Sustainable Urban Development
With cities expected to host about 70 percent of the world's population, sustainable urban development is key to making communities worldwide more resilient against the growing threat of climate change. Find out about the latest urban practices from across the world aiming to make our cities more sustainable and inclusive in these good-news stories from The Optimist Daily.
Leading up to COP28, EU-Canada Green Alliance amplifies climate dedications
By joining the EU-Canada Green Alliance, Canada and the EU have recently reaffirmed their commitment to combating climate change. This historic collaboration launched ahead of the COP28 climate meeting, is a huge step toward a more sustainable future. The alliance's importance was stressed by EU Read More...
The EU makes historic decision to stop plastic waste exports to poor countries
The European Union took an important step toward reducing plastic pollution by agreeing to stop exporting waste plastic to non-OECD countries. This landmark decision, which is still awaiting formal approval, demonstrates a commitment to responsible trash management and environmental Read More...
Style and sustainability: Patagonia transforms ocean waste into high-tech fashion
Patagonia once again emerged as a symbol of sustainability and style amidst rising concerns about plastic trash devastating coastal ecosystems through creating the groundbreaking Stormshadow Parka. This novel jacket, priced at $899, represents not just Patagonia's warmest product but also an 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...
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...
Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe celebrates salmon return after century-long wait
The Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe of Washington State hoped for the reintroduction of coho salmon to the Elwha River for over a century. The river, which was vital to their way of life, was obstructed by two dams in 1911, impeding salmon migration. These dams, however, were demolished in August 2014. 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...
Pope Francis calls on international community to speed up renewable energy transition
Pope Francis, in a 7,000-word "Apostolic Exhortation," called on climate change deniers and hesitant politicians to expedite the world's transition to renewable energy. His speech, "Laudate Deum" (Praise God), emphasizes the importance of combating climate change before it's too late. Recognizing Read More...
Empowered youth launch 'Green New Deal for Schools' to combat climate change
In response to rising ecological concerns and political repression, students across the United States are leading a bold movement known as the 'Green New Deal for Schools.' This program, spearheaded by the Sunrise Movement, a youth-led climate justice collective, is laying the groundwork for a Read More...