Today’s Solutions: December 17, 2025

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hand holds sign depicting Ukrainian flag with words: stand with Ukraine

The EU and the world stand with Ukraine

While Russian troops continue to push into Ukraine, more and more people all over the world and across Europe are banding together to show support and solidarity against this violent assault. Though these are scary and uncertain times, it is encouraging to see how humanity can find common ground to Read More...

woman shops for ceramics and homeware

Boosting prices to raise wages? This brand’s customers approve

The way that the pandemic has forced us to reevaluate our lives and the systems that govern them cannot be overstated. One of the many concerns that bubbled up to the surface was the plight of the worker. Unfair wages, overloaded schedules, lack of childcare, mounting anxiety and stress, and Read More...

woman's hands apply sunscreen to arm

Squid-inspired device warns you when you've had too much sun

Spring is just around the corner—but before we get too excited to throw on our swimsuits and sunbathe in the park, it’s important to remember that we have to be careful when it comes to sun exposure.  Even though those lovely warm rays may feel great against bare shoulders, it’s been well Read More...

Close up shot of a person's nose

Scientists develop e-nose that can detect Parkinson's disease

In recent years, smell detection of diseases has attracted growing attention in the field of medical research: from dogs (and even bees) trained to sniff out Covid-19 to human “super sniffers” able to detect neurodegenerative diseases in other people. Now, a group of scientists has developed an Read More...

Mirema community members replant tree

This Kenyan community regrew its forest

At The Optimist Daily, we love stories fighting deforestation or spurring reforestation. Forests are our friends. They host myriad wildlife, foster ecological diversity, consume carbon dioxide, and breathe out oxygen. They also do a lot of heavy lifting when it comes to reducing floods.  In Read More...

tourist takes selfie with monkey

Your vacation photos can help scientists track endangered species

In an increasingly digital world, photos may be worth much more than just a thousand words. Sharing snapshots of our food, loved ones, and vacations on social media is a common way to connect—but it can also be a useful way to help scientists track threatened and endangered species. Through an Read More...

Animal Wildlife Crossing

Congress approves $350 million for wildlife crossings

Funding was finally secured in January for the construction of a wildlife crossing over the 101-freeway in Southern California, which cuts through the Santa Monica Mountains and the habitats of many native animals. The Optimist Daily has been closely following stories of wildlife crossings like Read More...

Kyev Monument of Independence

History provides context: A modern timeline of Ukraine-Russia relations

Part of what happens when a dramatic event shocks the world is that the headline news cycle moves fast in one direction, and we can lose sight of the context within which these events are occurring. The answer to that cycle is to seek out historical context. An excellent overview of the key events Read More...

September 28, 2020 In the center of Bogotá, several feminist collectives and organizations met in the framework of the Global Action Day for access to Legal abortion

Reproductive justice: Colombia decriminalizes abortion

Following in the footsteps of Latin American countries such as Mexico and Argentina, Colombia’s constitutional court ruled five against four to decriminalize abortion during the first 24 weeks of pregnancy, as reported by The Guardian.  Prior to this motion, abortion in Colombia was only Read More...

child stands in field with Ukrainian flag

Here's how we can help Ukraine right now

On early Thursday morning, Russia began a full-scale invasion of Ukraine. It is hard to say exactly how this historical event will play out, however, right now, Ukrainian soldiers and civilians are suffering. Many of us probably feel like we are already maxed out on historical trauma, what with Read More...