Politics
Having a difficult time finding positive news about national and global politics? Search no further! From public policy to positive leadership to democracy efforts, find the latest good news stories in the world of politics at The Optimist Daily.
A historic win for animal rights: Spain passes law against domestic animal abuse
Earlier this month, Spanish legislators unanimously approved a bill to improve the welfare of animals. The bill was accompanied by a modification of the penal code that will result in harsher punishments for anyone who abuses animals. Ione Belarra, Minister of Social Rights and Leader of the Read More...
New report indicates that extreme poverty might be eradicated by 2050
A recent economic estimate predicts that the end of extreme poverty could be reached by 2050, thanks to economic growth in low-income countries. According to a Center for Global Development (CGD) assessment, even though the Covid epidemic reversed some progress in eradicating extreme poverty Read More...
Historic global agreement protects international waters
For the first time ever, 193 nations have reached a conservation agreement on the High Seas Treaty, which intends to designate 30 percent of international waterways as protected areas by 2030. This pact is essential for the achievement of the Global Biodiversity Framework and represents a milestone Read More...
Laguna Beach bans balloons to protect marine environment
Last week, Laguna Beach, California — known for its surfers, waves, and rolling hills – caused a stir for its tight prohibition on the sale and use of balloons. The motion was passed by the municipal council last week, citing the risk of wildfires and the fact that balloons are a major source Read More...
Seattle becomes first US city to outlaw caste discrimination
Following a decision by the city council, Seattle has become the first city in the United States to outlaw caste discrimination. Councilwoman Kshama Sawant, who drafted the law, said the struggle against caste bias "is deeply connected to the fight against all forms of oppression". Proponents Read More...
EU bans new gas or diesel vehicle production by the year 2035
The European Parliament adopted a ban on the sale of new fossil-fueled cars and light vehicles by 2035 earlier this month. Following in the footsteps of California and New York, among other U.S. states, the European Union will now be one of the major car markets to compel a move to electric Read More...
Australia draws up plans for marine reserve the size of Germany
The Australian government intends to designate a marine reserve in the Southern Ocean the size of Germany, bolstering protections for millions of penguins and seals near Macquarie Island. Tanya Plibersek, the environment minister, stated that the government intends to increase the extent of the Read More...
Hawaii is the first US state to finally ban shark fishing
On June 8th, in honor of World Oceans Day, Hawaiian Governor David Ige signed nine measures into law, including one that will safeguard sharks and other marine life. Act 51 (House Bill 533) came into effect early last month. According to the new legislation, it is now against the law to Read More...
Deforestation declines in Brazilian Amazon the first month of Lula’s rule
The rate of deforestation in Brazil's Amazon rainforest decreased in January compared to the same month a year ago, satellite data revealed on Friday, marking the first monthly figures under President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. According to preliminary satellite data acquired by the Read More...
The EU commits to its own “green deal”
The European Union will invest more than $270 billion in its own "green deal" in order to keep up with the United States and China. The growing green economy Many observers interpreted the move as a direct response to the Biden administration's hefty round of green subsidies, which were included Read More...