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.
Solar shines brighter than coal in the EU
BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM For the first time in history, solar power has overtaken coal in the European Union’s electricity mix. In 2024, solar energy generated 11 percent of the EU’s electricity, while coal, the dirtiest fossil fuel, fell below 10 percent. This milestone, Read More...
Frost-fighting apples: Michigan’s native tree may hold the key to climate resilience
BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM In the forests of Michigan, a small, bitter apple may hold the secret to protecting one of the world’s most beloved fruits. The Malus coronaria, commonly known as the sweet crabapple, blooms weeks later than popular commercial varieties like Honeycrisp or Read More...
Michael Bloomberg steps up to fund UN climate body after U.S. withdrawal
BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM When the United States announced last week the plans to withdraw the country from the Paris Agreement and cut international climate funding the ripple effects were felt across the globe. One of the biggest casualties was the United Nations Framework Read More...
British Sign Language expands to include climate change vocabulary
BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM In the fight against the climate crisis, the words we use matter—and so does ensuring everyone can participate in the conversation. For the British deaf community, discussing critical topics like greenhouse gases and carbon emissions has been a challenge Read More...
How sheep are powering the solar boom in a win for sustainability and agriculture
BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM On a sprawling solar farm in rural Texas, thousands of sheep are hard at work. Beneath rows of glinting panels, the animals nibble through lush pastures, turning vegetation management into an eco-friendly endeavor. At SB Energy’s 4,000-acre solar project in Read More...
Oslo’s quiet revolution: how electric construction sites are changing the game
BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM Imagine walking past a bustling construction site and hearing… almost nothing. In Oslo, that’s becoming the new normal. The city’s ambitious mandate to eliminate fossil fuels from municipal building projects has ushered in a quieter, cleaner era for Read More...
New York’s climate superfund act: making polluters pay for a warming world
BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM In a move to address the escalating costs of climate change, New York passed the Climate Change Superfund Act, becoming the second state in the nation to hold major fossil fuel companies financially accountable for their contribution to the climate crisis. Read More...
Belfast venues unite to eliminate single-use plastic cups
BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM Belfast is making history as the first city in Ireland and the UK to commit to eliminating single-use plastic cups in entertainment venues. This city-wide initiative, led by the Venue Sustainability Forum and supported by Visit Belfast, will see major and Read More...
Thailand bans plastic waste imports to combat toxic pollution
BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM Thailand officially banned the import of plastic waste, a move hailed as a victory by environmental campaigners. The ban, which came into effect this month, aims to curb toxic pollution and protect human and environmental health in a country that has long Read More...
How to protect and soothe skin from smoke exposure
In light of the recent devastating wildfires in Los Angeles County, we felt it was timely to revisit this important piece. As wildfires become an increasingly frequent challenge in our warming world, adapting to their effects is crucial—not just on a global environmental scale, but also in Read More...