September's positive climate news

Scientists have discovered that natural extracts from okra and fenugreek can remove up to 90% of microplastics from water. This offers a safer, cheaper and more sustainable alternative to synthetic chemicals. These plant-based solutions trap microplastics using natural polymers and have outperformed common treatment agents like polyacrylamide in lab and real-world tests. The method is simple, requiring only water and basic equipment – it could benefit water systems in both developed and rural regions. With microplastics now found in oceans, rivers and even human tissue, this breakthrough offers a natural way to combat a growing environmental and public health concern.

A new solar project in California’s Central Valley is generating clean energy by placing solar panels over canals. Project Nexus, the $20 million pilot spans irrigation canals used to grow crops like almonds and tomatoes. It’s only the second solar-canal project in the U.S., following a similar effort by the Gila River Indian Community in Arizona. These systems help save water by reducing evaporation and can generate power efficiently without using extra land. While more expensive than ground solar, solar canals offer long-term benefits, especially in farming areas facing high energy costs and limited clean energy options.

Kelp forests along Portugal’s north coast are doing an amazing job storing carbon and supporting marine life, new research shows. Scientists found that seaweed like Laminaria and Saccorhiza stores over 16,000 tons of carbon, which is about 14% of Portugal’s known blue carbon. These underwater forests also help capture a third of the carbon stored by all marine plants in the country. But rising ocean temperatures caused by climate change are putting them at risk. Researchers say it’s time to recognise their value and include them in conservation plans. Protecting kelp forests could be a key part of fighting climate change.

The High Seas Treaty, designed to protect international waters and restore marine life, will become law in January after Morocco became the 60th country to ratify it. Two decades in the making, the treaty sets binding rules to conserve marine biodiversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction. Currently, just 1% of high seas are protected but the treaty targets 30% by 2030. Environmentalists hail it as a historic milestone. Once in force, countries will propose and vote on Marine Protected Areas. This marks a crucial step to safeguard the ocean which is Earth’s largest ecosystem and a vital source of oxygen and life.