Today’s Solutions: January 18, 2026

Social Justice

Read about the newest efforts to overthrow systemic inequalities and address injustices in terms of wealth, opportunities, and privileges to make the world a better place.

Investing in planetary health

Investing in planetary health could unlock $20 trillion a year by 2070, says UN report

BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM A sweeping new report from the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) lays out an ambitious, but achievable, economic transformation: investing in the health of the planet could generate at least $20 trillion in annual benefits by 2070. Released during Read More...

Economic growth without emissi

Economic growth without emissions? More countries are proving it’s possible

BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM For decades, climate action skeptics have waved a tired argument: you can’t grow the economy and cut carbon emissions at the same time. But a new report suggests that narrative may be heading for retirement. In fact, a global shift is well underway, and Read More...

Why Icelanders are getting hap

Why Icelanders are getting happier every year – and what we can learn from them

BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM Our Best of 2025 Education stories reflect a growing global commitment to reimagining how we learn, teach, and grow. These five highlights explore new models, inspiring individuals, and bold ideas that bring equity and creativity into classrooms and beyond. In Read More...

Michael Bloomberg steps up to

Michael Bloomberg steps up to fund UN climate body after U.S. withdrawal

BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM Today in our Best of 2025 series, we’re highlighting business stories that prove doing good and doing well are not mutually exclusive. From ethical entrepreneurship to bold climate pivots, these are the innovations and ideas reshaping the economy for a more Read More...

The rise of ethical social med

The rise of ethical social media: can open-source alternatives challenge the tech giants?

BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM Today in our Best of 2025 series, we’re highlighting business stories that prove doing good and doing well are not mutually exclusive. From ethical entrepreneurship to bold climate pivots, these are the innovations and ideas reshaping the economy for a more Read More...

Tokyo’s four day workweek is

Tokyo’s four day workweek is a radical step to address Japan’s fertility crisis

BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM Today in our Best of 2025 series, we’re highlighting business stories that prove doing good and doing well are not mutually exclusive. From ethical entrepreneurship to bold climate pivots, these are the innovations and ideas reshaping the economy for a more Read More...

Will your clothes need a passp

Will your clothes need a passport? EU targets fashion’s greenwashing with new rules

BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM The global fashion industry is gearing up for a new level of transparency. One that might soon be sewn into the very labels of your clothes. By 2027, garments entering the European Union could be required to carry digital product passports (DPPs), offering Read More...

More US states and cities are

More US states and cities are boosting minimum wages in 2026. What does it mean for workers?

BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM As the federal minimum wage remains frozen at $7.25 an hour, unchanged since 2009, cities and states across the United States are taking matters into their own hands. In 2026, 88 jurisdictions will raise their minimum wage rates, offering millions of workers Read More...

Southern Sierra Miwuk Nation r

Southern Sierra Miwuk Nation regains ancestral lands near Yosemite in major cultural restoration

BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM Nearly 900 acres of ancestral territory have been officially returned to the Southern Sierra Miwuk Nation, marking a major milestone in Indigenous land restoration efforts in California. The property, which borders Yosemite National Park and the Sierra Read More...

Australia’s bold move to ban

Australia’s bold move to ban kids under 16 from social media sparks important global debate

BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM Starting this week, on December 10th, Australia will become the first country to ban all children under 16 from having social media accounts. This is meant to be a sweeping law that covers TikTok, Snapchat, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, Threads, and other Read More...