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.
The United Kingdom pressed ahead with its renewable energy objectives, recording an astonishing spike in solar panel and heat pump installations during the first half of 2023 in a resounding display of environmental dedication. This tremendous achievement not only demonstrates the country's Read More...
A group of youth environmental activists scored a landmark legal victory in Montana, marking a critical step forward in the ongoing battle against climate change. This judicial win has sparked debate on constitutional rights, environmental responsibility, and the possibility of legal routes to Read More...
Plastics and soaps may appear to be worlds apart, yet they share a molecular resemblance that could revolutionize the future of recycling. Virginia Tech researchers are at the vanguard of this creative discovery, having pioneered a method to upcycle plastics into valuable surfactants—key Read More...
Green roofs, a millennia-old notion, have grown from ancient customs into modern marvels of sustainable construction. These living roofs, which combine plants and shelter, have a rich history that inspires architectural creativity even now. Green roofs at the roots: from ancient practices to Read More...
With the introduction of 30 brand-new electric buses in this Northern California school district, Modesto City Schools is embarking on a groundbreaking road toward sustainability. This bold step represents a watershed point in the district's commitment to establishing a greener, more Read More...
In a society plagued by increasing temperatures and concerns about the environment, biomimicry offers a game-changing solution to keeping cool. Scientists from Shenzhen University and Shanghai Jiao Tong University were inspired by the beautiful patterns found on butterfly wings and peacock feathers Read More...
The demand for trained electricians has reached critical levels as the United States strives to shift away from fossil fuels and toward sustainable energy alternatives. Unfortunately, the electrical industry is still mainly male, with women accounting for a mere two percent of all electricians. Read More...
The Iberian Peninsula experienced a tremendous collaboration of old breeds, the Garrano horse and the European bison, working together to combat the risk of wildfires that threaten the region in a revolutionary experiment. By clearing scrubland and vegetation that serves as fuel for wildfires, Read More...
In an incredible feat of engineering, Three Gorges Energy successfully connected the world's first 16-megawatt offshore wind turbine to the power grid. The MingYang Smart Energy MySE 16-260 towers over the skyline with its 260-meter (853-ft) rotor diameter, ready to offer renewable energy to about Read More...
The move away from fossil fuels is becoming increasingly important as the pressure to tackle climate change intensifies. However, the displacement of employees in the fossil fuel industry has been a major source of concern. Labor union members at New York's Ravenswood Generating Station are slated Read More...