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.
Extending conservation across 1% of the planet: A crucial strategy for biodiversity preservation
In an important breakthrough, a recent study conducted by esteemed scientists from the National University of Singapore (NUS), Durham University, and Princeton University reveals a powerful solution to preserve Earth's biodiversity. According to a press release from Durham University, the study 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...
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...
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...
Revolutionary CBD coating keeps fruit fresh and reduces food waste
In a groundbreaking development, Thai researchers pioneered an invisible and edible coating infused with cannabidiol (CBD), presenting a viable answer to the troublesome problem of rotting fruit. This novel method has the potential to dramatically increase the shelf life of fruits, thereby Read More...
From diapers to dwellings: a surprising (and sustainable) housing solution
Access to affordable housing is a basic human right, yet it remains a major concern, especially in low-income countries. The cost of building materials, which can account for up to 80 percent of total construction costs, frequently stymies development. Despite the fact that other materials such as Read More...
Cheers to water recycling: Turning wastewater into beer
After years of drought, water recycling has become a pressing issue in California, and a water-recycling company is looking to raise awareness about the possibilities of water reuse. With the help of Devil’s Canyon Brewing Company, Epic Cleantec created a beer made from greywater recycled from a Read More...
Historic launch of the UK's first national grid-connected solar farm
Excellent news for the United Kingdom! The first photovoltaic (PV) solar farm was connected directly to the National Grid transmission network last week, marking a major milestone in the country's shift to renewable energy. Cero Generation and Enso Energy collaborated on this ground-breaking Read More...
AI makes wind farms safer for birds— a win for green energy expansion
For years, concerns over the potential harm wind turbines might cause to birds have been an obstacle to the expansion of wind energy. However, studies using artificial intelligence (AI) have shown that such worries are unfounded. The study analyzed vast amounts of data collected from bird Read More...