The inspiring story behind Peter Tabichi, the world’s best teacher of 2019
We could all learn a thing or two about generosity from Peter Tabichi, a math and physics teacher at a secondary in a remote part of Kenya’s Rift Valley. Tabichi gives away 80 percent of his income to help the poorest students at the poorly-equipped and overcrowded school who could otherwise not Read More...
Meet the fired Kentucky coal miners who are picking up a new trade
Like the top story in today’s edition of the Optimist Daily already points out, coal is losing in the battle to remain a relevant energy source as renewables such as wind and solar have become cheaper. Still, while it’s good news for the planet that we’re lessening our dependence on coal Read More...
New study finds solar or wind energy is cheaper than coal in most of America
According to a major new study, the clock is running out for coal energy. Around three-quarters of US coal production is now more expensive than solar and wind energy in providing electricity to American households. The study’s authors used public financial filings and data from the Energy Read More...
Gut health is vital to your well being. Here's how to give it a boost
In recent years, scientists have discovered that the microbiome—informally known as the gut—is key to helping our bodies maintain homeostasis and overall well-being. But what exactly is the microbiome and why is it important? The microbiome is the makeup of bacteria and other microorganisms in Read More...
Green groups expand protection over one of the most biodiverse places on Earth
Magdalena Valley, a low land rainforest in Central Colombia and one of the most biodiverse places on Earth, is home to some of the world’s rarest animal species that are under serious threat because of intense deforestation and illicit farming in the area. Luckily, after years of negotiations, Read More...
How diversifying the foods we will eat is a must if we want to spare the planet
Why would a wildlife conservation organization be involved in a campaign to push people to diversify their diets? As it turns out, the way we humans eat is very much linked to preserving wildlife — and many other issues. This was the topic at a recent conference in Paris where the World Wildlife Read More...
Federal judge halts drilling in large swath of Wyoming, citing climate change
The fossil fuel industry took a blow last week when a federal judge ordered a halt to oil and gas exploration on almost 500 square miles in Wyoming, stating that the US government must account for its cumulative effect on global climate change. The order marks the latest in a string of court Read More...
Cement is a huge polluter. Here’s how the industry is tackling the problem
While cement is incredibly versatile, the relatively cheap building material comes with a huge downside: it’s a massive greenhouse gas emitter. In fact, it’s responsible for about 8 percent of the world’s carbon dioxide emissions. If the cement industry were a country, it would be the Read More...
Shell rebrands purchased UK energy utility and makes it 100 percent green
While there are plenty of reasons not to love energy giant Shell, they are taking major steps towards implementing more renewable energy. An example of which takes place in the UK where more than 700,000 homes in Britain are now enjoying 100 percent renewable energy thanks to Shell. The move Read More...
Monsanto’s cancer-causing herbicide is being banned in cities across America
Los Angeles didn’t wait a moment to act when a second jury in a matter of months declared that the active ingredient in Monsanto’s Roundup, glysophate, causes cancer. Following the case, the county of Los Angeles banned any further use of the toxic weedkiller by all county departments. Read More...