Today’s Solutions: December 13, 2024

Transportation

From autonomous EVs to electric planes, from hydrogen trains to biofuel transportation, check out the most recent developments on how we’re moving transportation towards a more sustainable future in the good news section below.

Human hand is holding Electric Car Charging connect to Electric car

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...

Traffic in downtown Chicago with people, train, car and bus

US reveals the “Blueprint”: a plan to entirely decarbonize transportation

The United States Departments of Energy, Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and the Environmental Protection Agency have produced a much-needed Blueprint for decarbonizing the entire US transportation system. It is hoped that the policy will reduce all greenhouse gas emissions from the Read More...

Astronaut looks to Earth from Moon

NASA Artemis I makes triumphant return from the moon

NASA's new multibillion-dollar spacecraft returned from the moon this past weekend, bringing the agency closer to returning astronauts to the moon by 2025. The Artemis program completed phase one when the Orion capsule splashed down in the Pacific Ocean off Baja California at 9:40 in the Read More...

Smart phone with the Domino's Pizza logo is an American fast food restaurant company.

The Domino effect: pizza place splurges on electric delivery fleet

Domino's Pizza is investing in a fleet of 800 electric Chevrolet Bolts painted in Domino's livery to supplement its understaffed driving crew. As the world's largest pizza company, Domino's investment in EVs represents a particularly high-profile adoption of electric transportation by the fast Read More...

Black 3d car on road, highway. Daylight. Very fast driving. 3d rendering.

Detroit’s two new EV-charging roads will let drivers power up on the go

Last year, The Optimist Daily wrote an article about how the state government in Indiana was testing roads that could charge EV vehicles while they were being driven. Now, it seems this technology is leaping forward in Detroit. Inductive charging technology is being connected to two short Read More...

Solar panels on the parking lot near a supermarket on a sunny day in Avignon, Provence, France. Electricity and shade for cars at the same time.

France mandates that all large parking lots be outfitted with solar panels

Last week, the French Senate passed legislation mandating the installation of solar panels on all new and current parking lots with room for at least 80 vehicles— an enormous boost for solar power. Doubling solar and wind energy The new provisions are part of French President Emmanuel Macron's Read More...

Aircraft landing to airport runway at dusk with huge flock of birds dangerously crossing its path.

The RobotFalcon, an innovative solution to bird and aircraft collisions

One of the unfortunate side effects of air travel is increasing collisions between birds and aircraft. These incidents, which are known as bird strikes, kill thousands of birds each year and can also cause damage to aircraft, cause flight delays, and even cancellations. This costs the Read More...

close up of paint spray gun, worker painting a car white

The world’s whitest paint may soon make travel even cooler

The world's whitest paint, which has the ability to reflect about 98% of incoming sunlight, was created last year by Purdue University engineers using their knowledge of materials science. This paint has significant promise for improving building energy efficiency by reducing the need for air Read More...

 Air Canada baggage weighing with check in counter in the background.

Canada’s largest airline purchases electric aircraft

Conventional fuel for transport (air travel, in particular) is one of the most significant contributors to CO2, making the electrification of travel high on the list of priorities in terms of fighting climate change. Air Canada, Canada’s largest airline, demonstrated its commitment to this goal Read More...

Animal Crossing traffic sign on a dirt road in the rain forest. Osa Peninsula, Costa Rica

Wildlife researchers scour Costa Rica’s highways to help reduce roadkill

Costa Rica is a jewel of a country, and one of the most biodiverse places on the planet. Residing in its mountains, jungles, and beaches are approximately half a million animal and plant species.  Although Costa Rica is a leader in conservation, it also has the highest density of roads in Read More...