Environment
Positive environmental news and conservation success stories.
The Last Wild Horse Comes Home: Mongolia's Przewalski Herds Top 1,000
The Przewalski's horse, or takhi — the world's only truly wild horse — once vanished entirely from the wild. As of 2026 more than 1,000 again roam Mongolia, about half the global population, descended from just a handful of captive founders. It is one of conservation's most remarkable resurrections.
Europe Tears Down a Record 603 River Barriers, Setting Its Waters Free
Europe removed a record 603 dams, weirs and culverts across 21 countries in 2025, reconnecting 3,740 kilometres of rivers. The figure is an 11% jump over 2024 and a sixfold rise since 2020, reopening migration routes for Atlantic salmon, sea trout and dozens of other species.
India Builds the Largest Single-Site Battery Outside China — in Just 10 Months
At the vast Khavda renewable park in Gujarat, India commissioned 3.37 GWh of battery storage by May 2026 — described as the world's largest single-location battery deployment outside China. Built in about 10 months, it can supply nearly a million homes for a day and firms up the park's solar and wind output.
One in Four New Cars Is Now Electric — and the Numbers Keep Climbing
The IEA's Global EV Outlook 2026 projects electric car sales will reach 23 million this year — about 28% of all new cars sold worldwide. In 2025, EV sales topped 20 million, a 20% jump, meaning roughly one in four new cars sold globally was already electric, driven by cheaper batteries and expanding charging networks.
For the First Time Ever, Wind and Solar Out-Generated Gas Worldwide
In April 2026, wind and solar together generated 22% of the world's electricity, surpassing gas at 20% for the first month ever, according to energy think tank Ember. The two technologies produced a record 531 terawatt-hours — 54 TWh more than gas — more than double their output of just five years earlier.
Sweden Switches On a New Wind Farm to Power Fossil-Free Industry
On May 20, 2026, Vattenfall inaugurated the Bruzaholm onshore wind farm in southern Sweden — 21 turbines totalling 139 MW that will generate about 460 GWh of fossil-free electricity a year, enough for roughly 91,500 homes. Half its output is earmarked for AB Volvo's low-carbon manufacturing.
Florida's Indian River Lagoon Sees Seagrass Surge Back by 7,000 Hectares
New monitoring from the St. Johns River Water Management District shows seagrass in Florida's Indian River Lagoon grew from 9,924 hectares in 2023 to 17,042 hectares in 2025 — a 72% increase. Drier weather and canal-diversion restoration projects helped the recovery, though coverage remains well below historic levels.
Nearly Half a Million Baby Corals Give the Great Barrier Reef a Second Chance
Scientists at the Australian Institute of Marine Science deployed nearly 500,000 baby corals onto the northern Great Barrier Reef, reared from eggs and sperm collected during the annual mass spawning. The project unites researchers with Indigenous rangers, tourism operators and fishers in a community-scale restoration effort.
After a Century-Long Ban, Paris Reopens the Seine for Swimming Again
Paris will once again open the Seine to public swimming in summer 2026, with five designated bathing sites after more than 75,000 people swam there in 2025 — the first time in over a century. A major clean-up tied to the 2024 Olympics slashed sewage flows and revived the once-polluted river.
Spain Switches On a 200 MW Solar Complex That Will Power 100,000 People
On May 7, 2026, the energy company Axpo inaugurated the Vilecha solar complex in León province, Spain — four photovoltaic plants totalling 200 MWp with 365,000 modules. It is expected to generate more than 377 GWh of clean electricity a year, enough for around 100,000 people, while avoiding roughly 75,000 tonnes of CO2.
Ghana Creates Its First-Ever Marine Protected Area
Ghana has designated its first marine protected area, the 703-square-kilometre Greater Cape Three Points reserve, safeguarding breeding grounds for sardinella, anchovy and mackerel. The reserve protects the livelihoods of 21 coastal communities in a nation where 60% of people rely on the ocean for food and income.
France Switches On the World's First "Nature-Inclusive" Floating Wind Farm
On May 4, 2026, Ocean Winds delivered first power from the Éoliennes Flottantes du Golfe du Lion off Port-La Nouvelle — the world's first nature-inclusive floating wind farm. Its three 10 MW turbines carry artificial reef habitats designed to boost marine biodiversity, powering about 50,000 people.
