Episode Description:

In this episode of The Optimist Daily’s Weekly Round-up, Arielle and Karissa dive into the latest solutions-focused stories making a positive impact worldwide. They discuss Michael Bloomberg’s bold move to fund the UNFCCC after U.S. withdrawal, highlighting how private initiatives can drive climate action.

Shifting gears to better sleep, they explore five key nutrition tips that can help you fall asleep faster and wake up refreshed—from prioritizing protein and fiber to timing your water intake wisely.

The Optimist Daily is a project of the World Business Academy.

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Transcript:

Theme music

Arielle

Hello, and welcome to The Optimist Daily’s Weekly Round-up. I’m Arielle.

Karissa

And I’m Karissa. And we’re working hard to put solutions in view and optimism in movement.

Arielle

Hello! We’re back with another episode of The Optimist Daily’s Weekly Round-up to share the solutions from the Optimist Daily this week. How are you doing, Karissa?

Karissa

Doing well—a little in disbelief that it’s the last day of January.

Arielle

Yeah, I know! 2025 seems to be moving so quickly.

Karissa

I’m kind of excited for January to be over because, usually, I don’t really like January. February, though—I do like February because I love Valentine’s Day, and I don’t know, things start to get a little bit brighter, it seems.

Arielle

I’m also looking forward to February—not just because January is my least favorite month, but because it’s my sister’s birthday! I’m going to visit her in Seattle for a week, so we’re actually going to be in the same country for once.

Karissa

Yeah! Same time zone, too.

Arielle

Yeah, I know—that’ll make meeting up a lot easier. But in the meantime, we have a lot of great solutions from the Optimist Daily that we’d love to talk about and share. So, do you mind if I just jump into my solution?

Karissa

Yeah, let’s hear it, Arielle!

Arielle

OK, so today I’m diving into a fascinating story about climate leadership that goes beyond politics and highlights the power of private initiatives. The title of the article I’m going to talk about today is Michael Bloomberg steps up to fund UN climate body after US withdrawal.

Karissa

Oh yeah, the ripple effects of that decision from the United States. So, remind us, Arielle, what led to the funding gap in the first place?

Arielle

OK, that’s a great question. When the new Republican president announced the U.S. withdrawal from the Paris Agreement and cuts to international funding, the UNFCCC, responsible for coordinating global climate action, found itself in a really tough spot. The U.S. had historically contributed about 21% of its core budget, so this left a huge hole.

Karissa

So what exactly does the UNFCCC do, and why is funding so critical for its work?

Arielle

This UN climate body is essentially the engine behind global climate agreements. Think of the 2015 Paris Agreement—without the UNFCCC bringing nearly 200 nations together to negotiate and implement strategies, it wouldn’t have happened. Their work relies on steady funding to keep the wheels turning. For 2024 to 2025, the UNFCCC’s budget is €240 million, and half of that is allocated for this year alone. Without adequate funding, critical climate dialogues and actions face disruption, and that’s exactly what diplomats were warning about.

Karissa

Well, enter Michael Bloomberg.

Arielle

Yes, exactly! Bloomberg Philanthropies has stepped in, committing to cover the U.S.‘s share of the budget. It’s not the first time Bloomberg has stepped up like this. Back in 2017 to 2020, during another period of federal inaction on climate issues, he helped rally cities, states, businesses, and even the public to uphold the United States’ climate commitments.

And we’ve also written a few more articles that mention Michael Bloomberg in the past, including:

• Bloomberg offers $4.5 million for Paris climate deal

• Bloomberg to spend $500 million to close all coal-fired plants in America

• A historic $1 billion gift to Johns Hopkins eliminates tuition for most medical students

So, this is definitely not the first—or the last—time we’ll hear about Michael Bloomberg’s incredible philanthropic deeds.

Karissa

Yeah, Michael Bloomberg has certainly done a lot of great things, and I love to see people with a lot of money using their wealth for good. But it’s not just Bloomberg, right? His philanthropy is also rallying other funders to join in.

Arielle

Yes, that’s right. While Bloomberg Philanthropies doesn’t always name the other contributors, they’ve made it clear that this is a collective effort to ensure the U.S. meets its global climate obligations—even without federal backing.

Karissa

Yeah. And what kind of impact are these contributions having?

Arielle

A huge impact. Last year alone, Bloomberg Philanthropies gave $4.5 million to the UNFCCC, providing a significant boost to its operations. The UN climate chief, Simon Stiell, expressed deep gratitude for Bloomberg’s leadership, calling it instrumental in keeping global climate cooperation on track.

