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.
Ecuador extends rights of nature to coastal ecosystems
BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM Ecuador once again made history in environmental protection by granting legal rights to its coastal marine ecosystems. The Constitutional Court’s recent decision ensures that marine environments are entitled to “integral respect for their existence and Read More...
Solar shines brighter than coal in the EU
BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM For the first time in history, solar power has overtaken coal in the European Union’s electricity mix. In 2024, solar energy generated 11 percent of the EU’s electricity, while coal, the dirtiest fossil fuel, fell below 10 percent. This milestone, Read More...
Frost-fighting apples: Michigan’s native tree may hold the key to climate resilience
BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM In the forests of Michigan, a small, bitter apple may hold the secret to protecting one of the world’s most beloved fruits. The Malus coronaria, commonly known as the sweet crabapple, blooms weeks later than popular commercial varieties like Honeycrisp or Read More...
Michael Bloomberg steps up to fund UN climate body after U.S. withdrawal
BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM When the United States announced last week the plans to withdraw the country from the Paris Agreement and cut international climate funding the ripple effects were felt across the globe. One of the biggest casualties was the United Nations Framework Read More...
British Sign Language expands to include climate change vocabulary
BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM In the fight against the climate crisis, the words we use matter—and so does ensuring everyone can participate in the conversation. For the British deaf community, discussing critical topics like greenhouse gases and carbon emissions has been a challenge Read More...
Massachusetts bans wild animals in circuses in a win for animal welfare
BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM Massachusetts officially joined the ranks of states that prioritize animal welfare over outdated entertainment practices. As of January 1, the state has banned the use of wild animals—such as elephants, tigers, lions, primates, giraffes, and bears—in Read More...
How sheep are powering the solar boom in a win for sustainability and agriculture
BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM On a sprawling solar farm in rural Texas, thousands of sheep are hard at work. Beneath rows of glinting panels, the animals nibble through lush pastures, turning vegetation management into an eco-friendly endeavor. At SB Energy’s 4,000-acre solar project in Read More...
Architects embrace trees to bring nature in and redefine home design
BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM Biophilic design—the practice of integrating nature into architecture—is no longer confined to houseplants and scenic views. Architects and designers worldwide are turning to trees as a central element of their projects, blending sustainability with Read More...
Oslo’s quiet revolution: how electric construction sites are changing the game
BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM Imagine walking past a bustling construction site and hearing… almost nothing. In Oslo, that’s becoming the new normal. The city’s ambitious mandate to eliminate fossil fuels from municipal building projects has ushered in a quieter, cleaner era for Read More...
DIY toothpaste: a simple, eco-friendly guide to sparkling teeth
BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM Are you tired of reaching for the same old toothpaste tube every morning? Making your own toothpaste not only allows you to ditch the artificial ingredients but also lets you customize your dental care while saving money and reducing waste. It’s a small Read More...