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.
How switching out timber for hemp can revamp sustainable low-carbon construction
In the search for sustainable building materials, hemp appears as a strong candidate, providing numerous environmental benefits. Similar to timber, hemp is a biogenic material, cultivated from plants. What distinguishes hemp is its amazing growth rate, which can reach up to four meters in four Read More...
Recycling lightbulbs for a greener world and a brighter future
Recycling lightbulbs is more than just an environmentally sound choice; it is an essential step toward a cleaner, greener planet. Learn how to recycle various types of lightbulbs and why it is so important for our environment and future generations. How to recycle lightbulbs: a guide for Read More...
The mysterious intelligence of butterflies
In the vast field of cognitive science, insects are frequently pushed to the periphery, judged to be too tiny and seemingly simplistic to possess significant intelligence. However, new research undermines this view, shedding light on butterflies' amazing cognitive capacities. The University of Read More...
Solutions are brewing! Recycled beer yeast surprising solution for water pollution
Breweries are well-known for producing wonderful beer, but what if their waste could also be used to combat water pollution? Recent MIT research reveals an innovative way in which recycled beer yeast can help remove hazardous lead from water, providing a sustainable and cost-effective Read More...
Volcanic ash may be a game changer in sustainable solar energy storage solutions
When calamity hits and volcanic ash blankets the land, it is commonly perceived negatively, for many obvious reasons. However, novel research from the University of Barcelona demonstrates that this seemingly gloomy substance has enormous promise as an energy storage medium, providing a Read More...
Scientists use machine learning to begin understanding complex orangutan communication
Tropical field and behavioral ecologist Wendy Erb explores the world of orangutans in Borneo's lush, emerald tropical peatland woods. Her mission? To comprehend the language of these amazing creatures, particularly how male Bornean orangutans (Pongo pygmaeus wurmbii) communicate— a quest fraught Read More...
Boosting solar power: reflectors under panels increase efficiency
Researchers at the University of Ottawa, in partnership with the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), announced a ground-breaking innovation to improve solar panel efficiency. By incorporating reflective surfaces beneath solar panels, the researchers increased energy output by an impressive Read More...
Scientists document the secret language of sperm whales
Sperm whales, the majestic titans of the ocean, have long captivated researchers with their complex vocalizations. Recent research revealed a stunning discovery: these marine creatures have a sophisticated communication system, similar to a "phonetic alphabet." Cracking the code: an in-depth Read More...
Mackerel and snapper recover as overfishing reaches all-time low
The most recent statistics from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) provide promising news for marine conservationists and seafood fans alike: the number of fish species on the US government's overfishing list has reached a new low, indicating the health of American Read More...
The rise of renewable energy: a tipping point in global electricity sources
Renewable energy surpassed 30 percent of the global electricity supply for the first time, marking a milestone in the planet's energy shift. This spike in clean electricity, mostly from wind and solar power, represents a watershed point in the move to sustainable energy options. The ongoing Read More...