Good News Tuesday

1 day ago

Eclectic global round-up of positive news stories to brighten the day.

Climate Philanthropy

Former New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg's philanthropy arm says it will provide funding to help cover the U.S. contribution to the U.N. climate body's budget, filling a gap left by President Donald Trump, Reuters reports. The new Republican president announced after taking office (and before) that he would withdraw the U.S. from the Paris climate agreement and end the country's international climate funding. Bloomberg is a media billionaire who also serves as a U.N. special envoy on climate change. "Bloomberg Philanthropies and other U.S. climate funders will ensure the United States meets its global climate obligations," the organization said in a statement, adding this included covering the amount the U.S. owes each year to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). Bloomberg Philanthropies did not give details of the amounts of funding or who the other climate funders are. The Nature Conservancy also independently pledged to continue honoring the Paris Agreement goals and help the rest of the U.S. “do its part,” too.

black-and-white image capturing white-tip reef sharks moving in perfect harmony — Credit: Eduardo Labat | Ocean Art Underwater Photography Competition

Dancing White Tips

The Ocean Art Underwater Photography Competition, organized by the Underwater Photography Guide, has revealed its winners for 2024. This year’s contest saw record-breaking participation from over 90 countries, showcasing the beauty and fragility of marine ecosystems. And the best of the best shows a graceful dance of sharks. Eduardo Labat’s Dancing White Tips, a black-and-white image capturing white-tip reef sharks moving in perfect harmony at Roca Partida, Mexico. The striking photo is both an artistic and technical triumph. The goal of The Ocean Art contest isn’t only to showcase the beauty and diversity of underwater life. It also aims to spread the message of conservation, inspiring photographers and the public alike to appreciate and protect our underwater world. Visit Underwater Photography Guide to explore the entire gallery and immerse yourself in the magic of the ocean.

Trust in Scientists

Public trust in scientists is still high despite the rising popularity of anti-science politicians. That’s according to a survey of almost 72,000 people in 68 countries, which found no evidence of the oft-repeated claim of a crisis of trust in scientists. In fact, most participants (52 percent) believed that scientists should be more involved in policymaking. Across 68 countries, the study recorded a relatively high level of trust in scientists, with a mean trust level of 3.62 (1 being very low and 5 being very high). “The study is the most comprehensive post-pandemic snapshot of trust in scientists, societal expectations of their involvement in society,” said study co-lead Dr Niels Mede of the University of Zurich, Switzerland.

Mangrove Restoration

The Sri Lanka mangrove restoration plan has earned UN recognition for its innovative efforts to increase coastal forest coverage by 50 percent, having already restored 500 hectares since 2015. Sri Lanka’s ambitious initiative to expand its mangrove forests by more than 50 percent has earned recognition from the United Nations as a World Restoration Flagship, highlighting the country’s innovative approach to ecosystem preservation and coastal protection. The Sri Lanka mangrove restoration plan aims to restore 10,000 hectares of Sri its mangrove forests by 2030. Mangrove forests serve multiple critical functions in Sri Lanka’s coastal regions. Their complex root systems create natural barriers against storm surges, waves, and tides while providing essential nursery habitats for fish and other marine life.

20mph Pay Off

When Wales lowered the speed limit in residential areas to 20mph last year, there was uproar from motorists. New data released might quell their ire. According to the price comparison website Confused.com, the UK saw its biggest fall in car insurance premiums in more than a decade in 2024, with 20pmh zones cited as a reason for the decline. London and Manchester are among the cities that have introduced 20mph zones to improve safety and reduce emissions. According to the insurance company Esure, vehicle damage claims in Wales fell by 20 percent after the 20mph limit was introduced.

US EV Revolution

Despite a wave of doubters, the electric vehicle revolution is still going strong. Per the latest report by Cox Automotive, 2025 will be the strongest year for the American auto industry since before the pandemic. It predicts that with 1 in 4 cars sold will be electric. "With 2024 finishing on a high note, Cox Automotive is optimistic about 2025, with plenty of reasons to believe it will be the best year since 2019," said Cox's chief economist, Jonathan Smoke.

“I write to understand as much as to be understood.” Elie Wiesel

On This Day

28 January 1958: Godtfred Kirk Christiansen, whose father founded the company LEGO in Denmark, filed for a Danish patent (later granted) for a toy building block that became hugely popular around the world.