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.
The case for taxing big fossil fuel firms: a solution for funding climate resilience
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...
USDA implements new school meal standards to reduce added sugars
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced significant changes to school meal laws, including the first time added sugars will be banned on the nation's school menus. The new standards also aim to reduce sodium consumption as part of a larger push to improve the nutritional 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...
Mongolia signs historic climate finance deal to protect grasslands
Mongolia's government and a coalition of partners signed a pioneering nature financing deal, marking a watershed moment in environmental protection. This historic agreement seeks to protect 35.6 million acres of the country's pristine lands and rivers, including the world's last vast swath of 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...
Thailand advances LGBTQIA+ rights
Thailand is on the verge of making history by becoming the first Southeast Asian nation to officially recognize non-heterosexual unions and the second Asian country after Taiwan. With overwhelming support, the draft amendment known as the Marriage Equality Bill is gaining traction, indicating a Read More...
Canada's landmark move toward free contraception
On Saturday, March 30th, in a historic step toward improving women's health, Canada unveiled a breakthrough effort to provide free contraception to all women of reproductive age. During a press conference in Toronto, Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland emphasized the government's commitment to Read More...
Tennessee's ELVIS Act: A pioneering legislation protects artists from AI misuse
Tennessee made history late last month by signing the Ensuring Likeness Voice and Image Security Act (ELVIS Act), which was the first piece of legislation specially designed to protect artists from unlawful AI mimicry. Governor Bill Lee lauded the historic event, underscoring Tennessee's dedication Read More...
Restoring Indigenous stewardship: Yurok Tribe to co-manage National Park lands
As the Yurok Tribe makes great progress towards regaining its ancient lands, the reverberations of history may be heard in the towering redwoods of northern California. After centuries of dispossession, the Yurok people have reached an extraordinary agreement with the Redwood National and State Read More...
Rowing against the current: Botswana’s women safari guides inspire and empower
In the calm of Botswana's Okavango Delta, where the morning sun creates a golden glow on the water's surface, an amazing metamorphosis is occurring. Women are taking the lead in changing an industry that was formerly thought of as a man's domain: guiding tourists through beautiful waterways. The Read More...