Karissa

Yeah. So it’s not just about plugging a financial hole—it’s about enabling critical work to continue.

Arielle

This funding keeps initiatives moving forward, like preparing for annual climate negotiations and implementing agreements like the Paris Accord.

Karissa

I also heard that this could really inspire others. So, how might Bloomberg’s actions encourage other players to step up?

Arielle

Linda Kalcher from the think tank Strategic Perspectives said Bloomberg’s efforts show how businesses, philanthropies, and subnational entities can fill gaps and drive climate action. It’s really about a multi-stakeholder approach—climate change is way too big for any single sector to tackle alone.

Karissa

It’s such a great reminder that leadership doesn’t always have to come from governments. And that kind of ties into the whole theme of our umbrella organization, the World Business Academy, where we explore the role of business and business leaders in changing our world for the better.

Arielle

Absolutely. In this case, Bloomberg’s intervention sends a strong message: progress doesn’t stop when federal decisions falter. It’s a call to action for businesses, states, and individuals to get involved and contribute wherever they can.

Karissa

So, what’s the big takeaway for our listeners from this news?

Arielle

For me, the big takeaway is that there’s power in stepping up. Whether it’s a billionaire philanthropist funding global climate efforts or communities working to reduce their carbon footprints, every action matters. Leadership can come from unexpected places, and in an era when climate change demands urgent action, it’s inspiring to see people and organizations filling the gaps.

Karissa

Yeah, I love this. I think the news has been really plagued with stories of millionaires and billionaires controlling the government in ways that we don’t like—at least in the United States. But there are also people using their resources to make the world a better place.

Arielle

Yeah, it’s really encouraging. And I figured, you know, we could all use some more encouragement and good news coming from the States, right?

Karissa

Thanks, Michael Bloomberg, for making this huge step, and hopefully, others follow suit.

Arielle

So, what do you have on deck for us, Karissa?

Karissa

I picked this one because it really stood out to me. Lately, I feel like I’ve been having a little trouble sleeping—honestly, the news has been keeping me up and making me a bit anxious. And, you know, that’s what the Optimist Daily is all about—helping ease that anxiety with solutions and focusing on what we can control.

So, my article is called Five nutrition tips to fall asleep faster and sleep soundly. When it comes to better sleep, advice often focuses on bedtime routines and sleep hygiene—like setting your room to the perfect temperature or limiting screen time before bed. And we’ve written about that plenty of times! So, if you want more tips on that, definitely check out our archives.

But did you know that what and when you eat can also have a major impact on your sleep quality?

Arielle

Oh! Well, that makes sense, but I’ve never really thought about it.

Karissa

Yeah! These nutrition tips for improving sleep are easy to incorporate into your routine and can make a significant difference.

Arielle

OK, let’s hear them!

Karissa

So, the first tip from this article is to prioritize protein at dinner. The food you eat closest to bedtime can significantly influence your sleep. Research shows that diets low in protein—less than 16% of daily calories—are associated with poor sleep quality. Surprisingly, this matches the average protein consumption in the U.S., meaning many people are missing the mark.

Arielle

Hmm, that’s another good reason to add more protein to our diets.

Karissa

Exactly! Aim for a minimum of 30 grams of protein per meal, though some people may benefit from 40 to 50 grams. You can do a little more research to tailor your intake to your needs.

Protein slows digestion, which helps stabilize energy levels as you wind down for the night. Just be sure to enjoy your dinner two to three hours before bedtime to avoid discomfort that could disrupt your rest.

Arielle

OK, so… no late-night snacking, I guess?

Karissa

Yeah, that’s kind of a common theme throughout this article, actually.

The second tip is to add fiber to your day. Fiber doesn’t just support gut health—which, as we know, we’ve talked about so many times on the Optimist Daily (we love our gut health over here!)—but it’s also linked to deeper, more restorative sleep.

Unfortunately, 95% of Americans don’t meet the recommended daily intake of 25 to 38 grams, averaging just 16 grams a day.

Fiber plays a key role in calming the body through its impact on the gut-brain axis. According to a 2023 study, fiber metabolism improves the gut barrier, reduces inflammation, and supports serotonin production. Serotonin is the precursor to melatonin—the hormone that regulates sleep—so it’s very important.

Arielle

Yeah, extremely important. And can you remind me—where can we get fiber from?

Karissa

Yeah, foods like fruits—the classic banana is always a good one. Vegetables, beans, and whole grains are excellent fiber sources, so consider adding more of these to your meals. I also like to put a little spoonful of chia seeds in yogurt, oatmeal, or something earlier in the morning.

