October's positive climate news: Protecting ocean life and a new nature app!

The Vatican City has achieved full energy independence using renewable sources, becoming one of only eight nations powered entirely by green energy. Before his death, Pope Francis realised his green vision with a vast solar power plant built on Vatican-owned land near Rome. The solar park covers over 1,000 acres, combining farming and solar panels to produce enough electricity for all Vatican operations, including Vatican Radio. This milestone shows how even small nations can lead on climate action through innovation and commitment to a sustainable future.

A new project at the Rampion offshore wind farm off the Sussex coast is helping both clean energy and ocean life thrive. Developer RWE has installed about 75,000 Reef Cubes, created by ARC Marine, marking the first large-scale use of this innovative technology. The small concrete cubes are placed around turbine bases to protect them from strong underwater currents while providing new homes for fish, crabs and other sea creatures. The cubes will be studied until 2030 to see how well they protect the turbines and support marine ecosystems.

A new free app called Wildling is helping people rediscover the UK’s wild spaces - from city parks to remote coastlines. Created by Ant Rawlins and supported by groups like the RSPB, Forestry England and the Marine Conservation Society, Wildling maps over 1,500 nature spots nationwide. The app aims to make nature more accessible while inspiring users to protect it, with guides and tips to encourage outdoor adventures and promote mental wellbeing. Supported by Deborah Meaden, Ben Goldsmith and Tim Smit, Wildling also includes donation and volunteering options to support conservation efforts across the country.

Electric car sales in the UK hit a record high last month. Sales of fully electric cars rose by almost a third to 72,779, while hybrid cars also increased. Together, they made up more than half of all new cars sold. This growth came from more car options, price discounts and a government grant of up to £3,750 for electric models. Over one in five new cars this year are now fully electric. Industry leaders say investment in electric cars is paying off and the government’s support is helping more drivers switch from petrol and diesel to cleaner vehicles.

French Polynesia has declared a massive new marine park covering its entire exclusive economic zone - about 4.8 million square kilometres, nearly the size of the European Union. Announced by President Moetai Brotherson at the UN Ocean Conference, the park aims to protect both marine life and cultural traditions, while limiting harmful activities like mining and industrial fishing. This initiative blends science and tradition, setting a global example in ocean conservation for others to follow.