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.
New Zealand: fight for 'sacred mountain' after discovery of significant gold seam
A bitter stand-off between a local community and miners has emerged after a significant seam of gold was found on protected conservation land in New Zealand’s North Island. Last week New Talisman Gold Mines reported they had found a large vein of gold in the Karangahake Gorge in the North Read More...
Indian Railways fights air pollution with first train with solar-powered coaches
To reduce the air pollution that has become a plague in many cities in India, the Indian Railways has introduced their first train outfitted with rooftop solar panels. The solar panels will completely power fans, lighting, and display systems in the coaches. In the past, a diesel-fueled generator Read More...
This self-fuelling boat just set off on an epic 6-year global voyage
A hi-tech French vessel is undertaking a 6-year journey across the globe without emitting a single molecule of carbon. Named the Energy Observer, this catamaran runs on solar power harnessed from extensive paneling on top of the vessel, in addition to two large wind turbines at the rear of the Read More...
Fish processors can make a buck and save the environment by using of fish waste
A team of researchers at the Ocean Frontier Institute are finding ways to turn waste from all kinds of fish into valuable products such as fuel, road salts and even nail polish. The researchers say they have found a way to extract high-quality oil from finfish guts and used the waste from that Read More...
This is the best thing you can do with your old Amazon shipping boxes
If you took part in Amazon’s Prime Day, here’s what you should do with all those shipping boxes you have lying around. Fill them up with unwanted clothes, household items, and other goods you no longer need. Then, log onto GiveBackBox.com, enter your zip code and email address to generate a Read More...
The eco guide to animal welfare
Animal welfare is one of the UK’s most successful exports. When the late Peter Roberts, a Hampshire dairy farmer, founded the charity Compassion in World Farming (ciwf.org.uk) 50 years ago, he rightly feared that industrialised farming would wreak havoc on animals and the planet. Even he Read More...
Microsoft is granting access to its AI systems to environmentally-focused projects
Microsoft is lending its artificial intelligence systems to researchers and organizations in order to help them solve the major environmental issues we face today. Leaders of the projects focusing on water, agriculture, biodiversity and climate change can apply for access to Microsoft’s cloud and Read More...
Coca-Cola to start producing bottles made of 50 percent recycled plastic
Coca-Cola, the world’s biggest drinks brand, has announced it will increase the amount of recycled plastic in its bottles to 50 percent, up 10 percent from its previous goal. The company described the proposal as ambitious, but environmentalists said they did not go far enough, pointing towards Read More...
These ancient societies know the secrets of infinite growth on our finite planet
Once upon a time, there were three scientists––a biologist, an engineer, and a chemist. Each of them loved the ocean and liked nothing better than to walk its shores and study its inhabitants. They were curious and observant, and by watching how nature really works, with an open-mind, Read More...
Can the monarch highway help save a butterfly under siege?
Interstate 35 lies at the heart of a vast circulatory system, one of the massive transportation arteries that enable Americans to move long distances quickly. The highway also cuts through the heart of the eastern monarch’s central flyway, which produces the vast majority of brilliant orange Read More...