Oceans
From tackling marine plastic pollution to coral reef restoration, learn about humanity’s latest efforts to protect ocean habitats and marine wildlife.
Changemakers of the week: Coalition for Compassion and Justice and Fish Reef Project
BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM Every day on the Optimist Daily, we report on solutions from around the world. Though we love solutions big and small, it is often the ones right in our communities that make the largest impact. Today we are thrilled to present to you the second round of Read More...
Australia expands its marine parks, protecting more ocean than any other country
BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM Australia is creating ripples in the international environmental community with a bold new commitment to ocean conservation. Tanya Plibersek, Australia's Environment Minister, announced last week the expansion of the Heard Island and McDonald Islands Marine Read More...
Greece's sea turtle nests reach record numbers as conservation efforts pay off
BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM After decades of tireless conservation efforts, the endangered Caretta caretta sea turtle is making a spectacular recovery on Greece's coastlines. This ancient mariner, which has been around for over 100 million years, was nearly extinct due to human activity Read More...
Coral reefs take the heat: IVF coral colonies show resilience amid high temperatures
BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM According to a new study, young corals generated via IVF and put on several Caribbean reefs fared considerably better than older, naturally occurring corals during the region's most recent marine heatwave. The study found that 90 percent of these young Read More...
California's first national marine sanctuary in 30 years to protect 116 miles of coastline
BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM The proposal for the Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary marks a big step in protecting California's coastline. This sanctuary, which spans more than 116 miles of the state's central coast, will become the third largest of its kind in the United Read More...
How integrated environmental projects balance nature conservation and people's well-being
BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM Reforestation and forest protection are more important than ever before as a result of climate change and the dwindling biodiversity of our planet. However, these initiatives must consider the livelihoods of communities that reside in or near these essential Read More...
Sea lion film crew helps with ocean floor mapping and species conservation
BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM In an unusual blend of biology and technology, researchers are working with sea lions to explore undiscovered ocean territory. Scientists can now gain unique insights into the seafloor by outfitting these marine creatures with cameras, opening up new Read More...
G20 nations support Brazil's 'super-rich' tax proposal to fight climate change and poverty
BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM In an unprecedented move, G20 finance ministers agreed to levy a wealth tax on the super-rich. The tax, which may raise over €230 billion ($248.4 billion) per year, is intended to address critical global challenges such as climate change and poverty. A Read More...
Plastic bag usage on UK beaches plummets thanks to mandatory charges
BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM According to a recent Marine Conservation Society (MCS) report, the number of plastic bags collected on UK beaches has dropped by an incredible 80 percent in the past decade. This large decline coincides with the implementation of required levies for Read More...
South Africa enacts historic climate change act
BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM South Africa enacted its first Climate Change Act, a comprehensive law that aims to tackle climate change by limiting greenhouse gas emissions and mandating municipal adaptation plans. The act seeks to connect South Africa's climate efforts with its Read More...