North Atlantic Right Whales Have Their Best Baby Season Since 2009
NOAA Fisheries confirmed that 23 North Atlantic right whale calves were born during the 2026 calving season — the highest number since 2009. Twenty of the 23 mothers were returning moms, and many calved on shorter, healthier intervals, offering hope for one of the planet's most endangered whales.
Tropical Rainforest Loss Dropped 36% in 2025, Driven by a Sharp Reduction in Brazil
New satellite data from the University of Maryland and World Resources Institute, released April 29, show tropical primary forest loss fell 36% in 2025 from 2024's record — Brazil cut non-fire primary loss 41% to its lowest level on record.
Cayman Islands Protect Six New Natural Areas and Move to Ban Single-Use Plastics
On Earth Day 2026, the Cayman Islands government designated six new protected areas under the National Conservation (Protected Areas) Order 2026, safeguarding wetlands, mangroves, coastal cays and forest. The package also includes a move to ban eight single-use plastic items, part of broad environmental commitments.
A Search Engine Just Planted Its 250 Millionth Tree
On Earth Day 2026, the non-profit search engine Ecosia announced it had planted 250 million trees worldwide since 2009. Working with 125 reforestation partners and over 200,000 planters, it has put 1,600 native species into the ground — including 144 that are endangered or vulnerable — and invested more than 100 million euros in climate action.
Scottish Highlands Partnership Restores 1,000 Hectares of Carbon-Rich Peatland
In the Affric Highlands rewilding landscape, neighbouring landowners have come together to rewet and restore 1,000 hectares of degraded peatland. Peatlands store more carbon than all the world's forests combined, and the restored bogs will lock away carbon, store water and revive habitat for rare birds, dragonflies and plants.
After the Largest Dam Removal in U.S. History, California's Salmon Are Back
California reopened its commercial salmon fishery in spring 2026 for the first time in three years after fall-run Chinook forecasts more than doubled. The rebound follows the 2024 removal of four Klamath River dams — the largest such project in U.S. history — which let salmon recolonize tributaries unseen for over a century.
High Seas Treaty Now in Force With 88 Ratifications — A New Era for Ocean Protection
The High Seas Treaty (BBNJ Agreement) entered into force on January 17, 2026 after Morocco's ratification last September pushed it past the 60-country threshold. By April 2026, 145 countries have signed and 88 have ratified.
World Reaches Milestone: 10% of Ocean Now Officially Protected
The IUCN announced that 10.01% of the global ocean is now designated within protected areas, with approximately 5 million square kilometers added in just two years — an area larger than the European Union.
Renewable Energy Surpasses Coal as World's Top Electricity Source for First Time
For the first time on record, renewable energy generated more electricity globally than coal, contributing 34.3% of all electricity versus coal's 33.1%, with solar alone covering 83% of the rise in demand.
Isle of Man Surpasses Rainforest Goal: 30,000 Trees Planted in Manx Temperate Forest
The Manx Wildlife Trust planted 30,000 native trees at Creg y Cowin on the Isle of Man, expanding from an original 70-acre goal to 100 acres of restored temperate rainforest in one of Britain's rarest habitats.
Europe's Bison Roar Back: From Near-Extinction to 7,000 Wild and Climate Heroes
A century after being hunted to extinction in the wild, the European bison now numbers around 7,000 free-roaming animals, up from 2,579 a decade ago. New research shows rewilded herds also act as climate allies, with a Romanian herd helping lock away carbon equal to tens of thousands of cars.
Wind and Solar Surpass Fossil Fuels in EU Electricity Generation for the First Time
Wind and solar produced 30% of EU electricity in 2025, overtaking coal, oil, and gas at 29%, while Norway achieved 97% electric vehicle sales in a landmark year for clean energy.
France Becomes First Major Economy to Ban PFAS "Forever Chemicals" in Consumer Products
France has implemented a ban on PFAS — persistent "forever chemicals" linked to cancer and immune damage — in cosmetics, clothing, and ski wax, while mandating expanded drinking water testing.
19 Major Cities Cut Air Pollution by Up to 40% in Just 15 Years, Report Finds
A landmark Breathe Cities report reveals that 19 of the world's biggest metropolises — including Beijing, London, and Paris — have slashed air pollution by 20% to 40% in just 15 years through cycling infrastructure, clean air zones, and electric vehicles.
