Read on to find out some major wins for the planet’s climate this year. Image: Shutterstock Discover how our planet’s climate has been supported in 2024, from decommissioning the UK’s last coal power station to a landmark court case The end of the year is fast approaching, and with that comes the chance to reflect on the last 365 days. There’s plenty of news in the climate-sphere pointing toward the planet’s precarious future – like the fact 2024 is almost certain to be the hottest year on record – but there are also countless ways that scientists and organisations have made positive climate action toward bettering the world we live in. Here are seven ways that developments and progress around the world have made a difference to the climate, as covered by Geographical in 2024. If you’re interested in a particular story, click on the title to find out more… 1) A solar energy breakthrough New solar cell coating could revolutionise solar energy. Image: Shutterstock In 2024, scientists at the University of Oxford developed an ultra-thin, light-absorbing solar cell coating that could generate electricity when applied to almost any surface: bags, cars and even buildings. The new invention was also successfully applied to curved surfaces, meaning its possibilities for use could be virtually endless. Such an invention is hoped to reduce the cost of solar power and make it the most affordable source of renewable energy in the world, a scenario that would help businesses and organisations move away from planet-polluting fossil fuels that accelerate climate change. 2) UK decommissioned its last coal power station Ratcliffe-on-Soar Power Station in Nottinghamshire. Image: Shutterstock This year, the UK became the first G7 country to phase out energy production using coal power, closing its very last coal-fired power station in Ratcliffe-on-Soar in […]