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.
Arizona's new Chief Heat Officer to address and manage soaring temperatures
In reaction to the searing temperatures and the warmest year on record, Arizona's Department of Health Services named Dr. Eugene Livar its Chief Heat Officer. Dr. Livar, a physician and former assistant director for public health preparation, offers important experience to the position, having Read More...
The European Parliament passes incredible bill that criminalizes ecosystem destruction
In a historic act, the European Union has criminalized serious incidents of environmental degradation, setting a global precedent. This innovative law, dubbed "comparable to ecocide," seeks to address ecosystem degradation, illicit logging, and habitat loss through enhanced penalties and prison Read More...
The surprising benefits of 'awe walks' for your health and well-being
In a world full of wonders, explore the unexpected joy and well-being that awe walks may provide. Let us begin on an exploratory journey inspired by the findings of Virginia Sturm, Ph.D. and associate professor of neurology and psychiatry and behavioral sciences at the University of California, Read More...
Bangladesh court takes a stand against elephant cruelty, banning wild adoptions
On February 25, a Bangladeshi court made a landmark decision prohibiting the adoption of wild elephants. Animal rights organizations have welcomed this judgment as a "landmark" step toward ending cruelty to Asian elephants. Suspending licenses: a necessary step Rights organizations celebrate the Read More...
The Dominican Republic reforests a fifth of the country in just 10 years
In the heart of the Dominican Republic, the dramatic story of land reclamation unfolds. Carlos Rodríguez, a diligent farmer, thinks about the once barren acres he managed for decades. Today, the hill is ornamented with cedars, Creole pines, and cypresses, demonstrating the effectiveness of Yaque Read More...
Kenyan artists transform discarded flip-flops into vibrant sculptures
On the shores of Kenya, where waves weave tales of the sea, a remarkable story unfolds—a story of resilience and creativity. This is the journey of Ocean Sole, a company that doesn't just clean beaches; it turns beach trash into vibrant, soulful sculptures that bring life and joy to local Read More...
This interesting fern converts dead leaves into roots for survival
In the deep canopy of Panama's Quebrada Chorro forest, an unusual survival strategy has been discovered in a tree fern called Cyathea rojasiana. In a world where adaptation is the key to survival, this fern takes an unconventional approach by transforming its deceased fronds into a lifeline. A Read More...
Do mysterious Baird's Beaked whales share culture?—a dive into marine life ‘traditions'
In the frigid, dark waters near the Commander Islands, where the Pacific Ocean meets the Bering Sea, marine scientists have been attracted by a strange phenomenon. Baird's beaked whales (Berardius bairdii), known for their elusiveness in the deep sea, have been discovered frolicking in shallow Read More...
England's biodiversity revolution—a radical approach to sustainable development
England is introducing a biodiversity credit scheme in a historic move that will transform the construction scene. This week marks the debut of the Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) program, a bold endeavor to push new development projects to benefit, not hurt, the natural environment. The Biodiversity Read More...
Plastic-eating power of “Superworms’” inspires super waste management solution
In a pioneering study, scientists from Nanyang Technological University, Singapore (NTU Singapore), investigated the potential of the Zophobas atratus worm, also known as the superworm, to combat the global plastic pollution epidemic. Aside from serving as nutritious bug appetizers, these darkling Read More...