</a>) Index of Human Development. (<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_countries_by_Human_Development_Index" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">HDI</a>) Human Poverty Index. (<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Human_Poverty_Index" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">HPI</a>) Gross Domestic Happiness. (<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gross_National_Happiness" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">GDH</a>) Index of Sustainable Economic Welfare. (<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Index_of_Sustainable_Economic_Welfare" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">ISEW)</a> Happy Planet Index (<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Happy_Planet_Index" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">HPI</a>) Green gross domestic product (<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Green_gross_domestic_product" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Green GDP or GGDP</a>) are all different ways of measuring what matters, that we can draw inspiration from. We also have <strong>Doughnut </strong><strong>Economics</strong>, which provides a whole economic system that broadens the definition of economic success by incorporating factors such as social welfare, environmental sustainability, and human thriving.</p><p><strong>If we put new metrics in place we encourage new thinking.</strong> Every problem becomes an opportunity to make life better.&nbsp;We kick off a race to the top, not to the bottom. Degrowth speaks to us of the need for less. We do need less pollution, less destruction, less climate change, less social injustice, but we need to frame it as ReGrowth, then we focus on more. We can think about a more vibrant society, more freedom, more social mobility, more resilience, more free time, more sustainability, more actual free speech, more good jobs, more…</p><p><strong>SolarPunk is that ReGrowth story.</strong> It’s not about creating a perfect world, it’s about creating a better world, as well as accepting imperfection. It’s less of a destination and more of a journey, guided by new ReGrowth metrics. It’s about ensuring every day we are healing our planet, healing our societies, healing ourselves. Every day we move from an extractive and exploitation economy to a restorative and fair society.</p><p><strong>There are three possible paths to ReGrowth.</strong> Through <strong>economic collapse</strong>, through <strong>incremental change</strong> or through <strong>rapid change</strong>. As we don’t know exactly when economic collapse WILL happen, we need to prepare for all three. With economic collapse and rapid change, it’s important to have a whole system thought out, ready for this great transformation, like Doughnut Economics. With incremental change we need to look at the world as it is now and try and implement as many smaller changes and ReGrowth metrics as possible.&nbsp;Whatever the way forward we can and should plan for them all.<br><strong>ReGrowing after the collapse</strong> means two things. Starting now, building more sustainable communities. Like joining a Transition Town movement<a href="https://owgf.org/2024/08/04/transition-togethers-free-step-by-step-guide/" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">2</a> or starting a Solar punk Community<a href="https://www.youtube.com/@SolarpunkUSA/videos" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">3</a>. As well as planning for a complete restructure after collapse happens. (<a href="https://owgf.org/2024/01/23/retro-suburbia-how-to-build-solar-punk-suburbs/" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Retro Suburbia</a>)<br><strong>ReGrowing incrementally</strong> means looking at how we can put those ReGrowth metrics into our governments, into companies, into local councils. Looking at how we can make changes within the current system. While accepting that this is not the ideal outcome.<br><strong>ReGrowing for rapid change</strong> means facilitating rapid change. Joining a progressive organisation that seeks this kind of rapid change. Supporting the people who want rapid ecological based change now.<a href="https://owgf.org/take-action-now/" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">4</a> This can also be done while pushing for incremental changes or building more sustainable communities.</p><p><strong>Our world is like a sick and dying tree.</strong> Its branches badly hacked by consumerism, its roots damaged by political lies, its leaves burnt by climate change and its biodiversity diminished. But it still lives. It can still be saved, it can still grow 1000’s more offspring and create a giant forest. It’s time to ReGrow that tree, heel our planet and our societies and make them more abundant than we have ever known. </p><p>Featured image thanks to Sharyn Morrow <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sharynmorrow/" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.flickr.com/photos/sharynmorrow/</a> shared under <a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/2.0/" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">CC licence</a></p> <p>Note:</p><p>This post was created in&nbsp;<a href="https://owgf.org/tag/wordpress/" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">#WordPress</a>&nbsp;and can be viewed in the&nbsp;<a href="https://owgf.org/tag/fedivers/" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">#Fedivers</a>&nbsp;at:&nbsp;<a href="http://%40owgf.org@owgf.org/" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">@owgf.org@owgf.org</a></p><p>OWGF has a Fediverse companion profile at:&nbsp;<a href="https://mastodon.world/@OWGF" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://mastodon.world/@OWGF</a></p><p>OWGF is also on&nbsp;<a href="https://owgf.org/tag/pixelfed/" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">#Pixelfed</a>&nbsp;here:&nbsp;<a