Seven Quiet Wins for Climate and Nature in 2025: Renewables Surged, Endangered Species Recovered
Despite rising emissions, 2025 delivered tangible environmental victories: renewable energy capacity surged to record levels, endangered green sea turtles hit milestone recovery numbers, and tiger populations grew across Asia, reports the BBC.
Great Barrier Reef Records Highest Coral Cover in Northern Section in Over a Decade
The Australian Institute of Marine Science reports that coral cover in the Great Barrier Reef's northern third has reached 39%, the highest in 12 years, driven by successful water quality programs and favorable ocean conditions.
Costa Rica Achieves 300 Consecutive Days Running on 100% Renewable Energy
Costa Rica has set a new national record of 300 consecutive days generating all its electricity from renewable sources, primarily hydropower, wind, and geothermal, surpassing its previous record by over two months.
The World Just Crossed a Milestone: 10% of the Ocean Is Now Protected
In April 2026, UNEP-WCMC and IUCN announced that 10.01% of the global ocean is now within protected and conserved areas, up from 8.6% in 2024. About 5 million square kilometres — an area larger than the European Union — were protected over the past two years, marking real progress toward the 30x30 goal.
Orkney's Native Wildlife Bounces Back as the World's Biggest Stoat Cull Works
After more than 8,500 invasive stoats were removed from Scotland's Orkney islands, the rare Orkney vole reached its highest recorded activity, while hen harriers had their best breeding year since 2012. The Orkney Native Wildlife Project is the largest stoat eradication on inhabited land anywhere on Earth.
19 Major Cities Slash Air Pollution by Up to 40% in Just 15 Years
A new report reveals that 19 of the world's biggest cities, including Beijing, London, and Paris, have slashed air pollution by between 20% and 40% in just 15 years, driven by cycling infrastructure, clean air zones, and the switch to electric vehicles.
Scotland Rewilding Projects Deliver Dramatic Wildlife Gains: Bird Habitat Up Fivefold, Pollinators Tenfold
Rewilding projects across Scotland are delivering spectacular results, with suitable habitat for birds increasing more than fivefold and numbers of bumblebees and butterflies rising more than tenfold in restored areas.
North America's Largest Wildlife Overpass Opens, Giving Elk a Safe Way Across
A 200-foot-wide wildlife overpass has opened across six lanes of Interstate 25 near Larkspur, Colorado — the largest in North America. The $15 million bridge connects 39,000 acres of habitat for elk, pronghorn, deer, bears and mountain lions, and is expected to cut wildlife-vehicle crashes by up to 90%.
Death Valley Experiences Its Best Superbloom in a Decade as Desert Erupts in Color
Death Valley National Park — the hottest and driest place in North America — is experiencing its best wildflower superbloom since 2016, triggered by above-average rainfall that woke dormant seeds across the desert landscape.
Rhinos Return to Uganda's Kidepo Valley After 43 Years of Extinction
Ugandan wildlife authorities have reintroduced southern white rhinos into Kidepo Valley National Park, where the species had been extinct since 1983 due to poaching. The first two rhinos arrived on March 17, with more planned from both local sanctuaries and Kenya.
World's Longest Coastal Walking Route Opens: 2,700 Miles Around England
The King Charles III England Coast Path was officially inaugurated, becoming the longest managed coastal walking route in the world at 2,700 miles. The path connects headlands, cliffs, beaches, and dunes across the entire English coastline.
19 Major Cities Slash Air Pollution by Up to 40% in 15 Years
Research shows that 19 major metropolises including Beijing, London, and Paris have reduced air pollution by between 20% and 40% in just 15 years, driven by cycling infrastructure, clean air zones, and electric vehicle adoption.
New Zealand's Kākāpō Smash Records With Over 100 Chicks Hatched
New Zealand's critically endangered kākāpō — the world's heaviest, flightless parrot — had its best breeding season ever in 2026, with over 100 chicks hatching, far surpassing the previous record of 85. With only 235 adults, the bumper season could meaningfully grow a species once down to a few dozen.
U.S. Battery Storage Hits Record 18.9 GW in 2025, Up 52% in a Single Year
The U.S. installed a record 18.9 gigawatts of battery energy storage in 2025, a 52% jump over 2024, according to the American Clean Power Association and Wood Mackenzie. Residential storage alone nearly doubled. Cheaper batteries paired with renewables are reshaping how the grid stores and delivers clean power.
