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.
Birth of critically endangered black rhino caught on camera at UK zoo
The population of the critically endangered eastern black rhino has just gotten bigger, thanks to the birth of a healthy calf at Chester Zoo in the UK. Following 15 months of pregnancy, the celebratory event was caught on the zoo’s security camera which shows the young calf suckling from her Read More...
This is how facades and pavements can be used to generate clean energy
Most countries in Europe have pledged to make a sustainability goal of an energy-neutral environment by mid-centruy. And while there’s no doubt that solar rooftops will play a key role in achieving that goal, a number of projects in Europe are proving that pavements and building facades too can Read More...
A new tool for bear conservation in Canada: facial recognition
When it comes to conservation, tracking specific animals usually involves collars or tags, but when software developers Ed Miller and Mary Nguyen saw the fast growth of AI for human facial recognition, they thought, “why can’t this be used for conservation efforts too?” This idea, combined Read More...
This recycling breakthrough brings EV batteries closer to circularity
In a recent Optimist View, we discussed how battery recycling must become an integral part of the electric vehicle transition. Most lithium batteries rely on heavy metal extraction which takes its own toll on the environment. Lithium iron phosphate batteries are cheaper to produce and have a longer Read More...
Incredibly remote island creates world’s fourth largest marine sanctuary
In the South Atlantic Ocean lies one of the most remote islands in the world, Tristan da Cunha. The incredibly isolated British territory is partially famous because the recorded population of 245 people is thought to have all descended from just fifteen outside ancestors who arrived on the island Read More...
Sustainable fashion: This waterproof outerwear is made from fishing nets
As public consciousness around the ecological footprint of the fashion industry grows, it has been good to see an increasing number of brands shifting their practices towards sustainability. Italian high-end clothing manufacturer Marta Scarampi has long been ahead of the curve when it comes to Read More...
Barcelona will give 21 downtown streets back to pedestrians and cyclists
If you’re curious to see what urban planning that focuses on people rather than cars looks like, Barcelona is the right city to look at. A year ago, the Spanish city introduced its “Superblocks” project, which transforms nine-block grids of the city into areas that prioritize pedestrians and Read More...
Katharine, the massive great white shark, reappears after 18-month hiatus
Recently, we brought you good news from the West Coast as marine biologists reported a record number of white sharks swimming in southern California’s waters. This time around, we’re bringing you good news from the East Coast after a beloved great white shark by the name of Katharine resurfaced Read More...
This compostable container will biodegrade in your backyard in just 60 days
During the pandemic, supporting your local restaurants often means ordering takeout, but what about all the plastic waste that comes with disposable containers? Fortunately, soon you may not have to choose between supporting restaurants and supporting the planet with a new fully biodegradable Read More...
UK to ban products sourced from illegally logged areas
Whether you know it or not, your shopping habits can inadvertently play a role in environmental crimes such as illegal logging. In a quest to stop metaphorically “importing” the problem of deforestation, the government of the UK has passed new laws that should help prevent consumers from buying Read More...