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.
A snowy owl has been spotted in Central Park for the first time since 1890
Snowy owls reside in the Arctic for most of the year, but they migrate south in the winter in search of milder climates and more abundant food. These owls are usually sighted in upstate New York, but this year, for the first time since 1890, one has been spotted in New York City’s Central Read More...
Boeing wants all its planes to fly on sustainable fuels by 2030
Aviation giant Boeing announced this week that it wants to have all its aircraft to fly on sustainable fuels by 2030. For safety reasons, the aviation industry regulations currently dictate planes can only use up to a 50/50 blend of conventional jet and sustainable fuels, but Boeing has said it Read More...
US Government commits to transitioning all federal vehicles to EV models
As part of a broader federal campaign to promote the transition to green energy and create 1 million new jobs in the auto industry and corresponding supply chains, the US federal government has announced plans to transition all government vehicles to all-electric models. Announced earlier this Read More...
This new coalition aims to decarbonize the heavy industry
As an increasing number of industries are making ambitious climate commitments in line with the Paris Agreement, some companies have it easier than others to achieve those goals. While tech companies like Google can simply switch to renewables to significantly cut their carbon footprint, this is Read More...
The Gulf of Mexico is home to another newly-discovered species of whale
We recently shared how a new species of blue whale was discovered in the Indian Ocean. In fact, there have been over 500 new animal discovered in the past year alone. Another whale species is joining this list after researchers discovered a previously unknown species of whale in the Gulf of Read More...
This training program in Europe is teaching tour guides about rewilding
Wildlife tourism across Europe is getting a sustainable boost thanks to a training program that’s teaching tour guides about rewilding while creating economic opportunities in the process. Run by not-for-profit organization Rewilding Europe, the training focuses on returning nature to a wilder Read More...
Hydraloop: This system lets you recycle water in your own home
Imagine how much water and energy we could save if we recycled all the wastewater that goes down our sinks and shower drains right in our own homes? In a bid to make such a scenario a reality, startup Hydraloop has engineered a simple water recycling system that can be used in any building or home, Read More...
Sounds and smells in the French countryside are now protected by law
From the crowing of roosters to the distinctive barnyard whiff, France’s countryside sounds and smells are now officially protected by law. The European country has recently passed a bill that protects the “sensory heritage” of its rural areas. The move came following an increasing number of Read More...
This AI system reads user reviews to improve EV charging access
We recently shared a story about the development of an electric car battery that can be charged in just 5 minutes, but the issue of charging station accessibility still makes some drivers nervous about transitioning to an all-electric vehicle. In an effort to improve charging station Read More...
NOAHs: Charlotte has a formula for long-lasting affordable housing
We recently shared how empty retail space could be the solution to California’s affordable housing crisis. Across the country in North Carolina, the city of Charlotte is taking another innovative approach to housing security. Investors have recently established a $58 million fund to purchase Read More...