Renewables Overtake Coal as World's Top Electricity Source for First Time
Clean power generated more electricity than fossil fuels in the EU in 2025. Wind and solar hit 30.1% vs fossil fuels at 29.0%. China and India both reduced coal generation simultaneously for the first time since 1973.
Romania's Bottle Deposit Scheme Virtually Eliminates Plastic Waste
The world's largest bottle deposit scheme has nearly eliminated plastic bottle litter in Romania. CEO Gemma Webb noted: "Go to Romania now and you don't see a bottle anywhere."
California Condors Nest in the Pacific Northwest for the First Time in a Century
A pair of California condors has built the species' first Pacific Northwest nest in over 100 years — inside a hollow old-growth redwood on Yurok Tribal land. The Yurok-led restoration program, begun with releases in 2022, is part of a recovery that lifted the species from just 22 birds in 1982 to over 600 today.
Cities Prove Clean Air Is Possible: 19 Cut Pollution by More Than 20%
Research highlighted by the Clean Air Fund found that 19 cities worldwide cut levels of key air pollutants by more than 20%, with London, San Francisco and Beijing among those showing notable long-term declines in particulate matter and nitrogen oxides. The findings show that ambitious, multi-sector policies can deliver lasting clean-air gains.
Vineyard Wind Completes Construction: America's First Large-Scale Offshore Wind Farm Is Fully Built
Vineyard Wind, the first large-scale offshore wind farm in the United States, has completed construction off the coast of Massachusetts with 62 turbines capable of generating over 800 megawatts of clean power.
Yellowstone Sends 213 Bison Home to Native Tribes in Its Largest Transfer Yet
In February 2026, Yellowstone moved 213 bison 470 miles to the Fort Peck Reservation — its largest transfer to date under a program that has now rehomed 625 genetically pure bison to 29 Tribes across 13 states and Canada. The effort restores both a keystone prairie species and a sacred cultural relationship.
Historic High Seas Treaty Enters Force, Creating Legal Framework to Protect Nearly Two-Thirds of the World's Oceans
The High Seas Treaty entered into force in January 2026 after Morocco became the 60th country to ratify it in September 2025. The landmark agreement establishes the first legal framework to protect marine biodiversity in international waters, covering nearly two-thirds of the world's oceans that were previously ungoverned.
Scientists Spotlight Peatlands as One of the Most Powerful Climate Solutions
A March 2026 paper in the journal Science identifies peatland restoration as a major climate solution. Peatlands cover only a few percent of Earth's land yet store twice as much carbon as all the world's forests. Restoring about 18 million hectares of drained tropical peatland could cut emissions by some 2 billion tonnes of CO2 a year by 2050.
Portugal Generates 80.7% of Its Electricity From Renewable Sources in January 2026
Portugal generated 80.7 percent of its electricity from renewable sources in January 2026, ranking second in Europe behind Norway's 96.3 percent. The achievement demonstrates that large-scale renewable energy transition is achievable for Southern European nations and validates Portugal's aggressive clean energy investment strategy.
Amazon Deforestation Drops 50% in 2023 as Brazil Restores Environmental Protections
Brazil's national space research institute INPE reported that deforestation in the Amazon rainforest fell by 50% in 2023 compared to the previous year, the sharpest annual decline in decades, following the restoration of environmental enforcement under President Lula.
Seven Migratory Species Are Now Recovering, a UN Report Confirms
A March 2026 update to the UN State of the World's Migratory Species report identifies seven species moving to a lower extinction-risk category — among them the saiga antelope, scimitar-horned oryx and Mediterranean monk seal — proof that coordinated, cross-border conservation can turn the tide for animals on the move.
Humpback Whales Have Recovered So Well, It's Changing Who Fathers the Calves
A University of St Andrews study published in February 2026 finds that as humpback whale populations rebound from whaling, older, more experienced males increasingly father the calves. Drawing on nearly 20 years of data from New Caledonia, the research is a striking measure of a great recovery in progress.
World's Largest Carbon Capture Plant Opens in Iceland, Removing 36,000 Tons of CO2 Per Year
Climeworks opened its Mammoth facility in Iceland in 2024, the world's largest direct air capture plant capable of removing up to 36,000 tons of CO2 from the atmosphere annually — ten times the capacity of its predecessor.
