Today’s Solutions: November 24, 2024

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.

View of a building with windows and greenery along the side.

Here’s how we can make buildings that capture and store CO2

If we are to successfully reverse the effects of climate change, then we must thoughtfully construct buildings that soak up carbon dioxide rather than produce it. But in order for that to happen, the building trade needs to redirect its focus. So much of the focus of "green buildings" is on Read More...

Young pretty woman happily brushes teeth

All Colgate products will be 100% recyclable by next year

Some form of toothpaste is necessary for keeping our teeth clean and healthy, however, toothpaste in its most common packaging—the tube—does not do the same for our environment. Toothpaste tubes, like so many other items, are notoriously difficult to recycle. This is due to the mix of Read More...

Illusrtation of graphene molecules.

3D graphene hugely increases hydrogen storage capabilities

Graphene is a material that many of us come across in our day to day lives. From water filtration systems to mobile touch screens, clever material has revolutionized many aspects of the modern world. It is made up of a single layer of carbon atoms, therefore it is referred to it as a Read More...

Friendship land hospital in Bangladesh, winner of the RIBA international world's best building

Small brick hospital in Bangladesh wins world's best building

This year, the recipient of the renowned Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) international prize for the world’s best building is a small brick hospital situated in rural Bangladesh. The architect, director of Urbana Kashef Chowdhury, managed to create a functional yet elegant Read More...

Rihanna on the red carpet

Rihanna donates $15 million to organizations championing climate justice

The world-famous singer, actress, fashion designer, and businesswoman Robyn “Rihanna” Fenty is donating a grand total of $15 million to organizations in the US and the Caribbean focused on climate justice. This charitable act is in part a response to the devastating hurricanes that have Read More...

child in yellow rain coat holds sign reading: THERE'S NO PLANET B

High-schooler presents first student-written bill for UK climate education

Youth climate activist Scarlett Westbrook decided that she was fed up with the lack of formal education UK students receive on the devastating climate crisis. At one point during a geography exam, she was even asked to list the benefits of climate change — and while this was disappointing, she Read More...

Reusing items for a zero-waste garden

Make your green thumb even greener by cultivating a zero-waste garden

If the thought that’s keeping you warm through these winter months is looking forward to getting back into your garden, you're surely not alone. We’ve shared many stories that tout the benefits of gardening, not only for the gardeners’ overall health but for the health of our natural Read More...

Barcelona, no vehicles, empty roads, clean air, less air pollution

Better air quality during initial lockdowns saved hundreds of lives

New research suggests that more than 800 lives may have been saved across Europe due to improved air quality during the initial Covid lockdowns. Transportation restrictions meant that there were far fewer cars and transport trucks on the roads, which made the most impact on air quality according Read More...

Close up of gigantic ancient redwood trunk in dense forest

Over 500 acres of California's redwood forests returned to Native tribes

On the West Coast of the US, there are 523 acres of forest that used to be home to many more ancient redwoods than what we are left with today. Scattered stumps throughout the region are sad reminders of the majestic trees that once grew there—but luckily, there are still 200 acres that are dense Read More...

Karachi skyline during the day

How a Karachi resident turned a neglected park into an urban oasis

Hot weather is nothing new to people living in Karachi, Pakistan’s biggest city, where heatwaves can sometimes bring life-threatening temperatures of 44˚C upon its population of 15 million. But while the shade is in high demand in this concrete jungle, greenery is rather scarce. In light of Read More...