Sustainable Urban Development
With cities expected to host about 70 percent of the world's population, sustainable urban development is key to making communities worldwide more resilient against the growing threat of climate change. Find out about the latest urban practices from across the world aiming to make our cities more sustainable and inclusive in these good-news stories from The Optimist Daily.
Clean energy investment doubles that of fossil fuels, helped by US rural electrification efforts
BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM Global investment in clean energy is expected to hit new highs in 2024, nearly double the amount spent on fossil fuels. Despite economic constraints and greater financing costs, the clean energy sector is benefiting from improved supply chains and lower costs Read More...
University students transform workouts into power with energy-generating gym equipment
BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM Imagine getting on the treadmill and knowing that every stride you take burns calories and helps keep the lights on. At Brown University, this is exactly what is happening. The Nelson Fitness Center has transformed exercise into a green energy initiative, Read More...
How integrated environmental projects balance nature conservation and people's well-being
BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM Reforestation and forest protection are more important than ever before as a result of climate change and the dwindling biodiversity of our planet. However, these initiatives must consider the livelihoods of communities that reside in or near these essential Read More...
Is your home at risk for natural disasters? Here's what to do if it is
BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM Extreme weather events are becoming more commonplace thanks to climate change. For homeowners and for those on the market, considering a home’s potential vulnerability to natural disasters is becoming a top priority. Proximity to work and good schools, or Read More...
Plastic bag usage on UK beaches plummets thanks to mandatory charges
BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM According to a recent Marine Conservation Society (MCS) report, the number of plastic bags collected on UK beaches has dropped by an incredible 80 percent in the past decade. This large decline coincides with the implementation of required levies for Read More...
Dogs are rewilding the quaint town of Lewes' urban nature reserve
BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM In a joyful and unique attempt to rewild an urban nature reserve in the picturesque town of Lewes, East Sussex, local dogs have been adorned with seed-filled backpacks to simulate the ecological role once served by wolves. This project, coordinated by the 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...
San Francisco launches the world's first fully hydrogen-powered ferry
BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM San Francisco debuted Sea Change, the world's first commercial passenger ferry powered solely by hydrogen fuel cells. From July 19, this 75-seat sailboat provides free trips three days a week between Pier 41 between Fisherman's Wharf and the Ferry Read More...
Namibia's sustainable solution to its housing crisis? Mushroom waste and weedsÂ
BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM Namibia is experiencing a serious housing crisis, with roughly 90 percent of households unable to purchase a home. However, an innovative project, MycoHab, is offering a sustainable and promising solution by converting invasive bush and mushroom waste into Read More...