Today’s Solutions: May 17, 2024

Climate Action

What is Climate Action? Climate Action is humanity's efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and enhance our planet's resilience against climate change. From adaptation to mitigation, at The Optimist Daily you will learn about the most recent positive news stories and solutions targeting climate change and other environmental issues.

Young asian woman at solar power station

6 reasons to be optimistic about COP27

This year, the effects of the climate crisis have become even harder to deny – from flooding in Bangladesh and Pakistan to soaring temperatures in the UK – it’s clear that there is a lot on the line as we prepare for another crucial climate conference. From November 6 to 18, Egypt will Read More...

Mobile phone with webpage of 2022 UN Climate Change Conference (COP27) on screen in front of logo. Focus on center of phone display.

Climate justice is intrinsic to COP27’s success. Here’s how to address it

The Conference of the Parties (COP) in Egypt this year is crucial. In Glasgow last year, countries pledged increased climate financing and committed to raising their goals, but in the end, fell short of the 1.5 degree Celsius global warming limit. COP27 is an opportunity to fix that problem Read More...

A purebred Samoyed dog wrapped in a blanket lies on the bed

Tips to keep your heating costs low this winter despite rising prices

This winter, Americans are expected to pay the most for home heating in a decade.  The National Energy Assistance Directors Association estimates that the average U.S. household will pay 17.2 percent more for heating costs—$177 more—than last year, which already saw record-breaking Read More...

Solar panels installed on the roof in South Australia

Australian study reveals a low-cost strategy for recycling solar panels

A new study has proposed a low-cost method of recycling solar panels to help handle the growing volume of retired photovoltaic (PV) cells expected by the end of the decade. A team from the University of New South Wales published a paper last week outlining a process for collecting and extracting Read More...

Wind farm, Wind turbines and curvy road on the hill, Green ecological power energy generation.

For the first time ever, Greece meets energy demands with 100% renewables

The other week, Greece celebrated an exciting milestone! All of the country’s electricity needs were met by renewable energy for the first time, as stated by the country's independent power transmission operator IPTO. Greece’s transition to renewable energy Renewables accounted for 100 Read More...

cheery positive carefree guys ladies having fun dancing in club

Update: Legendary Glasgow club activates its revolutionary BODYHEAT system

Last year, we wrote about the legendary Glasgow club SWG3’s innovative plan to generate energy using dancers’ body heat to heat and cool the club. Well, we have an exciting update for you! According to Energy Live News, the renowned venue SWG3 officially activated the revolutionary system, Read More...

The greater wax moth wax worm Galleria mellonella

Wax worm spit: a promising weapon in the fight against plastic pollution

The saliva of wax worms, the beehive-infesting larvae of wax moths, has incredible power. Apparently, it contains enzymes that quickly degrade plastic bags— an item we all know plagues our planet. The enzymes—the first known to break down polyethylene in a matter of hours at room 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...

Parked cars in a parking lot. One place is free.

Parking reform: a win for housing and climate in California

Assembly Bill 2097, signed into law by California Governor Gavin Newsom on Thursday, eliminates parking mandates for residential and commercial developments located within half a mile of major transit stops. Minimum parking requirements raise housing costs, use up valuable land, and make Read More...

Close Up Danish Flag, Copenhagen

Denmark pledges millions to nations disproportionately affected by climate change

Last week, Denmark made a historic move for climate justice by pledging 100 million Danish crowns ($12.9 million) to developing nations damaged by the climate crisis. This makes it the first United Nations member state to offer “loss and damage” compensation. Denmark joins Scotland and the Read More...