Each week, we share some of our favorite sustainability, climate, local, and whatever else – related stories. This week’s Punchlist features more exciting local and national news about the environment!
Allegheny Valley Railroad has agreed to sell the Brilliant Line of railroad to Aspinwall Riverfront Park. The 3.6 mile long stretch of railroad links Aspinwall to Pittsburgh’s East End across the Allegheny River. The plan for the old railroad is to turn it into a trail for bicyclists and pedestrians. This will improve bike infrastructure and allow people to cross the Allegheny River car-free.
With April being Food Waste Awareness Month, the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank is highlighting on how it keeps sustainability at the forefront of its work. The food bank tries to collect and repurpose food that isn’t being consumed. In 2020, they received 11.4 million pounds of food which not only helps feed people, but also reduces methane emissions. The food bank advises that people try reducing food waste at home, checking whether local organizations accept food donations, and composting organic waste.
Allegheny County Council President Pat Catena announced the names of the members who will sit on the Committee on Sustainability and Green Initiatives. The members on the committee are Tom Baker, District 1; Olivia Bennett, District 13; Tom Duerr, District 5; Cindy Kirk, District 2; Paul Klein, District 11; and Bob Macey, District 9. The committee will work with the county’s sustainability manager and the different municipalities to provide updated greenhouse gas assessments, offer recommendations to incorporate sustainable practices, and offer recommendations on ways to educate the public about environmental and energy initiatives.
JPMorgan Chase plans to finance and facilitate $2.5 trillion over the next 10 years to advance long-term solutions that address climate change and contribute to sustainable development. These plans complement the firm’s Paris-aligned financing strategy to accelerate the transition to a low-carbon economy and achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. The $2.5 trillion will go towards green initiatives that support climate action, socioeconomic development and quality of life in developing countries, and community development.