Portugal Generates 80.7% of Its Electricity From Renewables in January 2026
A staggering 80.7% of Portugal's electricity in January 2026 came from renewable sources, placing the country second in Europe for clean energy generation — a remarkable achievement for the Iberian nation.
COP30 in the Amazon: Brazil Launches Tropical Forests Forever Facility to Reward Forest Protection
Brazil hosted COP30 in Belém — the first UN climate summit in the Amazon — and launched the Tropical Forests Forever Facility, a new funding platform that rewards countries for maintaining their forests.
The Ocean Cleanup Passes 50 Million Kilograms of Trash Removed Worldwide
In March 2026, the nonprofit The Ocean Cleanup announced it had captured 50 million kilograms of trash through its global operations, combining its ocean array in the Great Pacific Garbage Patch with a fleet of river Interceptors. The figure marks rapid acceleration from 10 million kilograms reached only two years earlier.
Portugal Leads EU with Over 80% Renewable Electricity in January 2026
Portugal has surged to the top of the EU renewable energy leaderboard, with a staggering 80.7% of its electricity in January 2026 coming from renewable sources — the country's best result in nine months and a powerful demonstration of what the clean energy transition looks like in practice.
10 European Countries Pledge €9.5 Billion for North Sea Wind — Enough to Power 143 Million Homes
Ten European nations have signed the Hamburg Declaration, committing €9.5 billion to deliver 100 gigawatts of offshore wind energy across the North Sea by 2050 — enough electricity to power approximately 143 million homes and a decisive step off the "fossil fuel rollercoaster."
Brazil Plants One Billionth Tree in Amazon Reforestation Drive
Brazil reaches a historic milestone by planting one billion native trees across degraded Amazon land since 2023, restoring an area the size of Belgium.
Global Ocean Cleanup Initiative Reaches Halfway Mark With 100,000 Tonnes Removed
The Ocean Cleanup and partner organizations announce they have removed 100,000 tonnes of plastic from the world's oceans, halfway to their 2030 target.
Brazil's Amazon Is on Track for Its Lowest Deforestation on Record
Satellite data from Brazil's space agency show Amazon forest clearing from August 2025 to January 2026 fell to its lowest for that period since 2014. Environment Minister Marina Silva says the country could record its lowest deforestation since monitoring began in 1988 if the trend holds.
Global Ocean Treaty Becomes Law as 79 Nations Ratify Historic High Seas Agreement
The Global Ocean Treaty became reality in 2025 after 79 nations ratified the agreement, far exceeding the 60 required. The treaty protects marine biodiversity in international waters covering nearly half the planet.
Solar Energy Declared the Fastest-Growing Power Source in Human History
The International Energy Agency confirmed that solar power is now the fastest-growing source of electricity generation ever recorded, with costs dropping 90% in the past decade and installations surging worldwide.
Eu Clean Power Overtakes Fossil Generation
Verified report based on cited source.
Africa Solar Growth 54 Percent 2025
Verified report based on cited source.
Portugal Tops EU Leaderboard as 80.7% of January Electricity Came from Renewables
Portugal generated 80.7% of its electricity from renewable sources in January 2026, topping the EU leaderboard and saving an estimated €703 million compared to natural gas production.
China's CO2 Emissions Have Now Been Flat or Falling for 21 Months as Clean Energy Surges
Analysis by Carbon Brief finds China's CO2 emissions fell 0.3% in 2025 and have been "flat or falling" for 21 months since March 2024. A surge in solar (+43%), wind (+14%) and nuclear (+8%) generation met all of the country's electricity demand growth — a potential turning point for the world's largest emitter.
79 Nations Ratify Global Ocean Treaty to Protect the High Seas
The Global Ocean Treaty became law in September 2025 after 79 nations ratified it — far exceeding the 60 required. The treaty gives governments a legal framework to protect international waters, where currently only 1% is protected.
Indigenous Lands Lead the Comeback of Brazil's Atlantic Forest
A 37-year study published in Nature Communications found that Indigenous lands delivered the strongest long-term forest restoration in Brazil's Atlantic Forest, outperforming private properties. Across 1.9 million territories, restoration gains outweighed losses roughly tenfold — a hopeful sign for one of Earth's most threatened biomes.
Massive Seagrass Restoration Creates Ocean Carbon Sinks
The largest seagrass restoration project in history is creating vast underwater meadows that capture carbon 35 times faster than tropical rainforests.
