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.
Amazon deforestation rates fall 34% in 2023 under President Lula
Preliminary government data indicates a significant milestone in Brazil's campaign against deforestation, with deforestation rates dropping by 34 percent in the first half of 2023. Tougher environmental regulations have been adopted under President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva's leadership, Read More...
From waste to wellness: Making painkillers more sustainable
Paracetamol and ibuprofen, the world's most popular pain relievers, have long relied on ingredients obtained from crude oil in their production. However, as society becomes more mindful of the need to reduce our reliance on fossil fuels, the environmental consequences of generating these important Read More...
Puerto Rico's revolutionary community-led solar microgrid
In the aftermath of Hurricane Maria in 2017, the Puerto Rican municipality of Adjuntas was plunged into darkness, with no power for weeks. Despite the enormous hurdles, one business, Lucy’s Pizza, stood as a beacon of hope in the midst of the mayhem. The restaurant was powered by a noisy and Read More...
Solar-(em)powered: These streetlights illuminate a path towards climate resilience
The necessity for climate-resilient infrastructure is increasingly evident to prepare for the future. Solar-powered streetlights are one such innovation with enormous promise. These lights provide a stable and independent source of illumination by harnessing the sun's energy, even during power Read More...
5 fun meat-free alternatives to put between those hotdog buns
Hot dogs are unusual culinary wonders that have captured many people’s hearts and appetites. In fact, in celebration of Independence Day on July Fourth, Americans will eat a whopping 150 million hot dogs. However, underlying their tastiness is the fact of the detrimental environmental impact of Read More...
TEMPO Satellite: Harnessing air pollution data to combat environmental injustice
Air pollution is a major hazard to public health in the United States. Pollutants like nitrogen oxide, sulfur dioxide, ground-level ozone, and fine particles are associated with a variety of ailments, including respiratory and cardiovascular issues. Despite significant progress in reducing Read More...
Netherlands launches free sun protection campaign to promote sun safety
The Netherlands is taking proactive steps to combat the worrisome rise in skin cancer incidences by offering free sun protection to its inhabitants. Recognizing the importance of ensuring that everyone has free and easy access to sun cream, the government launched a statewide drive to place sun Read More...
Embrace the buzz by attracting beneficial bugs to your garden
There's more to a successful garden than just the plants you pick out; it's also about the beneficial bugs that call it home. These modest beings are critical to the health and balance of your garden environment. They are nature's allies, from pollinators to pest predators. Your garden may become Read More...
Paving the path towards a global plastics treaty
Nation-state delegates took a historic step toward a new global plastics pact in an inspirational display of determination. This undertaking, described as the most significant green deal since the 2015 worldwide climate agreement, signals a turning point in our joint efforts to address the critical Read More...
Sea cucumbers: The slimy superfood that fights diabetes
Inhabitants of Asian countries have long recognized the sea cucumber's extraordinary health advantages. The medicinal benefits of these gelatinous underwater dwellers certainly sparked our interest. Now, researchers from the University of South Australia discovered that sea cucumbers may Read More...