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.
Largest heat pump in existence will soon warm 30,000 homes in Finland
BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM Helsinki, Finland's capital, is on track to finish building the world's largest air-to-water heat pump, which will heat 30,000 households while drastically lowering carbon emissions. This gigantic heat pump, which will create 200 GWh of electricity each year, Read More...
California's first national marine sanctuary in 30 years to protect 116 miles of coastline
BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM The proposal for the Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary marks a big step in protecting California's coastline. This sanctuary, which spans more than 116 miles of the state's central coast, will become the third largest of its kind in the United Read More...
How the nation's largest electric school bus fleet will also power the grid
BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM In Oakland, California, a trailblazing initiative is changing the face of renewable transportation and energy. At a former industrial site in East Oakland, 74 electric school buses serve as a symbol of the future, in which buses not only cut harmful emissions Read More...
Clean energy investment doubles that of fossil fuels, helped by US rural electrification efforts
BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM Global investment in clean energy is expected to hit new highs in 2024, nearly double the amount spent on fossil fuels. Despite economic constraints and greater financing costs, the clean energy sector is benefiting from improved supply chains and lower costs Read More...
US National Parks get a historic $100 million boost
BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM The U.S. National Park system recently received a dramatic boost with the announcement of a $100 million commitment from Lilly Endowment Inc., the largest single donation in the National Park Foundation's history. The National Park Foundation, the National Read More...
University students transform workouts into power with energy-generating gym equipment
BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM Imagine getting on the treadmill and knowing that every stride you take burns calories and helps keep the lights on. At Brown University, this is exactly what is happening. The Nelson Fitness Center has transformed exercise into a green energy initiative, Read More...
Texas blends clean energy and sustainable farming with the help of 6,000 sheep
BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM As the United States accelerates its shift to renewable energy, Texas is pioneering an unusual approach that combines solar power generation and sustainable agriculture. This method, known as agrivoltaics, combines solar panels with agricultural practices to Read More...
How integrated environmental projects balance nature conservation and people's well-being
BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM Reforestation and forest protection are more important than ever before as a result of climate change and the dwindling biodiversity of our planet. However, these initiatives must consider the livelihoods of communities that reside in or near these essential Read More...
Sea lion film crew helps with ocean floor mapping and species conservation
BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM In an unusual blend of biology and technology, researchers are working with sea lions to explore undiscovered ocean territory. Scientists can now gain unique insights into the seafloor by outfitting these marine creatures with cameras, opening up new Read More...
Is your home at risk for natural disasters? Here's what to do if it is
BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM Extreme weather events are becoming more commonplace thanks to climate change. For homeowners and for those on the market, considering a home’s potential vulnerability to natural disasters is becoming a top priority. Proximity to work and good schools, or Read More...