href="https://pixelfed.social/OWGF" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://pixelfed.social/OWGF</a></p><p></p><p><a rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://owgf.org/tag/biodiversity/" target="_blank">#Biodiversity</a> <a rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://owgf.org/tag/circulareconomy-2/" target="_blank">#CircularEconomy</a> <a rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://owgf.org/tag/climate-change/" target="_blank">#climateChange</a> <a rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://owgf.org/tag/climateaction/" target="_blank">#ClimateAction</a> <a rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://owgf.org/tag/degrowth/" target="_blank">#DeGrowth</a> <a rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://owgf.org/tag/environment/" target="_blank">#Environment</a> <a rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://owgf.org/tag/owgf/" target="_blank">#OWGF</a> <a rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://owgf.org/tag/regeneration/" target="_blank">#Regeneration</a> <a rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://owgf.org/tag/regrowth/" target="_blank">#ReGrowth</a> <a rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://owgf.org/tag/soil/" target="_blank">#Soil</a> <a rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://owgf.org/tag/solarpunk/" target="_blank">#SolarPunk</a> <a rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://owgf.org/tag/sustainability/" target="_blank">#sustainability</a> <a rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://owgf.org/tag/urbanism/" target="_blank">#Urbanism</a></p>
Our Wonderful Green Future<p>C40 have written this guide to support urban planners globally to play their full part in tackling the climate crisis. The guide focuses on the preparation and policy content of urban plans - known variously as strategic spatial plans, master plans, land use plans, and more. <a href="https://mastodon.world/tags/Urbanism" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">#<span>Urbanism</span></a> <a href="https://mastodon.world/tags/ClimateChange" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">#<span>ClimateChange</span></a> <a href="https://mastodon.world/tags/Cities" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">#<span>Cities</span></a> <a href="https://mastodon.world/tags/OWGF" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">#<span>OWGF</span></a> <a href="https://owgf.org/2024/12/01/c40-cities-2024-climate-action-guide-for-urban-planners/" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" translate="no" target="_blank"><span class="invisible">https://</span><span class="ellipsis">owgf.org/2024/12/01/c40-cities</span><span class="invisible">-2024-climate-action-guide-for-urban-planners/</span></a></p>
Our Wonderful Green Future<p><strong>C40 Cities (2024) Climate Action Guide for Urban&nbsp;Planners</strong></p><p><strong>Who is this guide for?</strong></p><p><strong>Good urban planners are key climate champions. </strong>Urban planners work across silos, making them ideal drivers of cross-sectoral action. Accordingly, this guide is written for urban planning staff within local governments. <strong>The advice within this guide is applicable for staff both in cities that have a Climate Action Plan (CAP) and in cities that do not.</strong></p><p>The terms “urban planner”, “city planner” and “planner” are used interchangeably throughout the guide. These terms refer to city staff responsible for developing and implementing spatial plans and policies to manage the organisation and development of urban areas.</p><p><strong>What does this guide do?</strong></p><p>C40 have written this guide to <strong>support urban planners globally to play their full part in tackling the climate crisis.</strong> The guide focuses on the preparation and policy content of urban plans – known variously as strategic spatial plans, master plans, land use plans, and more. The guide explains how cities can embed climate action within these plans and policies and is structured as follows:</p><p><strong>1. Cities and climate action</strong> – first, the guide briefly sets out the need for cities to act in response to the climate crisis. It then explains the role of city CAPs and positions them as an important input for the preparation of any urban plan.</p><p><strong>2. Urban planning as a solution</strong> – next, it evidences the importance of urban planning as a key function through which cities can drive impactful climate action.</p><p><strong>3. Integrating climate into an urban plan</strong> – here, it elaborates on how climate change can be embedded into the ten stages commonly followed to prepare an urban plan.</p><p><strong>4. Spotlight on planning policies</strong> – in this chapter, the guide elaborates on seven key planning policy areas for climate action and showcases some great examples of climate-responsive urban planning policies from cities across the world.</p><p><strong>5. Key takeaways and further resources </strong>– finally, it concludes by summarising the key messages from within this guide and providing links to additional resources.