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.
Colombia bans bullfighting, a historic step for animal rights
BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM Colombia's President Gustavo Petro signed legislation prohibiting bullfighting, marking a historic step forward for animal rights. Animal rights advocates are celebrating the decision, which marks a shift in cultural attitudes. The practice will be phased Read More...
South Africa enacts historic climate change act
BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM South Africa enacted its first Climate Change Act, a comprehensive law that aims to tackle climate change by limiting greenhouse gas emissions and mandating municipal adaptation plans. The act seeks to connect South Africa's climate efforts with its Read More...
Ecuador's historic court ruling grants Quito's Machángara river the right to not be polluted
BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM On July 7th, an Ecuadorian court ruled that pollution violates the rights of the Machángara River, which flows through the country's capital, Quito. This decision, hailed as "historic" by environmental campaigners, highlights Ecuador's progressive approach Read More...
Colombia's battle against deforestation achieves remarkable results
BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM Colombia's deforestation rate dropped to its lowest level in 23 years, marking a significant milestone in the country's environmental conservation efforts. According to Colombia's environment ministry, forest loss decreased by 36 percent in 2023, from 1,235 Read More...
The United Kingdom just elected its most diverse Parliament ever
BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM Britain has elected its most diverse parliament in history, signaling a substantial shift in representation as Prime Minister Keir Starmer enters office after a landslide victory. This election ended 14 years of Conservative rule and introduced unprecedented Read More...
Namibia High Court lifts ban on gay sex, a win for human rights
BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM Namibia's high court has overturned a statute that criminalized gay intercourse, a huge victory for LGBTQ+ campaigners. This ruling is a watershed moment in the quest for equal rights throughout Africa, where progress has been uneven in recent years. A Read More...
Denmark to pioneer CO2 tax on farms in a global first
BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM Denmark, a major pork and dairy exporter, is slated to become the first country to impose a carbon dioxide tax on livestock emissions beginning in 2030. This daring step intends to dramatically cut the agricultural sector's carbon footprint while also Read More...
Pedestrian deaths show first drop since pandemic, report reveals
THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM After reaching a 40-year peak in 2022, pedestrian fatalities in the United States have finally fallen. According to a survey released Wednesday by the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA), the incidence of pedestrian fatalities will decrease by 5.4 Read More...
Air pollution down 40%: a look at a pedestrianized Paris
BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM Paris will seem very different from how it did ten years ago when the Summer Olympics roll around this summer. Since 2014, Mayor Anne Hidalgo has led a substantial makeover in Paris aimed at reducing vehicle dependence and encouraging greener urban living. Read More...
Shasta Tribe finally reclaims ancestral lands long buried by Klamath River Reservoir
BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM In a historic effort, the Shasta Indian Nation stands to regain nearly 2,800 acres of ancestral grounds buried by the Copco I dam on the Klamath River. This important return coincides with California Governor Gavin Newsom's apology to the state's tribes, Read More...