Here’s today’s good climate and environment news.

📉 China’s emissions have fallen for the first time

China’s CO2 emissions have dropped at a rate of 1% over the last 12 months. Despite a rise in energy demand, the rapidly growing capacity of solar, wind, and nuclear power has lowered the country’s dependence on fossil fuels. Emissions have fallen in previous years due to weak economic growth – this marks the first time clean power generation has driven such a shift.

🐋 Whale song inspires people to protect the ocean

Witnessing the otherworldly singing of whales leaves a mark on people, encouraging them to take up more environmentally-friendly behaviours, a new study has found. In surveys of tourists who watched and listened to noises made by humpback whales in Australia, it emerged that feelings of awe correlated with the desire to take environmental actions such as cutting down on waste and supporting ocean conservation. 

🍫 Making the most of chocolate

A number of food companies have new snacks in the works that are made from every part of the cacao fruit. Currently, only the beans (a key ingredient in chocolate) are used, while everything else is discarded. Making products like juice and granola bars from the rest of the fruit reduces waste, water, and emissions, as well as putting more money in the hands of smallholder farmers.