</p> <ul><li></li><li></li><li></li><li></li></ul><p></p> <p>Download the guide here: <a href="https://c40.my.salesforce.com/sfc/p/36000001Enhz/a/Vo000000Ib5x/3cApAsD48s9JAQm3Z8W6V5IBU7saAWBK0OFEJhYHpso" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://c40.my.salesforce.com/sfc/p/36000001Enhz/a/Vo000000Ib5x/3cApAsD48s9JAQm3Z8W6V5IBU7saAWBK0OFEJhYHpso</a></p><p><strong>The C40 Knowledge Hub</strong> is a resource for cities wanting to act on climate change. It is designed for every city, regardless of C40 membership. We use ‘cities’ as shorthand for an urban municipal government of any size and in any country. If you work for a city – small or large – this site is for you: <a href="https://www.c40knowledgehub.org/s/?language=en_US" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.c40knowledgehub.org/s/?language=en_US</a></p> <p>Note:</p><p>This post was created in&nbsp;<a href="https://owgf.org/tag/wordpress/" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">#WordPress</a>&nbsp;and can be viewed in the&nbsp;<a href="https://owgf.org/tag/fedivers/" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">#Fedivers</a>&nbsp;at:&nbsp;<a href="http://%40owgf.org@owgf.org/" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">@owgf.org@owgf.org</a></p><p>OWGF has a Fediverse companion profile at:&nbsp;<a href="https://mastodon.world/@OWGF" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://mastodon.world/@OWGF</a></p><p>OWGF is also on&nbsp;<a href="https://owgf.org/tag/pixelfed/" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">#Pixelfed</a>&nbsp;here:&nbsp;<a href="https://pixelfed.social/OWGF" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://pixelfed.social/OWGFhttps://pixelfed.social/OW</a></p><p></p><p><a rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://owgf.org/tag/cities/" target="_blank">#cities</a> <a rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://owgf.org/tag/climate-change/" target="_blank">#climateChange</a> <a rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://owgf.org/tag/owgf/" target="_blank">#OWGF</a> <a rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://owgf.org/tag/regeneration/" target="_blank">#Regeneration</a> <a rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://owgf.org/tag/strongtowns/" target="_blank">#StrongTowns</a> <a rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://owgf.org/tag/sustainability/" target="_blank">#sustainability</a> <a rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://owgf.org/tag/urban-planning/" target="_blank">#urbanPlanning</a> <a rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://owgf.org/tag/urbanism/" target="_blank">#Urbanism</a></p>
Our Wonderful Green Future<p><strong>Transforming Lawrence Weston, Bristol, With the Power of&nbsp;Community</strong></p><p>This inspiring video came to my attention recently and I felt it really deserved a blog post. </p><p><a href="https://youtu.be/nX4YeOXFbU0" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://youtu.be/nX4YeOXFbU0</a></p><p>For a while I have been thinking about writing a series of posts called <em>“People who got stuff done, and how.”</em> As the name suggests, it was going to be a collection of inspiring stories about <strong>Community Lead Activism</strong> and how people managed to get good ideas off the ground. The idea was, it could be used as a guide for other people who wanted to instigate community projects. </p><p>I don’t think there is a shortage of good people out there with good ideas, but there is a shortage of ways that they can bring those ideas to life. Or more accurately; our hierarchical societies are not designed to easily facilitate grass roots action. If you have a really good grass roots community idea, there is rarely a straight forward way of bringing it to life. Except if you live in Bologna. <a href="https://owgf.org/2024/08/02/should-we-follow-bolognas-model-for-participatory-urbanism/" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://owgf.org/2024/08/02/should-we-follow-bolognas-model-for-participatory-urbanism/</a></p><p>This story about <strong>Transforming Lawrence Weston</strong> would be an excellent candidate for my <em>“People who got stuff done, and how”</em> series. It’s quite incredible what they have achieved. I would like to interview some of the people to better understand how it all happened but there is a great explainer on their web site.</p><p>Like many UK communities, Lawrence Weston residents were unhappy with the way things were going after years of government austerity. So they got together and created a resident-driven organisation dedicated to making Lawrence Weston a better place to live and work. Ambition Lawrence Weston began with a simple approach: a community questionnaire that posed three key questions to residents. This questionnaire aimed to uncover the aspirations and concerns of the people living in Lawrence Weston. By asking, what residents loved about their community, what challenges they faced, and what changes they wished to see. The overwhelmingly positive feedback inspired a collective vision for a brighter future, paving the way for projects and initiatives that truly reflect the voices of the people. This grassroots engagement has been foundational in shaping the direction and priorities of Ambition Lawrence Weston, ensuring that the community’s needs are at the heart of all efforts.</p><p>Ambition Lawrence Weston was founded on the principle that local residents are best positioned to identify and address the needs of their community. These are a few of the things they have already achieved.</p><ol><li><strong>Lawrence Weston Community Farm</strong>: Transforming an unused area into a vibrant community farm. This project provides fresh produce, educational workshops, and volunteering opportunities, promoting sustainability and healthy living.</li><li><strong>Youth Leadership Program</strong>: Designed to empower young people, this program offers workshops, mentoring, and leadership training, encouraging youth to engage with local issues and develop essential skills.</li><li><strong>Community Arts Projects</strong>: Through various arts initiatives, including murals and exhibitions, Ambition Lawrence Weston has beautified the area while celebrating local talent and cultural diversity.</li><li><strong>Digital Skills Training</strong>: Addressing the digital divide, this initiative offers training sessions that help residents improve their digital literacy, enhancing employability and community connectivity.