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.
Paris votes to pedestrianize 500 more streets in push for greener city
BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM In a resounding show of support for a greener, more walkable city, Parisians voted to pedestrianize an additional 500 streets across the capital. The March 23 referendum marks another milestone in Paris’s broader campaign to curb car use and improve urban Read More...
UK targets 10 percent pesticide reduction by 2030 to protect pollinators
BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM In a long-awaited move, the UK government has unveiled its first official pesticide reduction target, pledging to cut pesticide use on arable farms by 10 percent by 2030. The plan, aimed at protecting bees and other pollinators, marks a significant shift in Read More...
New ‘no-fishing zones' offer hope for endangered African penguins
BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM After years of debate between conservationists and the fishing industry, South Africa has taken a major step toward protecting the critically endangered African penguin. A new agreement will restrict sardine and anchovy fishing around six major breeding Read More...
Mexico City keeps bullfighting… but without the blood
BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM Mexico City took a significant step toward curbing bullfighting cruelty, voting to replace traditional bullfights with a new, bloodless version of the controversial spectacle. While animal rights activists welcomed the decision, they acknowledge that the Read More...
French lawmakers end a discriminatory voting rule
BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM A long-standing parliamentary tradition in France has come to an end—one that, until now, silently excluded lawmakers with disabilities. Last Wednesday, the French National Assembly voted unanimously to eliminate "sitting and standing" balloting, a voting Read More...
New British bereavement leave rights for miscarriage
BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM British parents are set to gain the right to two weeks of bereavement leave after experiencing a miscarriage, thanks to a significant amendment in Labour’s employment rights bill. The new law, which extends to England, Wales, and Scotland, will cover Read More...
How London’s ultra-low emission zone is successfully cleaning up the air
BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM London's expanded Ultra-Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) is delivering remarkable results in the battle against air pollution. According to a new report reviewed by independent air quality experts, the initiative has significantly reduced nitrogen dioxide, fine Read More...
Thousands rally across the US to defend science funding
BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM On March 7th, thousands of researchers and advocates took to the streets across the United States to protest cuts to scientific funding imposed by the Trump administration. Organized under the banner of “Stand Up for Science,” these rallies drew diverse Read More...
Nations agree to fund nature in a breakthrough for biodiversity
BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM In a rare display of unity amid global tensions, nations reached a landmark agreement to fund nature conservation. On February 27, after days of intense negotiations, the UN talks in Rome concluded with a plan to raise and deliver billions of dollars to Read More...
Right to repair movement gains momentum and reaches all 50 states
BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM A major milestone has just been reached in the fight for the right to repair: all 50 states have now introduced some form of right to repair legislation. With Wisconsin filing its first bill last month, every state in the country has at least acknowledged the Read More...