Climate Action
What is Climate Action? Climate Action is humanity's efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and enhance our planet's resilience against climate change. From adaptation to mitigation, at The Optimist Daily you will learn about the most recent positive news stories and solutions targeting climate change and other environmental issues.
Sea otters: the guardians of California's kelp forests
New research from the Monterey Bay Aquarium reveals a striking link between the recovery of Southern sea otters and the condition of kelp forests along the West Coast. According to a study published in the journal PLOS Climate, the recovery of sea otter populations in central California coincided Read More...
The leading startups transforming CO2 into everyday wonders
For Stafford Sheehan, a cofounder and chemist at Air Company, perfume-making is more than simply creating an enticing scent. Air Company, established in New York, uses technology that transforms carbon dioxide into ethanol, which is then blended with essential oils and water to create the pale Read More...
Poland protects 10 of its most ancient forests by proclaiming ban on logging
In a significant step toward environmental conservation, Poland's newly appointed climate and environment minister, Paulina Hennig-Kloska, declared a half-year halt on logging in ten of the country's most valuable forests. These initiatives highlight the government's commitment to preserve 20 Read More...
10 simple and eco-friendly resolutions for the New Year
As we step into the new year, it's normal to plan major changes. But let's face it-- implementing them can be difficult. These ten green resolutions are so straightforward that you won't have an excuse not to keep them. Taking on these environmentally-centered goals is an easy and rewarding Read More...
Sewage heat: Vancouver's steamy and sustainable energy source
Since 2010, an innovative energy program in Vancouver's False Creek has quietly transformed the city's energy landscape. This novel technology harnesses the latent heat in sewage effluent, converting it into a renewable heat source for nearly 6,000 apartments. Derek Pope, Vancouver's manager of Read More...
How Uruguay achieved 98% renewable energy
During the 2000s, as global fossil fuel costs skyrocketed, Uruguay faced a tremendous issue. Uruguay, as a country heavily reliant on foreign oil, found itself in an energy crisis. With a population of 3.4 million, the surge in energy demand surged by 8.4 percent in the preceding year. As a result, Read More...
Innovative drought relief in California: from toilet to tap
California is pioneering a daring strategy of turning sewage into safe, potable water in response to the severe concerns of water scarcity exacerbated by climate change. The State Water Resources Control Board approved laws that allow treated wastewater to flow straight into Californians' taps, Read More...
23-year-old strives to make surfing sustainable with mushroom surf boards
Surfing is a sport that is all about getting close to and appreciating nature. Unfortunately, conventional surfboards tend to contribute to environmental degradation. Steve Davies, a 23-year-old board designer from Porthcawl, Wales, is working on a surfboard built of mycelia, the root-like Read More...
Natural treatment prevents mosquitos from biting through human skin
Every year, mosquitoes are to blame for approximately 350 million human ailments, a number that is likely to rise as climate change increases the insect population. A recent study demonstrated that light pollution may be responsible for the extension of the mosquito blood-feeding season. A natural Read More...
Nurturing nature: The US launches the biggest-ever survey of nature and wildlife
With the unprecedented National Nature Assessment, the United States is beginning a ground-breaking adventure to protect its natural resources. In a presentation at the Ecological Society of America Conference in Oregon earlier this week, Phil Levin, director of the project and part of the faculty Read More...