Today’s Solutions: September 21, 2024

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.

Brazilian flag shines above the golden sunset city skyline at Sugarloaf Pao de Acucar Mountain in Rio de Janeiro Brazil

In a world-first Brazil rules that Paris Agreement is a Human Rights treaty

The Paris Agreement is an international treaty on climate change adopted by 196 Parties at COP21. The overarching goal is to limit global warming to below two degrees Celsius, and ideally keep it only to 1.5 degrees Celsius.  In a world-first, the supreme court of Brazil has declared that the Read More...

Ukrainian refugees participate in the European public protest over the Russian military invasion Turin Italy March 12 2022

Ukrainian refugees in Italy find safety in mafia-seized properties

In the small town of Rescaldina, Italy, Ukrainian refugees fleeing the Russian invasion are finding a safe haven in unexpected dwellings: the homes of Italy’s ‘Ndrangheta, one of the most powerful Mafia-type organizations in the nation. According to the town’s mayor, Gilles Andrè Ielo, Read More...

Group of people holding hand together in the park.

These postcards stand up for people with disabilities' rights

It seems it would be simple to respect and protect others' basic human rights, however, there are many situations where a lack of education breaks these vital liberties. This is why postcards covering five rights protected by the Human Rights Act are currently being circulated through England, Read More...

Plastic waste

New California law greatly curbs plastic waste

We have written a lot about plastic alternatives you can use and consumer-focused options for reducing plastic waste. Indeed, this is often the focus of efforts to reduce plastic waste. Not enough pressure is put on manufacturers to reduce how much plastic they produce.  A new California law, Read More...

Single-use plastic

India bans single-use plastics

India experiences worse-than-average plastic pollution with single-use plastic water bottles and containers finding their way into streets and important waterways.  To rein in this pollution, the Indian government announced from the capital of New Delhi on Friday that it will be imposing a ban Read More...

Prison

This program seeks to end homelessness and incarceration

We decided to dust off this important solution from not long ago.  Several factors can lead to homelessness: a lack of affordable housing, high costs of living, and even, sadly, mental illness. Another factor that contributes to homelessness, which is often overlooked, is Read More...

4 things that keep Canadian tr

4 things that keep Canadian traffic fatalities lower than the US

While traffic-related fatalities increased in the United States by 19 percent between 2010 and 2020, Canadian rates declined by about the same amount in that time. Many consider Canada culturally very similar to the US, but when it comes to traffic safety, they have more European attitudes. Here Read More...

Drone show

Lake Tahoe town opts for environmentally friendly drone show this 4th

While it is a stunning tradition to launch fireworks every 4th of July for America’s Independence Day, we can’t deny it’s a bit of a risk these days. Climate-change-fueled drought in regions like the American west incurs the risk of wildfires with this tradition.  One town in the Read More...

Uvalde, TexasUnited States - June 5, 2022: Texans visit the memorial at Robb elementary school dedicated to the victims of the May shooting in Uvalde, Texas.

5 ways to reduce school shootings

School shootings are a problem that really shouldn’t be a problem. That said, the grim reality is that they happen far too often, especially in the United States. In the wake of a string of deadly and gruesome mass shootings, psychology professor Paul Boxer revisits his research on how to prevent Read More...

California Legislature

After Roe V. Wade, California legislature and citizens jump to help fellow Americans

We decided to revamp this important story with an important update.  With the overturning of Roe V. Wade, California is considering a host of reforms to ready itself for the influx of women from other states seeking legal and safe abortions. California’s legislature, care providers, and even Read More...