Today’s Solutions: February 23, 2026

Environment

Need some good news about the environment? The Optimist Daily is your go-to herald of positive environmental news, highlighting eco-friendly solutions and scientific progress around climate action, circularity, conservation, and more. Learn about everything eco in our Environment section.

Thousands rally across the US

Thousands rally across the US to defend science funding

BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM On March 7th, thousands of researchers and advocates took to the streets across the United States to protest cuts to scientific funding imposed by the Trump administration. Organized under the banner of “Stand Up for Science,” these rallies drew diverse Read More...

From ocean icon to world’s l

From ocean icon to world’s largest artificial reef: the final voyage of the SS United States

BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM The SS United States, once a gleaming symbol of American engineering might, is charting a new course beneath the waves. The 1,000-foot ocean liner, which shattered transatlantic speed records on its maiden voyage in 1952, has left its long-time berth on Read More...

Sussex University to launch UK

Sussex University to launch UK's first climate justice degree

BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM The University of Sussex announced the launch of the UK's first undergraduate degree in climate justice, sustainability, and development. Starting in 2026, this pioneering BA program is designed to prepare students for the growing demand for expertise in Read More...

Nations agree to fund nature i

Nations agree to fund nature in a breakthrough for biodiversity

BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM In a rare display of unity amid global tensions, nations reached a landmark agreement to fund nature conservation. On February 27, after days of intense negotiations, the UN talks in Rome concluded with a plan to raise and deliver billions of dollars to Read More...

Safeguarding Africa’s fu

Safeguarding Africa's future: 100,000 seeds deposited in Svalbard Vault

BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM Over 100,000 seeds from 177 species across Africa were recently deposited in the Svalbard Global Seed Vault in Norway. Often called the "Doomsday Vault," this repository is designed to safeguard the world’s crop diversity in the event of global crises. Read More...

North America’s largest sola

North America’s largest solar project set to power lives of thousands

BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM An incredible renewable energy project is taking shape in Medicine Hat, Alberta, as North America’s largest urban solar power park moves closer to reality. The Saamis solar project, a 325-megawatt (MW) photovoltaic development, is set to transform an old Read More...

Water lentils: the sustainable

Water lentils: the sustainable superfood making its way to European tables

BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM Water lentils, a protein-packed and environmentally friendly plant, have officially been approved as a vegetable in Europe, offering a promising contribution to the protein transition and global food security. However, for this tiny but mighty plant to make a Read More...

How reducing metal pollution b

How reducing metal pollution boosts biodiversity in English waterways

BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM It stands to reason—when pollution decreases, ecosystems have a chance to recover. Now, scientific research has confirmed this link, showing that reductions in metal contamination in English rivers have led to a notable increase in biodiversity, Read More...

Germany’s small town bet

Germany's small town bet: can deep geothermal energy power the future?

BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM Fifteen years ago, the German town of Geretsried had high hopes for geothermal energy. However, when traditional drilling methods failed to reach enough hot water, the town was left with natural gas as its primary heating source. A new wave of geothermal Read More...

New York launches interactive

New York launches interactive Tree Tracker to monitor 25 million tree goal

BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM New York is ramping up efforts to combat climate change and expand green spaces with a bold initiative to plant 25 million trees by 2033. To keep the public engaged and informed, Governor Kathy Hochul has introduced the Tree Tracker, an interactive online Read More...