</li><li><strong>Lawrence Weston Repair Café</strong>: This project encourages sustainability by allowing residents to bring broken items for repair, fostering resourcefulness and teaching practical skills while promoting environmental awareness.</li><li><strong>Wind Turbine Installation</strong>: As part of a commitment to renewable energy, Ambition Lawrence Weston has successfully installed the UK’s largest community wind turbine, reducing community emissions, promoting sustainability and raising money for the community.</li><li><strong>New Supermarket Development</strong>: The organisation played a key role in bringing a new supermarket to Lawrence Weston, improving access to fresh food and creating local jobs.</li><li><strong>Creation of Green Spaces</strong>: Ambition Lawrence Weston has worked on developing and enhancing green spaces in the community, providing new areas for recreation, relaxation, and social gatherings.</li><li><strong>A new development plan:</strong> That gives power to the community, over how houses in the local area get built.</li><li><strong>A new local lettings policy</strong> This ensures that the local people, living in the area, benefit from new houses that are being built.</li></ol> <p>At its core, Ambition Lawrence Weston is about connection. The organisation fosters a strong sense of community spirit by organising events that bring residents together. From cultural celebrations to neighbourhood festivals, these gatherings create opportunities for residents to meet, share stories, and collaborate on future projects. This sense of belonging is crucial for building a resilient community where everyone feels valued.</p><p>Lawrence Weston shows just what can be achieved when we activate and empower local communities. Community is the antidote to loneliness, feeling helpless, hopeless and anxious about the world. Do a internet search and see if there is a community group in your area, or perhaps even start one yourself. You will not regret it!</p><p>You can find more gubbins about the project here: <a href="https://www.ambitionlw.org/" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.ambitionlw.org/</a> </p><p>The initial plan can be found here: <a href="https://www.ambitionlw.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/Amb-LW-community-plan-2018-2023.pdf" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.ambitionlw.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/Amb-LW-community-plan-2018-2023.pdf</a></p><p>This initiative dovetails with lots of other cool stuff happening in the UK and the world, in relation to doughnut economics. Check out some of that stuff here: <a href="https://doughnuteconomics.org/" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://doughnuteconomics.org/</a><br>For more projects like this, visit <a href="https://www.antidotelive.studio" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.antidotelive.studio </a></p><p></p><p><a rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://owgf.org/tag/climate-change/" target="_blank">#climateChange</a> <a rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://owgf.org/tag/community/" target="_blank">#Community</a> <a rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://owgf.org/tag/environment/" target="_blank">#Environment</a> <a rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://owgf.org/tag/owgf/" target="_blank">#OWGF</a> <a rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://owgf.org/tag/socialjustice/" target="_blank">#SocialJustice</a> <a rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://owgf.org/tag/solarpunk/" target="_blank">#SolarPunk</a> <a rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://owgf.org/tag/strongtowns/" target="_blank">#StrongTowns</a> <a rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://owgf.org/tag/sustainability/" target="_blank">#sustainability</a> <a rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://owgf.org/tag/urbanism/" target="_blank">#Urbanism</a></p>
Our Wonderful Green Future<p><strong>St. George Rainway: From Vision to Vibrant Community&nbsp;Space</strong></p><p>The St. George Rainway in Vancouver is a wonderful fusion of community-driven initiatives and innovative urban design. What began as a vision to transform an underutilised space into a vibrant corridor has evolved into a dynamic area that enhances both the environment and the local community.</p><p>The St. George Rainway was first envisioned by a<a href="http://www.rainway.ca/" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"> group of community volunteers</a> who wanted to bring nature back into the streetscape while creating opportunities for artistic expression, education activities, and community gathering. In 2020, City of Vancouver began public consultation to make this project a reality. What they came up with was the Rainway</p><p>The Rainway as designed to use green rainwater infrastructure to:</p><ul><li>Reduce street flooding</li><li>Treat rainwater pollutants from roadways</li><li>Reduce combined sewer overflows into local waterways</li><li>Enhance climate resiliency</li><li>Increase biodiversity</li><li>Cool the neighbourhood during summer heat</li></ul><p>The project was also designed to provide safety and comfort improvements for those who walk, bike and roll down St. George Street.</p><p>Fast forward to today, and the St. George Rainway has blossomed into a green corridor that stretches approximately 1.5 kilometers. It features a unique blend of art, ecology, and community interaction. The project includes a series of bioswales – landscape elements designed to manage stormwater runoff – alongside lush planting beds, trees, and rain gardens that not only beautify the area but also improve local air quality and support wildlife habitats. It’s also an experience too. Art installations from local artists dot the pathway, turning everyday strolls into a cultural exploration. Benches, picnic areas, and play zones have been integrated, making it a perfect spot for families, joggers, and cyclists alike.