With an onslaught of heavy climate news on the regular, it is important to remind ourselves that there are good things happening too. We are in an exciting time for climate action, and it is only going to become more vital to act. Here are some recent bits of good climate news to lift up your spirits!
Good News From Around the World
South Korea
South Korea has announced they will shut down 40 coal fired power plants by 2040! This is a major win as the country has the world's seventh largest coal power capacity.
Globally
After decades of decline Green Sea Turtle populations are bouncing back. Green sea turtles are no longer an "endangered species" according to the IUCN's latest update, and have been downgraded to "species of least concern". This is a major conservation win for the people across the globe who have been working hard to preserve green sea turtles!
EU
Climate education is now to be implemented into school curricula from kindergarten to Grade 12. This move is aimed at equipping students with green skills and countering climate disinformation.
Singapore and South Korea
Scientists at Singapore's Nanyang Technological University and Seoul National University in South Korea have developed a sunscreen made out of pollen derived from Camellia flowers. The sunscreen has a 30 SPF factor and the best thing is, it's reef friendly!
In tests, the pollen-based sunscreen also demonstrated its ability to reduce surface skin temperature, helping to keep the skin cool in the presence of simulated sunlight.
China
According to the Center for Research on Energy and Clean Air, China's CO2 emissions have been flat or falling in many sectors in the past 18 months despite the country's increasing electricity demand, met by nuclear and renewable energy. China's power-sector emissions have been falling slowly since early 2024, due to the rapid growth of solar and wind power generation. The rapid adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) saw CO2 emissions from transport fuel drop by 5% year-on-year, while there were also declines from cement and steel production.
Uruguay
Uruguay now generates up to 98% of its electricity from renewable energy using solar, wind and biomass. This is a positive example of a country making the necessary shift away from fossil fuels!
United Kingdom
The luxury brand Vivienne Westwood has partnered with The Seam to connect consumers with local cobblers and seamstresses to encourage repairing garments under the ethos: buy less, choose well, and make it last.
