If you’re like me, you find the news about the climate crisis to be deeply disturbing. I find that it’s at the front of my mind every single day. However, I’m an optimist at heart, and now more than ever I need some good news to keep myself feeling sane. It’s not that I’m trying to ignore what’s really going on, but instead, I like to know that there is some truly good news that gives me real reason for hope.
A couple of years ago, I started searching for sources of good news, only to find that many websites that focus on good news just didn’t do it for me. I wasn’t looking for stories of a sweet eight-year-old boy who visits his lonely elderly neighbor or cars that waited for ten minutes for a family of ducks to cross the road. While this type of story does indeed warm the heart, I wanted something more concrete — something to give me a bit of hope about the things that deeply worried me…climate change, violence, political chaos here and abroad.
While I still peek at the Good News Network for stories to give me the warm and fuzzies, I spend more time seeking out good news about the important stuff. Fortunately, there’s a lot of it, including good news about the environment! Here are 10 good news stories about the environment that have given me some hope lately:
“It’s Not Too Late” A big, important read from Al Gore. His arguments made me rethink the climate crisis, and though he includes a dire warning, his overall message is positive and hopeful.
A new series from one of my favorite websites, The Fixer highlights problem-solving initiatives happening around the world. This first one includes a new-to=me story about solar power in California and why farmers may transition away from crops to solar farms. POM (as in pomegranates) has already started profiting from producing energy with solar panels.
Buildings in Norway that actually create energy
“How the Fashion Industry is Responding to Climate Change” This conversation still seems so new — it’s proof how quickly consumers and producers can change!
“Let Them Eat Larvae” More from Reasons to Be Cheerful, a look at how farmers are feeding cattle larvae, a low-emissions alternative to the high-emissions food usually given to farm animals.
“Divest!” 8 places that are taking money away from fossil fuels and showing how money talks
“Should We Chill Out about Global Warming?” Um, no, but are these predictions more accurate?
How the Impossible Burger boosted Burger King’s sales! (and debunked the myth that Americans aren’t interested in plant-based burgers)
“Scrubbing carbon in the sky in Iceland” Cleaning carbon from the atmosphere is not the solution, but it provides some hope, especially if it can become widespread.
6 positive climate stories you missed in 2018
Finally, this is an on-going source of good news about sustainability — check back for updates.
What are some ways that you stay optimistic during this challenging time? Any good news stories you’ve come across lately?
