As green journalists, we often hear these terms used.
There is much to be concerned about in relation to climate and natural crises. However, when hopelessness becomes the overarching emotion then apathy can set in. Last year, three environmental educators were all part of EcoTok, penned This piece is perfect for usHow to deal with eco-anxiety. Christiana Figueres describes it.
The media can play a major role in combating climate doom. Our job is to report truthfully and accurately, not to downplay the situation or to greenwash reality. It’s also our responsibility to show that there’s hope!
As such, 2022 will be part of our Continuing effort to address eco-anxietyWe will be keeping track of all positive environmental stories, both from our readers and ours, this year.
This article will be kept updated with the most recent news. It could be something small and local or something that made us laugh, or even something huge and potentially life-changing.
If you have a great, positive story to share, please contact us via social media. InstagramOr TwitterSend us your ideas.
Positive environmental stories starting in February 2022
China opens the first vertical forest city to residents
We are huge fans of Stefano Boeri (an Italian architect). His latest project in China shows us how biophilic design can be applied.
The forest city will absorb approximately 20 tonnes of carbon dioxide each year and emit approximately 10 tonnes of oxygen.
These buildings are stunning.
Blasting bananas with light could open the door to more eco-friendly biomass
We know it’s a long headline, but we are willing to be patient. It turns out, that renewable energy can be instantly created by zapping banana peels under a powerful lamp.
This is a wonderful and bizarre discovery. It’s our favourite at Euronews Green. You can also do it with coffee beans, corn cobs, and coconut shells.
Arnold Schwarzenegger wants ‘to eliminate pollution’
The actor, a former Republican politician and environmentalist, has promised to “terminate all pollution.”
The green movement has celebrity backers, but it’s nice to have support from both sides.
Positive environmental stories starting in January 2022
Still, bleached coral reefs can provide nutrition
Although coral reefs have been severely damaged by rising sea temperature, which has led to widespread bleaching, it turns to be that these ghostly-white tropical reefs are still rich in micronutrients.
This does not mean that we should stop trying prevent coral bleaching events. However, it does mean there is still hope for those who have already suffered. This is especially good news for coastal communities that depend on reefs to provide food.
The greenest European city offers free public transport and bee-friendly highways
Tallinn has a lot to teach us, it turns out. Because of its innovative and modern approach towards sustainability, Tallinn is set to become the European Green Capital in 2023.
Tallinn was once home to many polluting industries. This is what makes it so impressive. It is a shining example of how it is possible to make positive changes and hopefully a model for other cities across Europe.
Students designed a floating house to help people avoid flooding.
This is a great example how crisis can lead to innovation. Although the original reason for the invention remains troubling, students involved in this project created something truly remarkable.
They are designed to provide shelter for at minimum six weeks.
This tiny Mexican fish was saved from extinction
There is something compelling about this. Any story that has to do with a species returningFrom the brink of extinction. It’s terrible that things have reached this point, but it also shows that there is always hope, even when the worst outcome seems certain.
This case is quite fascinating. The tiny tequila splittingfin disappeared in the wild in 2003, but thanks to the efforts and conservation centres, colonies are thriving once more.
A fleet of drones are part of an Australian start-up that fights deforestation
While the climate crisis gets most attention, the biodiversity problem deserves our attention. This is why the company’s project combining AI and drones is so amazing. This is a quicker and cheaper way to combat deforestation.
It doesn’t, however, cause the problems that are often associated with tree-planting schemes. This method is meant to increase the health of the surrounding ecosystem while avoiding monocrops as well as non-native species.
Conferences that are virtual or hybrid could help to reduce climate change.
It was shocking to discover that the global conference industry (pre-pandemic), produced twice as many greenhouse gas emissions than the entire United States. Although it is a very polluting industry, a recent study found that hybrid and online events could be a major benefit to the planet.
According to the 2021 IPCC report, we have 8.3-9.7 years before we exceed the 1.5℃ global warming limit. Researchers say that moving conferences online could extend the deadline by 1.5 years.
Oceanographers rejoice at the discovery of pristine coral reefs in Tahiti
Diving in the waters off of Tahiti’s tropical coastline, marine researchers uncovered one of the largest coral reefs ever found. And unlike many other coral reefs, it seems to be completely unaffected from human activity.
Coral reefs make up 25% of marine life, even though they only occupy 0.1% of the ocean floor.
This is why it’s so wonderful news.
Solar-powered bikers are busting illegal wildlife poachers from South Africa
This incredible story combines two areas that are of great interest to many in the climate movement: protection of nature and clean energy.
Rosie Frost, our journalist, spoke to the incredible Swedish company behind this initiative to learn more.
This article will be updated regularly with the most recent positive environmental stories and breakthroughs around the globe. If you have a great idea that we haven’t covered, please let me know. TwitterOr Instagram.