</p><p>One of the best parts of the St. George Rainway is its strong community involvement. Local residents participated in workshops and design meetings, helping shape the vision and ensuring the project reflected the needs and desires of the neighbourhood. This collaboration has fostered a sense of ownership and pride among community members, who now see the Rainway as a vital part of their daily lives.</p><p>Just three weeks after being completed, the Rainway faced a true test with a record-breaking atmospheric river that brought over 100mm of rain to Metro Vancouver. The plants survived, and the water flowed gracefully over the weirs, demonstrating the effectiveness of the design.</p><p>The St. George Rainway is a model for other urban areas seeking to balance development with environmental stewardship and community well-being. This project demonstrates how thoughtful design can create multifunctional spaces that serve ecological, social, and recreational needs.</p><p>Future plans for the Rainway include potential expansions, with a focus on continuing to engage the community in its evolution. City of Vancouver is running a citizen science campaign using iNaturalist to measure biodiversity along the Rainway. You can learn more by visiting this <a href="https://shapeyourcity.ca/st-george-rainway/news_feed/calling-all-citizen-scientists" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">citizen science page</a>. The City of Vancouver wants to quantify the changes in biodiversity along the St. George Rainway by measuring species before and after the Rainway is built. You can see the current state of biodiversity on the Rainway and a series of recommendations in this report: <a href="https://syc.vancouver.ca/projects/st-george-rainway/st-george-rainawy-2022-bioblitz-report-back.pdf" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://syc.vancouver.ca/projects/st-george-rainway/st-george-rainawy-2022-bioblitz-report-back.pdf</a></p> <p>You can find lots more info on these link:<a href="https://www.rainway.ca/" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.rainway.ca/</a> – <a href="https://www.shapeyourcity.ca/st-george-rainway" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.shapeyourcity.ca/st-george-rainway</a></p> <p>Note:</p><p>This post was created in&nbsp;<a href="https://owgf.org/tag/wordpress/" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">#WordPress</a>&nbsp;and can be viewed in the&nbsp;<a href="https://owgf.org/tag/fedivers/" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">#Fedivers</a>&nbsp;at:&nbsp;<a href="http://%40owgf.org@owgf.org/" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">@owgf.org@owgf.org</a></p><p>OWGF has a Fediverse companion profile at:&nbsp;<a href="https://mastodon.world/@OWGF" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://mastodon.world/@OWGF</a></p><p>OWGF is also on&nbsp;<a href="https://owgf.org/tag/pixelfed/" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">#Pixelfed</a>&nbsp;here:&nbsp;<a href="https://pixelfed.social/OWGF" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://pixelfed.social/OWGFhttps://pixelfed.social/OW</a></p><p></p><p><a rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://owgf.org/tag/biodiversity/" target="_blank">#Biodiversity</a> <a rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://owgf.org/tag/climate-change/" target="_blank">#climateChange</a> <a rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://owgf.org/tag/environment/" target="_blank">#Environment</a> <a rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://owgf.org/tag/nature/" target="_blank">#nature</a> <a rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://owgf.org/tag/owgf/" target="_blank">#OWGF</a> <a rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://owgf.org/tag/regeneration/" target="_blank">#Regeneration</a> <a rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://owgf.org/tag/solarpunk/" target="_blank">#SolarPunk</a> <a rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://owgf.org/tag/strongtowns/" target="_blank">#StrongTowns</a> <a rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://owgf.org/tag/sustainability/" target="_blank">#sustainability</a> <a rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://owgf.org/tag/urbanism/" target="_blank">#Urbanism</a></p>
Our Wonderful Green Future<p></p><p>This is another great story from Africa. Kigali, the capital of Rwanda, has announced a plan to phase out petrol-powered motorcycle taxis, starting January 2025. Petrol-powered motorbike taxis account for about 20% of all trips in Rwanda’s capital and significantly contribute to air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. </p><p>Electrifying motorcycle taxis offer many benefits. Zero tailpipe emissions, significantly improving air quality and contribute to global efforts against climate change. Electric motorcycles have a much lower operational costs compared to their petrol counterparts. With rising fuel prices, riders find that switching to electric leads to substantial savings. The Rwanda government spends about 23 billion Rwandan Francs (about 15.8 million euros) on fuel imports per year. Switching to electric motorcycles will reduce fuel import costs to about 14 billion Rwandan Francs (about 9.6 million euros).</p><p><strong>Enter Ampersand: Pioneering Electric Mobility</strong></p><p>A key player in this transition is Ampersand, a Rwandan company at the forefront of electric mobility solutions. Founded in 2017, Ampersand has been dedicated to providing electric motorcycles that are not only environmentally friendly but also economically viable for riders.