Arielle

Oh yeah!

Karissa

Alright, moving on to tip #3…

Consider magnesium before bed. Magnesium has earned its reputation as a sleep hero—and for good reason. This essential nutrient supports over 300 processes in the body, including neurotransmitter regulation and muscle relaxation.

For the best results, try magnesium bisglycinate, a highly absorbable form often recommended for sleep. Taking it an hour or two before bed can help you unwind—especially when paired with calming ingredients like jujube seed extract.

Arielle

Yeah, I also remember when there was a magnesium mocktail trend going around not too long ago.

Karissa

It’s a trend that should definitely stick around! People were combining magnesium with delicious juices or other mocktail ingredients as a healthier alternative to an alcoholic nightcap. I think it was called the Sleepy Girl Mocktail, actually.

And that brings us to tip #4—skip the late-night sugar.

If you’re craving a sweet treat before bed, be cautious. Sugary or carb-heavy snacks can spike your blood sugar, giving you an energy burst right when your body needs to wind down. The crash that follows can trigger cortisol—your stress hormone—which should be at its lowest at night.

Arielle

Guilty of wanting—and indulging in—a sweet treat at night!

Karissa

I know—I definitely am too! But instead of reaching for a cookie or candy bar, opt for low-sugar alternatives like a sleep-supporting smoothie, a sleep-friendly mocktail, or a no-sugar chocolate truffle. These choices can satisfy your sweet tooth without interfering with your rest.

Arielle

Noted.

Karissa

Finally, tip #5—and this one surprised me the most: Time your water intake wisely.

While staying hydrated is essential, drinking too much water right before bed can lead to frequent nighttime bathroom trips. These interruptions can diminish your overall sleep quality.

I know I’m guilty of this—when I’m winding down in bed, I just keep chugging my water bottle next to me!

Urologist Vannita Simma-Chiang suggests taking your last sip of water three to four hours before bedtime. That might seem like a long time, but it allows your body to process the liquid before sleep, reducing the likelihood of waking up during the night.

Arielle

I’ll try to stick to that… but I do like to chug water before bed, too.

Karissa

Yeah, exactly!

Anyway, these are the tips in the article, and it really just goes to show that optimizing your sleep isn’t just about perfecting your bedroom setup—what and when you eat plays a crucial role in helping you fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer.

So once again:

• Prioritize protein

• Add more fiber

• Consider magnesium

• Avoid late-night sugar

• Time your water intake

By following these tips, you can set yourself up for more restful nights and energized days!

But all that aside, we also shared some more solutions on the Optimist Daily this week that are pretty optimistic.**

So, Arielle, should we get into what else we shared?

Arielle

Yeah! So, we have an article titled How sheep are powering the solar boom in a win for sustainability and agriculture.

Karissa

Yes!

Arielle

We also have Massachusetts bans wild animals in circuses in a win for animal welfare, British Sign Language expands to include climate change vocabulary—oh, I never even really thought about that! But of course, new words would be needed for the accelerating climate crisis.

And we also have How to disinfect your home after the flu: a step-by-step guide to a germ-free recovery.

Karissa

Nice! We also have The unique beauty of winter hiking: staying safe while savoring the season, Frost-fighting apples: Michigan’s native tree may hold the key to climate resilience, Solar shines brighter than coal in the EU: a major milestone in the energy revolution, and Breaking beer barriers: how Muschicraft is brewing feminism into every pint.

Arielle

If you want to start your day off right, make sure to subscribe to our free daily newsletter to get our solutions straight to your inbox!

Karissa

And we also have more on our social channels. You can find us at @OptimistDaily on all platforms—including Threads, Pinterest, X, and BlueSky. We’re trying to be everywhere, so whatever platform you prefer, if you want to see our solutions, we’re definitely there!

Arielle

We are a small team of optimists working hard to bring you positive news. If you want to support our mission of putting optimism into the world, click on the link in the show notes to find out how!

Karissa

And support doesn’t always have to be financial—even just recommending our podcast to a friend, leaving a positive review on Apple or Spotify, or sharing a solution on your social media would be a big help!

Arielle

Alright, well, as always, it was a pleasure to be here with you, Karissa, sharing the solutions from the Optimist Dailythis week. And I hope all of our listeners and readers enjoy a lovely weekend!

Karissa

We’ll be back next week with more solutions. Until next time!

Arielle

Bye!

Karissa

Bye!