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From scientific discoveries to activist wins, here are the latest news stories showcasing the people who are taking on climate change and nature loss.

 🦠 The CO2-eating bacteria in your home

Scientists are looking for microorganisms that have evolved in extreme environments and developed unique traits – specifically, microorganisms that eat carbon dioxide. But this time, they aren’t searching the depths of the ocean or volcanoes – instead, they want to know what lurks inside your home. In fact, your dishwasher creates the perfect conditions for these kinds of microbes to form, so scientists are asking volunteers to send them samples of their most grotesque growths. They might look like piles of gunk or slime, but our unstudied home-grown bacteria could be the key to cleaning up the carbon in our atmosphere. 

🚴‍♂️ The huge public health benefits of decarbonisation

While there’s a widespread belief that cutting emissions will come at a cost to our quality of life, recent UK-based research recently articulated the huge benefits of reaching net zero. They include lower rates of asthma, lung cancer, and heart attacks, as well as warmer, more comfortable homes. Because of the savings – to the tune of £30bn – this would create for the health sector, decarbonising our transport and buildings effectively pays for itself. Plus, the biggest benefits are seen in disadvantaged communities, helping to close the health inequality gap.

🇪🇸 Putting a tourist tax to good use

Local backlash to the tourists who descend on Barcelona in droves is getting louder every year. But as one consolation to residents, the city is now harnessing its unpopular popularity in order to combat climate change. Its tourist tax – a small charge paid by visitors – is being put towards decarbonisation and climate mitigation efforts, including installing solar-powered AC and heat pumps in schools.