</p><p>Ampersand’s electric motorcycles are designed specifically for the needs of the Rwandan market, combining durability with affordability. With a focus on local production and maintenance, Ampersand is not just reducing emissions; it’s also creating jobs and fostering economic growth within the community.</p><p>One of the most interesting features of Ampersand motorcycles is their innovative battery-swapping technology. This system allows riders to quickly exchange depleted batteries for fully charged ones at strategically located stations throughout the city. This eliminates the long downtime typically associated with charging electric vehicles, making it a practical solution for the daily hustle of motorcycle operators.</p><p><strong>A Vision for the Future</strong></p><p>Kigali’s commitment to phasing out petrol-powered motorcycles is bold vision for the future of mobility in the city. As Kigali moves forward with this initiative, it will hopefully inspire other cities in the region to follow suit, creating a ripple effect that could lead to widespread adoption of electric mobility solutions across the continent. Hopefully more African ebike makers will sprout up too. There are others our there, like <a href="https://www.ecobodaa.bike" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.ecobodaa.bike</a> but the more the merrier. <br>More links and info: <a href="https://www.electrive.com/2024/11/06/kigali-phases-out-petrol-powered-motorcycles/" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.electrive.com/2024/11/06/kigali-phases-out-petrol-powered-motorcycles/</a><br><a href="https://kigalijournal.com/ampersand-to-roll-out-600000-electric-motorbikes-in-kigali/" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://kigalijournal.com/ampersand-to-roll-out-600000-electric-motorbikes-in-kigali/</a><br><a href="https://www.ampersand.solar/" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.ampersand.solar/</a></p><p><a href="https://owgf.org/2024/11/07/kigalis-bold-move-phasing-out-petrol-powered-motorcycles/" class="" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://owgf.org/2024/11/07/kigalis-bold-move-phasing-out-petrol-powered-motorcycles/</a></p><p><a rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://owgf.org/tag/africa/" target="_blank">#Africa</a> <a rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://owgf.org/tag/climate-change/" target="_blank">#climateChange</a> <a rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://owgf.org/tag/ebike/" target="_blank">#Ebike</a> <a rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://owgf.org/tag/electric-vehicles/" target="_blank">#electricVehicles</a> <a rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://owgf.org/tag/electricmotorbikes/" target="_blank">#ElectricMotorbikes</a> <a rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://owgf.org/tag/environment/" target="_blank">#Environment</a> <a rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://owgf.org/tag/owgf/" target="_blank">#OWGF</a> <a rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://owgf.org/tag/renewable-energy/" target="_blank">#renewableEnergy</a> <a rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://owgf.org/tag/sustainability/" target="_blank">#sustainability</a> <a rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://owgf.org/tag/urbanism/" target="_blank">#Urbanism</a></p>
Our Wonderful Green Future<p></p><p>Imagine it’s the year 2048…</p><p>How do you get around? What do you eat? How do you spend your time? How and what do you work? And beyond your own situation: What could this future look like? How is the economy organized? How can it be just, ecological and achievable – for everyone?</p><p>This book shows possible answers to these questions. In view of diverse crises – climate catastrophe, increasing inequality, economic crises – more and more people are embarking on the search for a completely different economic and social system. But what can this look like? Based on the results of twelve future workshops with almost 200 pioneering thinkers, Future for all presents a vision for the year 2048.</p><p>A Vision for 2048 creates images of a desirable future beyond capitalism that are viable and achievable, that stimulate critical debate, and inspire courage and hope. It’s a timely and essential read for anyone interested in the future of our planet and society. It encourages critical reflection on our current trajectory and invites readers to take an active role in shaping a future that prioritises equity and sustainability. In each chapter it poses a number of talking points that get to first principles on a topic, that are often completely ignored in 2024.&nbsp;</p><p>The book opens with: <em>“It can be difficult to imagine a positive future because our views are peppered with the problems of today’s society – the most prominent of which are social and global injustices, environmental destruction and an unequal distribution of power. Yet there is nothing inevitable about how we live today: our society is not a pure reflection of human nature, and we certainly are not destined to live the way we do.”</em></p><p></p><p>You can buy it online <a href="https://www.harvard.com/book/9781906948740" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.harvard.com/book/9781906948740</a> or you can download a <strong>FREE PFD</strong> <a href="https://mayflybooks.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Future_for_all_Final.pdf" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">HERE</a>, though you might consider making a <a href="https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=8XSN97NWV6QNU" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">DONATION</a></p><blockquote><blockquote><p>“Capitalist realism is dispelled. Today it is easier to imagine the end of capitalism by 2048 than to imagine the end of the world.”