Disney is building on its Renewable Energy Plans for its Theme Parks around the world, and it’s not the only multinational ramping up company targets in order to achieve net zero emissions by 2030.
The most magical place on earth is about to get a lot more green…by powering the magic using the sun.
Walt Disney World, is the size of San Francisco city, approximately 30,500 acres.
In a bold move towards fighting the climate crisis, Disney is adding two new solar plants at Walt Disney World, Florida, alongside the solar farm already in operation (that is Mickey mouse shaped of course)
The facilities will produce almost half of the resort’s annual needs to power its four theme parks, 25 hotels and 2 water parks.
It’s expected to open in two years.
The Mickey Mouse shaped solar farm is one of four facilities that will provide renewable energy to the Walt Disney World resort in Florida.
Mickey Mouse isn’t the only guy powering the magic of Disney… sunny days before the fireworks, will bring more than just happy energy, it will power solar energy so the magic can go on.
Disney is revamping its renewable energy efforts, to reduce the carbon footprint of its theme parks, around the world.
“Through the innovative use of space, and with a touch of Disney magic, we are using the sun to conserve energy and power up in a responsible manner,” said Mark Penning, Disney’s vice president for Animals, Science and Environment at its theme parks division.
“Our new set of ambitious goals commit us to achieve net zero emissions for our direct operations by 2030.”
There are also new solar canopies being installed at Disneyland Paris that will provide shelter for 9,500 guest vehicles, as well as a solar facility that will provide about 70 per cent of the power used on Disney Cruise Line’s private island Castaway Cay in The Bahamas
The company’s total solar portfolio, can provide enough energy for 65,000 homes, or eight Magic Kingdom parks, for one year.
“Since 2009, Disney has operated under a long-term vision to reach net zero greenhouse gas emissions, and we’re just getting started,” Penning wrote in a blog post.
walt disney company unveils updated renewable energy targets
Greener Apple
Disney isn’t the only major company aiming to achieve net zero emissions by 2030
Apple is investing in clean energy projects and tech in the US and around the world.
Apple is carbon neutral for all of its operations in the US and around the world, and last year committed to be 100 percent carbon neutral for its entire supply chain and products by 2030. (SOURCE: APPLE)
Apple is also making industry-leading investments in new clean energy projects and green technology in the US and around the world.
Just last month, Apple announced a massive new US energy storage project in California’s Monterey CountY.
This joins other energy storage projects the company has invested in, including its microgrid at Apple Park.
In Short:
– The Federal Reserve cut interest rates by a quarter-point to address job market concerns.
– Officials expect at least two additional rate cuts by year-end amid ongoing economic uncertainties.
The Federal Reserve has reduced interest rates by a quarter-point, addressing concerns about a weakening job market overshadowing inflation worries.
A majority of officials anticipate at least two additional cuts by year-end during the remaining meetings in October and December.
Fed Chair Jerome Powell noted a significant shift in the labour market, highlighting “downside risk” in his statements.
The recent rate cut, supported by 11 of 12 Fed voters, aims to recalibrate an economy facing uncertainties from policy changes and market pressures.
Policy Dynamics
The decision comes amid intense political scrutiny, with President Trump openly criticising Powell’s reluctance to lower rates.
Despite the controversy, Powell asserts that political pressures do not influence Fed operations.
The current benchmark federal-funds rate now sits between 4% and 4.25%, the lowest since 2021, providing some reprieve to consumers and small businesses. Economic forecasts indicate ongoing complexities, including inflation trends and the impact of tariffs on labour dynamics, complicating future policy decisions.
In Short:
– This week’s Federal Reserve meeting faces unusual dissent as Chair Powell approaches his term’s end.
– Analysts predict dissent over expected rate cuts due to political pressures from Trump-appointed officials.
This week’s Federal Reserve meeting is set to be particularly unusual, with Chair Jerome Powell facing significant disagreements over future policy as he approaches the end of his term in May.Tensions began before the meeting when Fed governor Lisa Cook won a court ruling allowing her to attend, despite opposition from President Trump, who is attempting to remove her.
The situation is further complicated by the recent swearing-in of Trump adviser Stephen Miran to the Fed’s board, following a Senate confirmation.
Analysts believe Powell may encounter dissent on an expected quarter-percentage-point rate cut from both Trump-appointed officials and regional Fed presidents concerned about inflation.
Potential Dissent
Trump has urged significant rate cuts and for the board to challenge Powell’s decisions.
Some analysts predict dissenting votes from Miran and other Trump appointees in favour of larger cuts. Federal Reserve veterans express concerns that political motivations may undermine the institution’s integrity, with indications that greater dissent could become commonplace.
Reserve Bank of Australia plans to ban credit card surcharges despite banks warning of potential higher fees and weaker rewards.
In Short:
– The RBA plans to ban surcharges on debit and credit card transactions, supported by consumer group Choice.
– Major banks oppose the ban, warning it could lead to higher card fees and reduced rewards for credit card users.
The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) intends to implement a ban on surcharges associated with debit and credit card transactions. Consumer advocacy group Choice endorses this initiative, arguing that it is unjust for users of low-cost debit cards to incur similar fees as credit card holders.
The major banks, however, are opposing this reform. They caution that the removal of surcharges could prompt customers to abandon credit cards due to diminished rewards.
A final decision by the RBA is anticipated by December 2025.