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.
Writers start campaign to push publishing towards carbon neutrality
The weighty feel of a book in your hands; a window into the minds and hearts of people. Whether you're taking it to the park for some quiet time or reading it before bed, a good book is there as a companion, an advisor, and a guide. An age-old custom that reminds us of life before smartphones and Read More...
Report says 2022 may mark the beginning of the end of the fossil fuel era
Breaking news! Based on a recent report by the independent climate and energy think tank Ember, global emissions from the power sector, which generates the most planet-warming carbon dioxide, may have peaked last year. This could potentially mark the beginning of the end of the fossil fuel Read More...
A clean and green Ramadan
This Ramadan, plastics will be absent from the meals of many Muslims breaking their fast in mosques across the globe. Iftars—the after-sunset meal that unites Muslims together during the holy month that began on March 22, 2023—often involve the use of plastic knives, forks, and bottles of Read More...
Amsterdam airport bans private jets to reduce noise and climate pollution
On November 5, 2022, scores of climate activists gathered in front of luxury planes and private jets at Amsterdam's Schiphol Airport, preventing them from taking off for several hours. Now, nearly five months later, the airport has declared that private jets would be prohibited, as well as Read More...
April is Earth Month! 5 effective Earth Day campaigns and the holiday's history
April is Earth Month, a time to celebrate and protect our world. The annual Earth Day celebration on April 22 draws more than a billion people, making it the greatest civic event in the world. Earth Month is an expansion of the Earth Day movement, which originated in the early 1970s in the Read More...
Youth activists in Vanuatu score a major climate win
BY SIRI CHILUKURI, Grist This story was originally published by Grist. Subscribe to its weekly newsletter here. Young environmental activists from a small South Pacific island earned a climate win that could cause major problems for the world's largest polluters. The nation of Vanuatu Read More...
Inventive solution saves swimming pools and data centers
Public swimming pools in the UK that were about to close due to rising energy costs have been given a second chance thanks to new water heating technology. New tech startup Deep Green's chief executive, Mark Bjornsgaard, has tested an innovative concept at Exmouth, Devon. He has installed a Read More...
Removable solar panels might soon be rolled out on railway tracks
Solar panels are being laid out "like carpet" across Swiss train rails as part of the country's renewable energy initiative. Swiss startup company Sun-Ways will begin installing solar panels in the western part of the country this spring, next to the Buttes train station, pending approval from Read More...
The case for growing nectar-rich plants in your garden this spring
The nectar created by flowering plants is a significant food source for many of the critters we share our environment with. Those of us who want to attract wildlife to our gardens understand the importance of having flowering plants in bloom for as long as possible. Selecting nectar-rich plants Read More...
Laguna Beach bans balloons to protect marine environment
Last week, Laguna Beach, California — known for its surfers, waves, and rolling hills – caused a stir for its tight prohibition on the sale and use of balloons. The motion was passed by the municipal council last week, citing the risk of wildfires and the fact that balloons are a major source Read More...