Oceans
From tackling marine plastic pollution to coral reef restoration, learn about humanity’s latest efforts to protect ocean habitats and marine wildlife.
Sustainability shifts that will define 2026
BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM Sustainability is no longer a distant future goal; it’s a present-day responsibility. As we move into 2026, environmental consciousness is increasingly shaping policy, business, and personal decision-making. Whether it’s shifting how we consume goods or Read More...
The Ocean Cleanup removed a record 25 million kilos of plastic in 2025 (and they’re just getting started)
BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM In a world where the scale of plastic pollution can feel overwhelming, 2025 brought a milestone worth celebrating: The Ocean Cleanup, a Dutch nonprofit dedicated to removing plastic from marine environments, pulled more than 25 million kilograms of waste from Read More...
EU to reinstate Bay of Biscay fishing ban in 2026 after dolphin deaths decline
BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM Each winter, the Bay of Biscay sadly becomes a hotspot for tragedy and loss for dolphins. These highly intelligent marine mammals migrate into the region just as fishing activity intensifies, creating a dangerously deadly overlap. For years, hundreds of Read More...
Global agreement boosts protection for 70 endangered shark and ray species
BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM In a major triumph for marine conservation, more than 185 countries agreed to bolster protections for 70 species of endangered sharks and rays. The announcement came during the 20th conference of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Read More...
Norway hits pause on deep-sea mining until 2029 amid growing environmental pressure
BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM Norway has hit the brakes on its controversial plans to mine the deep ocean floor, announcing it will not issue any deep-sea mining licenses until at least 2029. The decision, confirmed in early December 2025, marks a significant shift in momentum for the Read More...
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...
California leads the charge: why banning polystyrene foam is a game-changer
BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM Politics may often feel gridlocked, but this year we witnessed powerful examples of what’s possible when courage meets action. In our Best of 2025 Politics roundup, we’re featuring policies and leaders that pushed for equity, justice, and real-world Read More...
Australia says goodbye to plastic soy sauce fish in world-first ban
BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM Politics may often feel gridlocked, but this year we witnessed powerful examples of what’s possible when courage meets action. In our Best of 2025 Politics roundup, we’re featuring policies and leaders that pushed for equity, justice, and real-world Read More...
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...
Decades of protection pay off as endangered whales make a rare comeback in Canada
BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM In a year marked by rapid change, scientific progress gave us reasons to wonder, dream, and keep pushing forward. For our Best of 2025 Science roundup, we’re celebrating the breakthroughs that didn’t just advance human knowledge; they sparked possibility, Read More...