Sustainable Urban Development
With cities expected to host about 70 percent of the world's population, sustainable urban development is key to making communities worldwide more resilient against the growing threat of climate change. Find out about the latest urban practices from across the world aiming to make our cities more sustainable and inclusive in these good-news stories from The Optimist Daily.
The case for growing nectar-rich plants in your garden this spring
BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM The nectar created by flowering plants is a significant food source for many of the critters we share our environment with. Those of us who want to attract wildlife to our gardens understand the importance of having flowering plants in bloom for as long as Read More...
How London’s ultra-low emission zone is successfully cleaning up the air
BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM London's expanded Ultra-Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) is delivering remarkable results in the battle against air pollution. According to a new report reviewed by independent air quality experts, the initiative has significantly reduced nitrogen dioxide, fine Read More...
North America’s largest solar project set to power lives of thousands
BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM An incredible renewable energy project is taking shape in Medicine Hat, Alberta, as North America’s largest urban solar power park moves closer to reality. The Saamis solar project, a 325-megawatt (MW) photovoltaic development, is set to transform an old Read More...
Water lentils: the sustainable superfood making its way to European tables
BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM Water lentils, a protein-packed and environmentally friendly plant, have officially been approved as a vegetable in Europe, offering a promising contribution to the protein transition and global food security. However, for this tiny but mighty plant to make a Read More...
Germany's small town bet: can deep geothermal energy power the future?
BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM Fifteen years ago, the German town of Geretsried had high hopes for geothermal energy. However, when traditional drilling methods failed to reach enough hot water, the town was left with natural gas as its primary heating source. A new wave of geothermal Read More...
New York launches interactive Tree Tracker to monitor 25 million tree goal
BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM New York is ramping up efforts to combat climate change and expand green spaces with a bold initiative to plant 25 million trees by 2033. To keep the public engaged and informed, Governor Kathy Hochul has introduced the Tree Tracker, an interactive online Read More...
Is water the simple solution to making future solar cells recyclable?
BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM Solar energy is rapidly rising, with panel prices dropping and global adoption increasing by around 24 percent annually over the past decade. The industry is projected to triple in size by 2028, thanks in part to the growing use of perovskite solar cells—a Read More...
England’s largest bird sanctuary expands as a haven for wildlife and rewilding
BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM In a major victory for conservation and rewilding, RSPB Geltsdale in the north Pennines has grown by a third, making it the largest bird sanctuary in England. Covering over 5,500 hectares (13,590 acres) of blanket bog, heath, meadows, and woodland, the Read More...
America’s first car-free neighborhood is proving walkability works
BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM In a country where the car is king, a bold car-free community in Arizona is challenging the status quo. Culdesac Tempe, a $200 million, 17-acre development, is designed to prioritize walkability, public transit, and community connection. Since its debut in Read More...
SF State leads the way as the first major university to require climate justice course
BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM San Francisco State University is setting a historic precedent by becoming the first major public university in the U.S. to require all students to take a climate justice course before graduating. Beginning as early as fall 2026, this initiative ensures that Read More...