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.
Boosting solar power: reflectors under panels increase efficiencyÂ
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...
The rise of renewable energy: a tipping point in global electricity sourcesÂ
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...
The case for taxing big fossil fuel firms: a solution for funding climate resilienceÂ
A fresh report argues that imposing a tax on fossil fuel firms operating in the wealthiest countries may dramatically boost climate finance, delivering much-needed assistance to countries dealing with the effects of the climate catastrophe. The plan, presented in the Climate Damages Tax study, Read More...
Are we entering the era of airborne protein? Introducing a global revolution in food production
Finland has become the focus of a revolutionary shift in food production with the opening of the world's first large-scale factory for producing protein from air and renewable energy. This pioneering project by Solar Foods represents a paradigm change in sustainable nutrition solutions, as the firm Read More...
The power of "solar balconies": Germany's solar revolution reaches more than just roofs
In Germany's busiest cities, a quiet shift is taking place on apartment balconies. While rooftop solar has long been seen as a key component of renewable energy, a new player has emerged: the solar balcony. With over 400,000 plug-in solar systems on balconies around the country, this unique Read More...
Making windows bird-friendly: a crash course on protecting our feathered friends
In 1990, Michael Mesure was on the way to a wildlife rehabilitation center. Among his passengers was a common yellowthroat, a colorful warbler that had collided with a window. Mesure's heart fell as he saw the tiny bird struggle for survival. Despite the pain, an unexpected moment of beauty Read More...
EU parliament passes sweeping measures to combat the growing problem of packaging waste
In a historic attempt to address the growing problem of packaging waste, the European Parliament has approved a comprehensive set of legislation aimed at reducing environmental damage and supporting sustainable practices. The Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR), which includes binding Read More...
How the Sounds Right project brings harmony to environmental protection and musicÂ
In the realm of music, inspiration can strike from the most unexpected sources. From the soft rustle of leaves to the grand roar of a waterfall, nature's symphony has long served as the backdrop for many melodies. Take the hit "Blackbird" by The Beatles—halfway through the track the sweet sound Read More...
Attention lazy gardeners! Why doing less can boost butterfly populations in your garden
A recent scientific study published in the journal Science of the Total Environment demonstrates that a small change in lawn maintenance habits can have a significant impact on butterfly populations, providing hope for conservation efforts and helpful information for gardeners who want to help Read More...
The EPA implements solutions for forever chemical cleanup
In a remarkable step toward environmental protection, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) took decisive steps last Friday to address the dangers of two forever chemicals, PFOA and PFOS. By designating these compounds as hazardous under the Superfund law, the EPA hopes to speed up cleanup Read More...