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.
Dominica takes a bold step to protect sperm whales and the environment
In a monumental move for marine conservation, the Caribbean gem, Dominica, is set to establish the world's inaugural marine protected area dedicated to safeguarding the endangered sperm whale. This reserve, which covers approximately 300 square miles of the island's western waterways, is a huge Read More...
Developing public lands for affordable homes
A radical solution is taking root in the magnificent landscapes of the American West, where growing demand for housing collides with huge state-owned trust lands. States are looking for creative ways to repurpose these lands, which were originally earmarked to fund schools and local communities, to Read More...
Unlocking the treasure trove: your guide to second-hand furniture shopping online
Venturing into the world of second-hand furniture is not only a treasure hunt but a sustainable way to furnish your space without breaking the bank. Whether you want to give your findings a modern facelift or keep their vintage charm, online thrift shopping is the way to go. Lindi Vanderschaaf, a Read More...
Meet Filkin's Drift, the band walking 870 Miles to promote environmentally friendly touring
In a world where music has no boundaries, the environmental impact of touring has frequently taken a back seat. But now, two musicians from Birmingham, UK, are upending the music industry by embarking on an 870-mile eco-tour along Wales' gorgeous coast. Meet Seth Bye and Chris Roberts, the Read More...
Kenya introduces a national tree-planting day to combat climate change
In a surprising but welcome move, Kenya's government proclaimed today—Monday, 13 November 2023—a special public holiday to commemorate a national tree-planting day. Interior Minister Kithure Kindiki stressed the importance of this initiative in the battle against climate change in an official Read More...
From fairways to green sanctuaries: the effort to rewild abandoned golf courses
Golf courses, previously expansive leisure and precision settings, are undergoing a stunning metamorphosis. The once-dominant verdant fairways and manicured greens are now giving way to vibrant ecosystems. Abandoned golf courses are being reclaimed by nature, breathing new life into spaces that Read More...
What's in a name? Dozens of American birds to be renamed to promote inclusivity
"Names have power, and power can be for the good or it can be for the bad," says Colleen Handel, President of the American Ornithological Society. This power is driving a radical movement to revise the English names of all bird species named after people, as well as to erase any names deemed Read More...
Art preserves endangered flora in Himalayas—where conservation and culture collide
"In 2002, I was returning to Kalimpong in the eastern Himalaya region of India, and I found numerous trees had been cut down for a dam on the Teesta River at Kalijhora," recalls Hemlata Pradhan, an artist who had just completed her Master's in natural history illustration in London. This shocking Read More...
Rainforest nations join forces to protect biodiversity
Late last month, major rainforest nations gathered in Brazzaville, Republic of Congo, to address the rising problem of deforestation and safeguard the invaluable biodiversity found in tropical rainforests. These regions, which include the Congo, Amazon, and Asia-Pacific basins, are home to Read More...
Project Green Light by Google: transforming urban traffic for a cleaner commute
Google's Maps app tapped into a rich mine of everyday traffic data, which holds the key to changing urban mobility. This information, gathered from a wide network of Android devices and in-car navigation systems, offers cities a game-changing possibility to optimize traffic signal timings. Google's Read More...