Policy Making
Strong public policy leads to more cohesive, resilient, and sustainable societies. In this section, find out about the latest legislations from around the world aimed at making our world a better place.
Mexico, Guatemala, and Belize unite to protect Great Mayan Jungle
BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM On August 15, Mexico, Guatemala, and Belize announced a bold regional pact: the creation of the Great Mayan Jungle Biocultural Corridor, a sprawling reserve that will cross national borders to protect one of the world’s most vital tropical forests. Covering Read More...
UK police go undercover in Surrey as runners to crack down on street harassment
BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM Eighteen people have been arrested in Surrey, UK, after undercover police officers posed as female joggers to identify and intervene in cases of street harassment. The month-long pilot program called “Jog On”, launched by Surrey Police, sent plainclothes Read More...
The slow demise of fur: how fashion, policy, and activism helped millions of animals
BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM In 2014, over 140 million animals like minks, foxes, and raccoon dogs were farmed and killed for their fur. By 2023, that number dropped to around 20 million, according to a Humane World for Animals analysis using global and industry data. Though it excludes Read More...
New York becomes first state to mandate all-electric new buildings
BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM New York has officially become the first state in the U.S. to require most new buildings to be constructed without fossil fuels. On July 25, the State Fire Prevention and Building Code Council finalized regulations that mandate all-electric systems for most Read More...
LA homelessness declines for a second consecutive year
BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM Los Angeles County’s homelessness crisis has long loomed large, but new data offers a rare glimmer of progress: for the second consecutive year, the number of unhoused residents has declined. According to a recent report from the Los Angeles Homeless Read More...
UK moves to ban NDAs that silence workplace harassment victims
BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM The UK government is set to ban the use of non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) that silence victims of workplace harassment and discrimination. This change marks a historic turning point in labor rights, aiming to give employees greater power to speak openly Read More...
New Jersey takes bold step toward universal free preschool and kindergarten
BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM New Jersey is ushering in a new era for early childhood education. In a move celebrated by parents, educators, and advocates alike, Governor Phil Murphy signed three pivotal bills into law on July 9, advancing the state toward a future where every child has Read More...
Lisbon leads Europe with first citywide reusable cup system
BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM Lisbon has just taken a big, refreshing step toward sustainability, perfectly timed for Plastic Free July. With the launch of a citywide reusable cup system, it becomes the first European capital to implement a deposit-and-return scheme designed to reduce Read More...
Mexico bans dolphin shows in historic vote to protect marine mammals
BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM In a landmark move for animal welfare, the Mexican Senate voted unanimously to ban dolphin and other marine mammal shows across the country. The decision, passed 99 to 0 on June 23, marks the culmination of a years-long campaign led by activists, researchers, Read More...
Could a flight tax help fix the climate finance gap?
BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM Air travel is often seen as a symbol of freedom and prosperity. But while it represents convenience for some, for the planet’s climate, it comes at a steep price. Aviation accounts for more than two percent of global greenhouse gas emissions—and that Read More...