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Climate change threatens food security, Colorado is making strides to support renewable energy and Whole Foods gets even greener. Read these stories and more in this week's news roundup:
Things at Whole Foods are about to get even greener. The grocery chain plans to install as many as 100 rooftop solar systems, mainly through the power provider NRG Energy, on nearly a quarter of its stores and distribution centers, the companies said. SolarCity will also provide systems for the grocer, which could expand the rooftop solar program as the installations proceed.
Without emissions cuts, much of sub-Saharan Africa will become unsuitable for growing key crops during this century, a new study suggests. Up to 60% of areas that currently grow beans, and up to 30% of areas that grow maize and bananas could no longer be suitable in a warmer climate. Fundamental changes to farming may be needed in the coming decades to maintain food security, the researchers say.
Transitioning to clean energy will remain a top priority for Colorado leaders, including Gov. John Hickenlooper, despite the U.S. Supreme Court's decision to stay the Clean Power Plan, writes Jon Goldin-Dubois, president of Western Resource Advocates. The state has begun reducing its use of coal-burning plants and will close a portion of the Martin Drake facility in 2017. "By acting now to adopt reasonable limits on carbon pollution, we can build on Colorado's strong clean energy foundation to help reduce future climate change impacts," Goldin-Dubois writes.
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