<br>–<em>Kohei Saito, Associate professor of philosophy at the University of Tokyo</em></p></blockquote></blockquote><p>You may also like this: <a href="https://owgf.org/2024/04/16/ministry-of-imagination-manifesto-released-as-the-world-goes-to-the-polls/" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://owgf.org/2024/04/16/ministry-of-imagination-manifesto-released-as-the-world-goes-to-the-polls/</a></p><p></p><p><a href="https://owgf.org/2024/11/05/future-for-all-a-vision-for-2048/" class="" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://owgf.org/2024/11/05/future-for-all-a-vision-for-2048/</a></p><p><a rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://owgf.org/tag/capitalism/" target="_blank">#Capitalism</a> <a rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://owgf.org/tag/climatechange/" target="_blank">#ClimateChange</a> <a rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://owgf.org/tag/economics/" target="_blank">#Economics</a> <a rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://owgf.org/tag/owgf/" target="_blank">#OWGF</a> <a rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://owgf.org/tag/politics/" target="_blank">#Politics</a> <a rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://owgf.org/tag/socialjustice/" target="_blank">#SocialJustice</a> <a rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://owgf.org/tag/solarpunk/" target="_blank">#SolarPunk</a> <a rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://owgf.org/tag/sustainability/" target="_blank">#sustainability</a> <a rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://owgf.org/tag/technology/" target="_blank">#technology</a> <a rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://owgf.org/tag/urbanism/" target="_blank">#Urbanism</a></p>
Our Wonderful Green Future<p>This is someting Fossil Fuel Power Stations have never been able to do. Provide reliable electricity to millions of people in Africa, particularly in rural areas. The first Coal power station in Africa was built in 1895, yet 130 years later many regions remain in the dark, with over 600 million people without electricity access. All that is now changing with Renewables. In a small village in Zimbabwe, new possibilities are emerging with the launch of a solar mini-grid, showcasing the potential of renewable energy to truly transform lives.</p><p>On October 3, 2024, the Hakwata village in Chipinge District celebrated the commissioning of a 200-kW solar mini-grid, a pivotal project valued at nearly US$2 million. This initiative, which brings clean, reliable electricity to over 100 homes and businesses for the first time, is a significant stride towards achieving Zimbabwe’s sustainable energy goals.</p><p>President Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa, who officiated the commissioning, highlighted the urgent need for increased electricity access, noting that only 23.4% of rural areas currently have grid electricity. He emphasised the importance of collaboration among government and development partners to enhance energy access in these underserved communities.</p><p>Dr. Ayodele Odusola, UNDP Resident Representative, expressed the broader impact of the solar mini-grid, stating, <em>“This solar mini-grid is not just providing electricity; it is powering dreams, fostering equality, and catalyzing sustainable development across multiple fronts.” </em>The project currently operates at 20% capacity, supplying power to 85 homes, 18 businesses, a school, a clinic, and three community boreholes, with the potential for future growth.</p><p>The benefits of this project are already palpable. Local shopkeeper Ms. Hamunyari Muzvuzvu shared her transformative experience: “Before, I used expensive gas to power my shop’s fridges. Now, with the solar mini-grid, I’m spending less on energy and earning more. I’ve even expanded my business to sell kitchen appliances that use electricity.” Such testimonies illustrate how renewable energy can not only improve livelihoods but also promote local economic development.</p><p>The Climate Adaptation Water Energy Programme (CAWEP), a collaboration between the British Government, the Government of Zimbabwe, and UNDP, has played a crucial role in this initiative. This US$13.6 million project aims to extend sustainable development to often-overlooked rural areas. The British Ambassador, Pete Vowles, reinforced this commitment by stating, “Energy access is a fundamental right and key to economic growth.”</p><p>In addition to the mini-grid, CAWEP has provided Hakwata with solar home kits, biogas digesters for clean cooking, an automated weather station, and solar streetlights. This comprehensive strategy is designed to significantly boost local economic activity, improve living conditions, and enhance the quality of life, particularly for women and girls.</p><p>Looking ahead, similar climate adaptation projects are in the pipeline for Binga, Insiza, and Chivi Districts, focusing on renewable energy, irrigation schemes, and improved water access. These initiatives underscore a broader vision for rural electrification across Zimbabwe.</p><p>The future of energy in Africa is not large-scale fossil fuel projects, but in distributed renewable solutions like solar mini-grids. As technology advances and costs decrease, the potential for similar projects to flourish across the continent is immense. The success in Hakwata is a clear indication that with the right investments and partnerships, we can indeed illuminate the path to a more sustainable and equitable future for all.