Environment
Need some good news about the environment? The Optimist Daily is your go-to herald of positive environmental news, highlighting eco-friendly solutions and scientific progress around climate action, circularity, conservation, and more. Learn about everything eco in our Environment section.
New Zealand embarks on historic island rewilding effort
BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM New Zealand is taking on one of its most ambitious conservation efforts yet: rewilding three ecologically significant islands by eliminating invasive species. The project, part of the Island-Ocean Connection Challenge (IOCC), will focus on Maukahuka Read More...
The case for growing nectar-rich plants in your garden this spring
BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM The nectar created by flowering plants is a significant food source for many of the critters we share our environment with. Those of us who want to attract wildlife to our gardens understand the importance of having flowering plants in bloom for as long as Read More...
How London’s ultra-low emission zone is successfully cleaning up the air
BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM London's expanded Ultra-Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) is delivering remarkable results in the battle against air pollution. According to a new report reviewed by independent air quality experts, the initiative has significantly reduced nitrogen dioxide, fine Read More...
Thousands rally across the US to defend science funding
BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM On March 7th, thousands of researchers and advocates took to the streets across the United States to protest cuts to scientific funding imposed by the Trump administration. Organized under the banner of “Stand Up for Science,” these rallies drew diverse Read More...
From ocean icon to world’s largest artificial reef: the final voyage of the SS United States
BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM The SS United States, once a gleaming symbol of American engineering might, is charting a new course beneath the waves. The 1,000-foot ocean liner, which shattered transatlantic speed records on its maiden voyage in 1952, has left its long-time berth on Read More...
Sussex University to launch UK's first climate justice degree
BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM The University of Sussex announced the launch of the UK's first undergraduate degree in climate justice, sustainability, and development. Starting in 2026, this pioneering BA program is designed to prepare students for the growing demand for expertise in Read More...
Nations agree to fund nature in a breakthrough for biodiversity
BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM In a rare display of unity amid global tensions, nations reached a landmark agreement to fund nature conservation. On February 27, after days of intense negotiations, the UN talks in Rome concluded with a plan to raise and deliver billions of dollars to Read More...
Safeguarding Africa's future: 100,000 seeds deposited in Svalbard Vault
BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM Over 100,000 seeds from 177 species across Africa were recently deposited in the Svalbard Global Seed Vault in Norway. Often called the "Doomsday Vault," this repository is designed to safeguard the world’s crop diversity in the event of global crises. Read More...
North America’s largest solar project set to power lives of thousands
BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM An incredible renewable energy project is taking shape in Medicine Hat, Alberta, as North America’s largest urban solar power park moves closer to reality. The Saamis solar project, a 325-megawatt (MW) photovoltaic development, is set to transform an old Read More...
Water lentils: the sustainable superfood making its way to European tables
BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM Water lentils, a protein-packed and environmentally friendly plant, have officially been approved as a vegetable in Europe, offering a promising contribution to the protein transition and global food security. However, for this tiny but mighty plant to make a Read More...