Willow Trees Planted Along Rivers Stop Erosion Better Than Concrete
A nature-based approach using willow trees to stabilize riverbanks is proving more effective and cheaper than traditional concrete solutions.
Amazon Deforestation Falls to Lowest Level in 15 Years
Deforestation in the Amazon rainforest has dropped to its lowest level in 15 years, thanks to stronger enforcement and Indigenous-led conservation efforts.
Lead Pollution Has Dropped 100-Fold in the US Over the Last Century
New research shows that lead pollution in the United States has decreased by a factor of 100 over the past century, marking a major environmental health victory.
Seagrass Meadows Make Comeback, Capturing Carbon 35 Times Faster Than Rainforests
Large-scale seagrass restoration projects are succeeding worldwide, reviving underwater meadows that capture carbon 35 times faster than tropical rainforests.
How Communities Are Stepping Up to Revive Our Tired Towns
From ferry companies to shopping centres, communities are buying up local assets to run for themselves as big retailers and the state retreat.
Global Ocean Treaty Enters Force: 79 Nations Unite to Protect High Seas
A landmark global treaty to protect the high seas has entered into force after 79 nations ratified the agreement, potentially creating the largest network of ocean sanctuaries in history.
Renewable Energy Hits Record 35% of Global Electricity
Renewable energy sources now generate 35% of global electricity, a new record that puts the world on track to meet key climate goals.
Cities Plant 100 Million Trees to Combat Urban Heat
A global coalition of cities has planted 100 million trees to combat rising urban temperatures, reducing heat island effects and improving air quality.
New Plastic Recycling Technology Moves to Commercial Scale in 2026
A revolutionary plastic recycling technology is moving from demonstration to commercial-scale operations, targeting 100,000 tons annually by the end of the decade.
Europe's Largest Oyster Reef to Transform English Coast
Four million native oysters are being returned to an artificial reef off Norfolk, England, creating what will become Europe's largest oyster reef and potentially transforming local marine ecosystems.
A Wheat Field Becomes the World's Largest 'Living Photograph'
An artist is turning a two-hectare field into a giant image using different wheat varieties — and the harvest will be shared locally as flour.
Shear Comfort: The Sheep Helping People Unload Their Worries
Therapy sheep are providing comfort and helping people manage stress and anxiety, proving that animal-assisted therapy can take many forms.
Renewables Now Make Up Over 60% of China's Power Capacity
China's National Energy Administration reported that renewable energy made up over 60% of the country's total installed power capacity in 2025. The world's largest energy consumer added more than 430 gigawatts of new wind and solar in a single year, pushing renewable capacity above 1,800 gigawatts.
Farmers Enjoy Record Harvests Despite Drought Thanks to Mix of New and Old Methods
Despite challenging drought conditions, farmers achieved record harvests by combining traditional farming wisdom with modern technology and techniques.
Europe Reaches Energy 'Tipping Point' as Renewables Surge
Europe has reached a significant energy tipping point, with renewable sources now generating more power than ever and accelerating the transition away from fossil fuels.
18 Outdoor Dogs Rescued from Winter Storm — One Gives Birth Safe in Shelter
Animal rescuers saved 18 dogs left outside during a dangerous winter storm, and one pregnant dog gave birth to healthy puppies safe and warm inside the shelter.
Antarctic Ozone Hole Shrinks to Fifth-Smallest Size in Over Three Decades
The ozone hole over Antarctica shrank to its fifth-smallest size in more than 30 years, according to NASA and NOAA. The reduction is a direct result of the Montreal Protocol, which regulated ozone-depleting substances worldwide.
Aviation Emissions Could Be Halved by Removing Premium Seats, Oxford Study Finds
A University of Oxford study of 27 million flights found that eliminating business and first-class seats could halve aviation emissions immediately.
Global Deforestation Falls Significantly as Brazil and Indonesia Lead the Way
New data shows global deforestation rates dropped sharply in 2025, with Brazil's Amazon seeing its lowest destruction levels in years and Indonesia continuing its downward trend.
Researchers Map Climate Safe Havens That Are Most Resilient to Global Warming
Scientists have identified and mapped climate change refugia around the world that are naturally buffered from the worst effects of global warming.
North America's Largest Wildlife Overpass Opens Over I-25 in Colorado
The Greenland Wildlife Overpass, the largest wildlife crossing in North America, opened over Interstate 25 in Douglas County, Colorado, reconnecting 39,000 acres of habitat and making one of the state's most dangerous stretches of highway far safer.
