The Floating Gardens of Bangladesh

The Community Interest Company, run by volunteers, organized the Chiswick Flower Market to revitalize the local economy. The eight flower markets that were held increased foot-traffic to local businesses by about 70% compared to non-market Sundays. Of the over 60 vendors, 65% were based locally. The market made a £12,000 profit, which is being reinvested in community sustainability projects. Sustainability and reducing the market’s carbon footprint are priority initiatives.

A decades-old principle called “just transition” has made international headway in the fight against climate change and toward equity and sustainability. Fundamental to the principle is transitioning from a capitalist system to a localized one that prioritizes cultural inclusion, local economies, decarbonization and environmental justice, and food sovereignty. But as this idea reaches prominence on the global stage, those that have been involved for years worry that its core meanings, morals, and actions will be co-opted.

As the United States grapples with the already-occurring effects of climate change, there is a growing call from the energy democracy movement to make sure energy efficiency remains equitable and affordable. Initiatives like Mississippi’s One Voice or the South Bronx’s Mothers on the Move recognize that climate change hits low-income first and most and are working to address the unequal power dynamics through shared, power-powered energy initiatives.

TARU, an Indian thinktank, has found that Indians cities have combined decentralized action and "multi-stakeholder engagement" in public policy to respond to problems of scarcity in water and power as well as climate change-related natural disasters. Municipalities are putting responsibility for improving local lives at the grassroots level; integrating disruptive technologies from the private sector; and fostering collaboration between government and citizens.

The rapid development of emerging economies across Asia and Africa is lifting hundreds of millions of people out of poverty - but there is much debate as to how to best structure this growth. If these economies evolve in the same way as in the West - with unchecked, excessive resource consumption and heavy pollution - the planet may be on the fast track to disaster. Earthrise explores how these nations can grow sustainably using improved, eco-conscious technologies like renewable energy and eco-friendly farming practices.

Sub-Saharan Africa faces significant challenges in two areas that previously may have been considered in separate spheres: lack of access to sanitary waste disposal, and a growing need for clean, affordable energy. Now, several companies are scaling solutions for how each of these issues actually solve the other. In Kenya, they are finding ways to turn human waste into fuel and fertilizer, effectively addressing both issues simultaneously.

Drought-stricken cities in California are turning to direct potable reuse of water to combat drinking water shortages. This process involves treating wastewater and returning it to the drinking water supply.

Fly ash bricks help reduce construction waste by utilizing the powdery by-product of burning coal. They are a green replacement for red clay bricks, which contribute to 5-15% of India’s emissions. They also utilize waste from coal-based thermal plants, which often gets disposed of by being dumped in water bodies and on roadsides. In comparison to red clay bricks, fly ash bricks are less expensive and the production process doesn’t emit smoke or use the more fertile top soil. Their use has been mandated by some regions and about 150 small fly ash enterprises have emerged.

While environmentalists continue to call for drastic measures to combat climate change, a Brisbane volunteer community has taken matters into its own hands by organizing weekly beach clean-up sessions. The group uses social media to organize and has recycled or thrown away more than 330kg of litter.

Fashion has long been known as a major contributor to climate change, but brands (from fast fashion to luxury houses alike) are taking steps to address their carbon footprint. This article lists several initiatives working on reducing fabric waste, such as FabScrap, a NY organization that collects and resells 6,000 pounds of discarded fabric weekly.