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.
Boosting urban plant diversity: A strategy for increasing insect species in cities
Plant diversity is being used more and more in urban landscaping because of its revolutionary potential to restore urban ecosystems and increase insect populations. A recent study led by Dr. Luis Mata of the University of Melbourne demonstrates the extraordinary potential of increasing native Read More...
Ecuadorians take a stand and vote to save the heart of the Amazon from oil drilling
Ecuadorians made history by voting to prohibit the development of new oil wells in the Yasuní national park, in a resounding display of environmental consciousness and civic engagement. This amazing verdict not only protects one of the world's most biodiverse places but also establishes a global Read More...
UK achieves record numbers of heat pump and solar panel installations in the first half of 2023
The United Kingdom pressed ahead with its renewable energy objectives, recording an astonishing spike in solar panel and heat pump installations during the first half of 2023 in a resounding display of environmental dedication. This tremendous achievement not only demonstrates the country's Read More...
A youth-led environmental victory creates a paradigm shift in Montana's legal landscape
A group of youth environmental activists scored a landmark legal victory in Montana, marking a critical step forward in the ongoing battle against climate change. This judicial win has sparked debate on constitutional rights, environmental responsibility, and the possibility of legal routes to Read More...
From plastic waste to sustainable soap! An up-cycling innovation for a cleaner planet
Plastics and soaps may appear to be worlds apart, yet they share a molecular resemblance that could revolutionize the future of recycling. Virginia Tech researchers are at the vanguard of this creative discovery, having pioneered a method to upcycle plastics into valuable surfactants—key Read More...
What are green roofs and should you consider one? The history and benefits of green roofs
Green roofs, a millennia-old notion, have grown from ancient customs into modern marvels of sustainable construction. These living roofs, which combine plants and shelter, have a rich history that inspires architectural creativity even now. Green roofs at the roots: from ancient practices to Read More...
The electric bus fleet of Modesto City Schools is igniting a greener future in education
With the introduction of 30 brand-new electric buses in this Northern California school district, Modesto City Schools is embarking on a groundbreaking road toward sustainability. This bold step represents a watershed point in the district's commitment to establishing a greener, more Read More...
Innovative nanomaterial inspired by butterfly wings offers colorful cooling solution
In a society plagued by increasing temperatures and concerns about the environment, biomimicry offers a game-changing solution to keeping cool. Scientists from Shenzhen University and Shanghai Jiao Tong University were inspired by the beautiful patterns found on butterfly wings and peacock feathers Read More...
Empowering women in the electrical industry— A labor and wage gap solution
The demand for trained electricians has reached critical levels as the United States strives to shift away from fossil fuels and toward sustainable energy alternatives. Unfortunately, the electrical industry is still mainly male, with women accounting for a mere two percent of all electricians. Read More...
What is eco-grazing? Ancient horses and bison battle Spain and Portugal's wildfires
The Iberian Peninsula experienced a tremendous collaboration of old breeds, the Garrano horse and the European bison, working together to combat the risk of wildfires that threaten the region in a revolutionary experiment. By clearing scrubland and vegetation that serves as fuel for wildfires, Read More...