New crown for the monarch 

The monarch butterfly population in Mexico increased 64% this winter, compared to last year. The butterfly is on the verge of extinction, but the population increase offers some hope. 

Tens of millions of migrating monarchs cluster in western Mexico each winter. In 1995, the royal insects covered every tree in roughly 45 acres of forest. But climate change, deforestation and increased herbicide use have caused a significant drop in the monarch’s population. Last winter monarchs occupied only 4.42 acres of forest. However, this winter, the butterflies graced 7.24 acres, the largest amount of land since 2018.  

Cities slashing air pollution ‘round the globe 

Nineteen cities across the world have cut air pollution by more than 20% since 2010. And these cities span the globe.  

San Francisco, Hong Kong, Beijing, London and Rome are among the cities that made major air improvements. 

Beijing and Warsaw cut fine particulate pollution, or soot, by more than 45%. And Amsterdam and Rotterdam slashed nitrogen dioxide, an air pollutant from traffic that increases the rate of asthma in children, by more than 40%. 

The cleaner air is no accident. Cities worked to expand bike lanes, get more electric vehicles on the road and used air monitoring networks to identify and address areas of concern. These choices show that significant decreases in air pollution can happen in as little as 15 years.  

New air monitors in Houston’s Fifth Ward 

The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality just debuted new air monitors in Houston’s Fifth Ward, a majority Black and Hispanic neighborhood where residents have been demanding action on air quality for years. 

Harris County Commissioner Rodney Ellis called the air monitors “a historic step toward environmental justice and healthier air for families who have waited far too long.” These air monitors can provide data to help the community push for stronger regulations and cleaner air.

You can get a great deal on an EV right now 

Inventory is up, and prices are down. It’s a really good time to buy an electric car, say automotive experts, even if gas prices weren’t topping $4 a gallon.  

While federal tax credits on electric vehicles have expired, many states still offer incentives that help bring down the upfront costs, and federal incentives for installing a home EV charger don’t expire until June 30.  

With no price at the pump to worry about, and fewer maintenance issues, choosing a car that runs on electricity instead of gas could save you $2,200 a year.