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.
Scientists develop life-saving scream-detecting drones
The use of drones in urgent situations is becoming more popular as the technology gets increasingly refined. Now, a team of researchers has developed a system that could fly over disaster areas and help pinpoint the sounds of people who are screaming for help. While the need for such an Read More...
This organization helps athletes advocate for climate change
Professional athletes have a large platform and significant reach and are known to use the spotlight to take a stand on social justice issues, but tend to be reluctant to speak about climate change. Lewis Blaustein founded EcoAthletes to address this and to give athletes space where they can learn Read More...
Colorado confirms first litter of gray wolf pups in 80 years
We recently shared a story about the exciting birth of 12 critically endangered red wolf pups at the North Carolina Zoo. Now, we’re happy to bring you more good news regarding wolf conservation in the US — Colorado has just recorded the birth of the first litter of gray wolf pups in more than Read More...
This artificial island will protect Copenhagen from sea level rise
Like hundreds of other coastal cities across the world, Copenhagen is vulnerable to climate change-induced sea-level rise that is significantly increasing the city’s risk of flooding during storms. In a bid to protect its capital, the Danish government is now preparing plans for a huge project: Read More...
New "bee vaccine" can help pollinators become immune to pesticides
Without pollinators, our food security and survival as a species would be seriously at risk. But even with this knowledge, humans continue to perpetuate practices that endanger bees and other pollinators, one of the biggest being the growing use of pesticides in agriculture. Pesticides in large Read More...
First Tasmanian devils born in mainland Australia in 3,000 years
Last year, we shared a story about the exciting return of the Tasmanian devil to mainland Australia after an absence of more than 3,000 years. Now, we’re happy to announce that the first new baby devils have been born in the refuge, bringing new hope about the fate of this endangered species. In Read More...
Study: Electricity-eating bacteria could help fight climate change
From spreading crushed rocks in forests and farmlands to constructing green buildings with materials that suck carbon up out of the atmosphere, scientists are hard at work developing innovative solutions that reduce our greenhouse gas emissions. More recently, a team of scientists from Washington Read More...
Israel makes history as first country in the world to ban the sale of fur
Israel is set to become the first country in the entire world to ban the sale of fur fashion. The new legislation will come into effect in six months — a historic decision for animal rights and protection. The environmental protection minister of Israel, Gila Gamliel, issued a statement once Read More...
Citizen scientists step up to track cicada rising
Citizen science has been booming during the pandemic as curious adventurers seek out new ways to get involved in their local natural environment. As billions of cicadas rise up after their 17-year slumber, teams of citizen scientists are taking on the task of mapping their path and prevalence Read More...
South Korea to plant 3 billion trees to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050
In recent years, scientists have increasingly highlighted the key role that reforestation can play in fighting climate change. This has given rise to numerous initiatives around the world that have made it their goal to reduce CO2 emissions in the atmosphere by planting trees. Among these is the Read More...