Global Development
In an increasingly globalized world, international development efforts aim to improve living conditions, equity, and human rights around the world. Our global development section tracks this globalization and reports on specific equitable and sustainable development initiatives.
The Optimist View: "Our Moment of Choice" - Reflections on hope for the future
“A conscious business is a mission with a business, not a business with a mission.” - Steve Farrell, in Our Moment of Choice BY ARIELLE TIANGCO As I reflect on the unexpected events of this past year, I am confronted with a strange mix of emotions. Trepidation clashes with gratitude. Read More...
Alex Trebek’s wardrobe donated to professional development nonprofit
Late “Jeopardy!” host Alex Trebek collected quite the extensive wardrobe in his more than 35 years hosting the game show. After his passing last year, his family has decided to donate a significant portion of his wardrobe to The Doe Fund to help those in need get back on their feet. The Read More...
The ozone hole is on track to close within 50 years
The Montreal Protocol banned the use of trichlorofluoromethane (CFC-11) in 1987 after CFCs were linked to ozone depletion. New atmospheric data shows that the protocol has been effective and the hole in the ozone is on schedule to close within the next 50 years. Researchers were concerned Read More...
This New Yorker built a new vaccine appointment website with less than $50
When New York City began distributing Covid-19 vaccines, senior residents eagerly started trying to make appointments to receive one. Unfortunately, the registration websites were glitchy and confusing, especially for older citizens with limited tech skills. Even Huge Ma, a 31-year-old software Read More...
One Bicycle Foundation empowers students with just two wheels
Sebouh Bazikian started Bikes 4 Orphans when he was just 16 years old. Despite still being in high school, he partnered successfully with Serving Orphans Worldwide to provide bicycles to youth in Zimbabwe for transportation and improved quality of life. Now, nearly 10 years later, Bazikian is Read More...
Thought Leader Series: Agnes Kalibata on science and the future of farming
Agnes Kalibata is a Rwandan-born agricultural scientist and policymaker. She was recently appointed as UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ special envoy for the 2021 Food Systems Summit, which calls for tangible action on how we produce food to address the limitations of our food system in Read More...
This startup has a simple plan to de-risk small-scale African farming
African agriculture, especially small farms, have not had it easy over the past few years. Droughts, pests, floods, and local conflict have exacerbated challenges for many food producers. This is why insurtech startup Pula is working to provide small farmers with insurance to help manage the Read More...
Planting more trees linked to lower rates of depression in urban areas
We frequently discuss the link between nature and mental health on The Optimist Daily. Another study has emerged solidifying this positive relationship. A study from a team of European researchers has found that more trees planted in a city correlates with fewer antidepressant Read More...
NOAHs: Charlotte has a formula for long-lasting affordable housing
We recently shared how empty retail space could be the solution to California’s affordable housing crisis. Across the country in North Carolina, the city of Charlotte is taking another innovative approach to housing security. Investors have recently established a $58 million fund to purchase Read More...
Do you have unused frequent flier miles? Here's where to donate them
If you’re looking for more ways to give back this year, your frequent flier miles could be a surprisingly good place to start. If your miles are piling up without this year’s usual travel, you can donate them to someone in need with just the click of a button. Here are some of the ways to put Read More...