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.
Colorful, elusive chameleon rediscovered in Madagascar after 100 years
Scientists nowadays are more meticulous than ever when it comes to documenting the animal species that roam our Earth, but even then, we’re constantly being surprised by new discoveries from scientists out in the wild. Such was the case in Madagascar recently when scientists found an elusive Read More...
3D printed tree hollows to serve as homes to Australia’s displaced wildlife
After wildfires ravaged the Australian bush this year and last, a great variety of birds and other small animals were suddenly left without a home as the tree hollows they relied on for habitat were no longer there. Deploying traditional wooden nesting boxes is one way to provide new homes for the Read More...
Data shows the carbon uptake of China’s forests has been underestimated
China is the world’s biggest source of human-produced carbon dioxide, responsible for nearly 28 percent of global emissions. Recently, the government announced its intention to reach carbon neutrality by 2060, and to peak those emissions before 2030. Although the specifics of how the country Read More...
Living Coral Biobank to protect Great Barrier Reef for generations to come
Yesterday we shared a story about a newly discovered coral reef that stretches as high as the Empire State Building. Now, a new coral conservation center is aiming to protect this structure and all types of coral in the Great Barrier Reef. Drawn up by Contreras Earl Architecture, the world's Read More...
Indigenous Seri people release record number of sea turtles in Mexico
Whether it be hawksbill sea turtles in Brazil and the Philippines, or leatherback turtles on the beaches of Florida and Thailand, sea turtle populations around the world have been thriving during the coronavirus pandemic as humans stay away from the beach. Today, we’re glad to report another Read More...
Could this plant-based material replace single-use plastic packaging?
While it’s important that everyday people do their part to avoid single-use plastics, what we really need is for major companies to find green alternatives to the plastic packaging that is currently being used to package goods. Only then do we have a fighting chance against the scourge of Read More...
Stripe customers can now donate directly to carbon capture projects
If we want to spare the Earth of runaway climate change, we must not only dramatically cut down on emissions, but also remove greenhouse gasses that already exist within our atmosphere. And while carbon capture technologies could play a big role in this, many of these technologies have yet to be Read More...
This self-driving ferry in Norway can be hailed with the push of a button
Water transportation is voyaging into the future after a Norwegian company announced it will launch a zero-emission ferry next year that is fully autonomous. Operating in a similar fashion to an elevator, passengers will be able to call the ferry to their location by simply pressing a button. The Read More...
This startup produces rocket fuel using captured carbon
The fuel needed to launch a rocket into space creates a whole lot of emissions. In fact, each SpaceX launch is estimated to emit 715 tons of CO2, which is roughly as much as 10 cross-country flights on a 747. As spaceflights become more common, there is a need for a more sustainable source of fuel. Read More...
Japanese businesses launch digestible packaging to save local wild deers
After a number of wild deers in Japan’s ancient capital of Nara died last year as a result of eating plastic waste discarded by tourists, concerned local companies quickly stepped in to help protect the iconic animals. In a joint effort, several local businesses partnered up to develop bags that Read More...