</p><p></p><p></p> <p>Note:</p><p>This post was created in&nbsp;<a href="https://owgf.org/tag/wordpress/" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">#WordPress</a>&nbsp;and can be viewed in the&nbsp;<a href="https://owgf.org/tag/fedivers/" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">#Fedivers</a>&nbsp;at:&nbsp;<a href="http://%40owgf.org@owgf.org/" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">@owgf.org@owgf.org</a></p><p>OWGF has a Fediverse companion profile at:&nbsp;<a href="https://mastodon.world/@OWGF" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://mastodon.world/@OWGF</a></p><p>OWGF is also on&nbsp;<a href="https://owgf.org/tag/pixelfed/" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">#Pixelfed</a>&nbsp;here:&nbsp;<a href="https://pixelfed.social/OWGF" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://pixelfed.social/OWGFhttps://pixelfed.social/OW</a></p><p><a href="https://owgf.org/2024/10/29/zimbabwe-solar-mini-grid/" class="" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://owgf.org/2024/10/29/zimbabwe-solar-mini-grid/</a></p><p><a rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://owgf.org/tag/africa-2/" target="_blank">#Africa</a> <a rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://owgf.org/tag/renewables-2/" target="_blank">#Renewables</a> <a rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://owgf.org/tag/solar-2/" target="_blank">#Solar</a> <a rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://owgf.org/tag/zimbabwe/" target="_blank">#Zimbabwe</a> <a rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://owgf.org/tag/climate-change/" target="_blank">#climateChange</a> <a rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://owgf.org/tag/energy/" target="_blank">#energy</a> <a rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://owgf.org/tag/ourwonderfulgreenfuture/" target="_blank">#OurWonderfulGreenFuture</a> <a rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://owgf.org/tag/owgf/" target="_blank">#OWGF</a> <a rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://owgf.org/tag/renewable-energy/" target="_blank">#renewableEnergy</a> <a rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://owgf.org/tag/solar/" target="_blank">#Solar</a> <a rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://owgf.org/tag/solar-power/" target="_blank">#solarPower</a> <a rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://owgf.org/tag/sustainability/" target="_blank">#sustainability</a></p>
Our Wonderful Green FutureMayor Anne Hidalgo is removing 70,000 of its 140,000 on-street parking spaces, to make the city greener and more people-friendly. De-paving is a particularly effective tool in the fight against climate change; improving carbon absorption, heat mitigation, rain retention, and bio-diversity.<br> Every shift away from space-hogging cars creates new opportunities to vegetate urban streets.<br> As Paris shows, the best way to remake a city is through transport. By changing how people move, Mayor Hidalgo is changing the spaces they use; transitioning from hostile, asphalt- and car-dominated places to ones more vibrant, welcoming, and resilient to the challenges of today. Via Chris Bruntlett <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/posts/cbruntlett_despite-representing-just-13-of-journeys-activity-7251588099330183171-Zga5/" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.linkedin.com/posts/cbruntlett_despite-representing-just-13-of-journeys-activity-7251588099330183171-Zga5/</a><br> <a href="https://pixelfed.social/discover/tags/Urbanism?src=hash" class="u-url hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">#Urbanism</a> <a href="https://pixelfed.social/discover/tags/ClimateAction?src=hash" class="u-url hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">#ClimateAction</a> <a href="https://pixelfed.social/discover/tags/Paris?src=hash" class="u-url hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">#Paris</a> <a href="https://pixelfed.social/discover/tags/France?src=hash" class="u-url hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">#France</a> <a href="https://pixelfed.social/discover/tags/SolarPunk?src=hash" class="u-url hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">#SolarPunk</a> <a href="https://pixelfed.social/discover/tags/GIMBYism?src=hash" class="u-url hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">#GIMBYism</a> <a href="https://pixelfed.social/discover/tags/OWGF?src=hash" class="u-url hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">#OWGF</a>
Our Wonderful Green FutureThis is some good solarpunk stuff this!&nbsp;<a href="https://pixelfed.social/discover/tags/Balkonkraftwerk?src=hash" class="u-url hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">#Balkonkraftwerk</a> <br> <a href="https://pixelfed.social/discover/tags/ClimateChange?src=hash" class="u-url hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">#ClimateChange</a> <a href="https://pixelfed.social/discover/tags/Energy?src=hash" class="u-url hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">#Energy</a> <a href="https://pixelfed.social/discover/tags/OWGF?src=hash" class="u-url hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">#OWGF</a> <a href="https://pixelfed.social/discover/tags/RenewableEnergy?src=hash" class="u-url hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">#RenewableEnergy</a> <a href="https://pixelfed.social/discover/tags/SocialJustice?src=hash" class="u-url hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">#SocialJustice</a> <a href="https://pixelfed.social/discover/tags/solarPower?src=hash" class="u-url hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">#solarPower</a> <a href="https://pixelfed.social/discover/tags/SolarPunk?src=hash" class="u-url hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">#SolarPunk</a> <a href="https://pixelfed.social/discover/tags/sustainability?src=hash" class="u-url hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">#sustainability</a> <a href="https://pixelfed.social/discover/tags/Urbanism?src=hash" class="u-url hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">#Urbanism</a><br> <a href="https://owgf.org/2024/10/03/solar-on-your-balcony/" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://owgf.org/2024/10/03/solar-on-your-balcony/</a>