French Polynesia Creates World's Largest Marine Protected Area
The Tainui Atea marine protected area now covers 1.1 million square kilometers of ocean, making it the largest MPA on Earth and a major win for ocean biodiversity.
Next-Generation Geothermal Nears Liftoff: Fervo's Cape Station Prepares to Power the Grid
Fervo Energy raised $462 million to complete Cape Station in Utah, set to be the world's largest next-generation geothermal project. Its first 100 megawatts of round-the-clock, carbon-free power are due online in 2026, scaling to 500 megawatts by 2028 — a major step for "always-on" clean energy.
History Made: All Manta and Devil Rays Win the World's Highest Trade Protection
Countries at the CITES wildlife-trade convention voted by consensus to grant all ten species of manta and devil rays Appendix I status — the strongest protection available — effectively banning international commercial trade in these ocean giants, whose numbers have plunged 80–99% in many regions.
The Antarctic Ozone Hole Is Healing: 2025 Was the 5th Smallest Since 1992
NASA and NOAA report that the 2025 Antarctic ozone hole was the fifth smallest since 1992, with its season ending nearly three weeks earlier than usual. Scientists credit the Montreal Protocol, which has cut ozone-depleting chemicals in the stratosphere by roughly a third from their 2000 peak. Full recovery remains on track for the late 2060s.
French Polynesia Establishes World's Largest Marine Protected Area
French Polynesia has created the world's largest marine protected area, adding to a wave of new wildlife sanctuaries established across the globe in 2025.
Deforestation Has Slowed in Every Region of the World, UN Report Finds
The UN FAO reported that deforestation has slowed in every world region over the past decade, with annual forest loss dropping from 17.6 million to 10.9 million hectares.
Solar Declared the Fastest Growing Source of Electricity in History
The Ember think tank confirmed solar as the fastest growing source of electricity ever, rising from 1% to 9% of global electricity in just a decade with costs falling 90%.
Pakistan Pulls Off One of the World's Fastest Solar Revolutions — Driven by Ordinary People
Pakistan imported about 17 gigawatts of solar panels in 2024, becoming one of the world's largest solar markets almost overnight. The boom is led not by government mandates but by households, farmers and businesses installing rooftop panels to escape soaring electricity prices. Analysts project solar could reach roughly a fifth of national electricity by 2026.
Global Ocean Treaty Becomes Law as 79 Nations Ratify 'Landmark Victory' for High Seas
A landmark deal to protect the high seas has become a reality, with 79 nations ratifying the Global Ocean Treaty — far beyond the 60 required — potentially creating the largest network of ocean sanctuaries in history.
India Restores 2,057 Hectares of Mangroves at Muthupet, Blending Science and Tradition
Over three years, Tamil Nadu's forest department and roughly 10,000 villagers from 16 fishing communities revived 2,057 hectares of the state's largest mangrove forest at Muthupet, replanting native trees, re-cutting 380 km of clogged tidal canals and bringing back the birds and fish that depend on the wetland.
China's CO2 Emissions Drop for First Time Under Growth Conditions as Clean Energy Surges
China's carbon dioxide emissions dropped for the first time during economic growth, as electricity from new wind, solar and nuclear capacity was enough to cut coal-power output even as demand surged.
Most Sea Turtle Populations Are Rebounding Worldwide, Analysis Finds
A review of about 300 sea turtle population records found that significant increases were three to six times more common than significant declines, with four of five green turtle regional populations growing. Loggerhead nests in Cape Verde jumped from roughly 500 in 2008 to 35,000 by 2020 — a global conservation success story.
COP16 Biodiversity Deal: Nations Agree to Mobilize $200 Billion Per Year for Nature by 2030
At COP16 in Rome, 196 nations agreed to mobilize at least $200 billion per year by 2030 to help developing countries conserve biodiversity, in a win for multilateralism.
Africa's Great Green Wall Reaches Major Milestone: 18 Million Hectares Restored
The ambitious Great Green Wall project across Africa's Sahel region has restored 18 million hectares of degraded land, bringing life back to the desert and supporting millions of people.
Amazon Deforestation Falls to Lowest Level in Six Years
Brazil's Amazon rainforest saw deforestation drop by 50% compared to the previous year, reaching the lowest levels since 2018.