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.
Ecuador's high court rules in favor of nature, saving Los Cedros cloud forest
Earlier this month, Ecuador’s highest court passed a landmark ruling in favor of the protected cloud forest in the northwest of the country, Los Cedros. Enami EP, Ecuador’s national mining company, held rights for mining concessions that involved areas in two-thirds of the reserve, however, Read More...
Album comprised of endangered bird calls tops Australian music charts
There’s a surprising new album that was released in Australia that’s taken over top hits like Abba, Mariah Carey, and Michael Bublé within its first week, landing the No. 5 position on the music charts. So, what makes this release so alluring? The album, called Songs of Disappearance, is Read More...
Study: Secondary forest sites are remarkably resilient
Rainforest destruction is happening at an alarming rate around the world, but new research indicates that once these clear cut lands are abandoned, tropical forests can re-establish themselves remarkably quickly. Researchers from Wageningen University and Research in the Netherlands analyzed 77 Read More...
First IVF corals successfully spawn on Great Barrier Reef
The Great Barrier Reef Foundation (GBRF) has an exciting announcement: The first generation of IVF coral babies have officially reproduced on a degraded reef. As described by GBRF, coral IVF uses modern technology to breed and distribute corals so they have the highest chance of survival. “Our Read More...
New York Harbor introduces 11.2 million oysters
Looking for more sustainable ways to protect waterways and protect themselves from climate risks, more communities are turning to the humble oyster to strengthen their coastlines. Seaside cities throughout California use oysters to dampen storm surges and purify water, and now, New York City is Read More...
Coral reefs are disappearing, but lab-grown coral may help them survive
The Florida Reef Tract is the third-largest reef in the world… and it’s steadily disappearing due to coral bleaching and climate change. To address this dire situation, scientists have been working tirelessly to figure out how to grow coral in a lab-induced setting which can then be used to Read More...
FEMA will begin screening for potential discrimination in disaster aid denial
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has a patchy history. Well known for denying assistance to low-income communities, FEMA appears to be cleaning up its act with a new plan to track who is applying for FEMA aid and, more importantly, who is being turned down. Nearly half of all FEMA Read More...
Barcelona’s bus fleet will soon run on biofuel made from sewage sludge
In recent years, Barcelona has made headlines with a number of successful urban planning initiatives. One of the most famous ones is the superblock — a car-free zone that prioritizes pedestrians and cyclists by diverting traffic to major roads outside the city center. Greener Read More...
5 Surprising places you might find your climate mentor
Navigating your way into climate activism isn’t always easy. Having good examples to look up to, inspire you, and teach you as you start or continue your climate action journey is a huge asset, but they're not always easy to find. Luckily, a mentor in the traditional sense of the word isn’t Read More...
Italy’s generous subsidies are driving a wave of green home upgrades
Homes account for 11.5 percent of Italy’s greenhouse gas emissions, but fortunately, the country’s green “superbonus” scheme is encouraging record numbers of residents to make sustainable upgrades to their homes and businesses. Under the program, the Italian government will pay an Read More...