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.
Zero-carbon emitting trains to run on UK’s rail network as soon as 2022
The UK wants to introduce hydrogen-fueled trains on its rail network as soon as 2022, under ambitious efforts to find green alternatives to existing polluting diesel engines. In addition to using clean energy, the hydrogen-fueled trains can run on existing tracks without the need for expensive Read More...
Coal plants are closing, despite Trump’s efforts
Coal is on a downward swing despite President Donald Trump’s best efforts to frame himself as a champion of the industry. According to data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration, more coal power plants closed during Trump’s first two years in the White House than in Obama’s entire Read More...
Jair Bolsonaro can be stopped from trashing the Amazon – here's how
The inauguration of Brazil's new president, Jair Bolsonaro, has triggered fears that rates of deforestation in the Amazon will increase. There are indeed good reasons for concern about Bolsonaro's administration. But several factors, both domestic and transnational, could constrain its ability to Read More...
FloWater manages to raise $15 million to take down single-use plastic bottles
FloWater, the company which aims to eradicate single-use plastic bottles altogether, has raised $15 million to help achieve its aim. The firm has introduced reusable water bottle refilling stations to numerous schools, colleges, fitness centers, hotels and offices, and aims to set out to address Read More...
The second-best time to plant a tree is now
A hairy, naked male and a hairy, naked female crouch over the body of an antelope they’ve just killed. They’re looking up with fear and fight in their faces as a huge bird of prey swoops down to try to steal their kill. A jackal lurks in the background, biding its time. It’s a frozen moment Read More...
Reverse vending machines prove effective in encouraging recycling
Reverse vending machines that exchange plastic bottles for money are proving to be incredibly effective in encouraging Britons to recycle. The machines, introduced last year at five UK sites, reward consumers with a voucher worth 10p for every deposit of a bottle purchased at the shops. Since the Read More...
China is bringing back to life the coral reefs it damaged in the South China Sea
China has engaged in the revival of the coral reefs it damaged in the South China Sea after the country’s disputed island building in the region. Facilities to protect and recover coral were installed on the three biggest of China’s seven artificial islands, and operations began at the start of Read More...
2019 could see great results in terms of environmental action
While 2018 has been a year bedeviled by extreme weather due to climate change, scientists have also put serious efforts into raising global awareness of the dire consequences that may follow if things are left unchanged. Following the UN report on climate change and the climate conference in Read More...
South Korea bans single-use plastic bags from major supermarkets
South Korea is joining a growing list of countries attempting to halt the use of disposable plastic shopping Read More...
2019 could see great results in regards to environmental action
While 2018 has been a year bedeviled by extreme weather due to climate change, scientists have also put serious efforts into raising global awareness of the dire consequences that may follow if things are left unchanged. Following the UN report on climate change and the climate conference in Read More...