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.
Sweden fights consumerism by offering tax breaks for people repairing used goods
This is a brilliant initiative. Tax is an effective instrument to change behavior. What if it becomes cheaper to repair something than to buy something new? That’s what Sweden plans to achieve with a new law that halves the tax paid on repairs and increases taxes on unrepairable items. The new Read More...
Island nations' leading role in renewable energy
In November, government representatives all across the world meet again to implement the Paris Agreement on climate change. The centre of contention will now shift from political jockeying between nations, to the energy war between renewables and fossil fuel. While last year's COP21 was full of Read More...
Germany presents the world’s first clean, zero-emission hydrogen-powered train
Many countries still operate noisy, dirty, stinky diesel engine trains. However, the renewable energy future for trains is bright as well. This week Germany presented the first CO2-emission-free train powered by hydrogen. The “hydrail” will start operating next year. German states have so far Read More...
To fight methane emissions California law enables authorities to regulate cow farts
California has approved a law to reduce greenhouse-gas emissions, especially methane, from dairy farms and landfills. One of the main methane culprits is manure. Per the bill, dairy farmers have to cut methane emissions to 40 percent below 2013 levels by 2030. Under a cap-and-trade plan, farmers Read More...
Canada to set price on carbon to curb climate change
When it comes to climate action, Canada is among the worst rich countries in reducing carbon emissions. That may soon change though thanks to new legislation that will impose a minimum price on carbon emissions. The move will push the nation’s 10 provinces into properly regulating climate Read More...
Judge orders temporary block on Dakota pipeline construction after Native American protests
Last week, news programs were filled with awful images of law enforcement authorities clashing with Native Americans in North Dakota after construction crews destroyed sacred burial and cultural sites on private land in order to complete the construction of a four-state, $3.8 billion oil pipeline. Read More...
France says 'au revoir' to plastic cups, plates and other plastic utensils
What’s the fastest way to get people to stop using plastic cups, plates and cutlery? How about banning them? That’s what’s happening in France after the government passed a new law that will ensure that all plastic cups, plates, and cutlery must be made of biologically-sourced materials that Read More...
The top 20 most sustainable cities (not one is in the U.S.)
The most sustainable cities have shorter commutes, more bike lanes, and more neighborhood farmers’ markets. The Amsterdam-based engineering and consulting company Arcadis did, for the second year in a row, a survey that covers 100 cities around the globe. Zurich in Switzerland leads the list Read More...
Romania is teaming up with Greenpeace to keep its forests untouched
In a race to save one of the last untouched forests in Europe, the Romanian government has teamed up with Greenpeace and other environmental NGOs to create a database that will ensure the federal protection status. The database will create clear boundaries to keep loggers from working illegally, Read More...
Londoners overwhelmingly back Sadiq Khan’s air pollution crackdown
Londoners are backing Sadiq Khan’s plans to crack down on air pollution in the capital, with more than 70 per cent of residents supporting plans to bring forward measures to restrict polluting vehicles in the city, according to the results of the Mayor’s air quality consultation. Some Read More...