An eclectic round up of positive news stories from around the globe.
New Climate Envoy
In a symbolic move, the UK government has appointed a new climate envoy – a role axed by the previous government. Taking the position is Rachel Kyte, a former senior climate official at the World Bank, who previously served as special representative on sustainable energy to António Guterres, the UN secretary general. The UK was considered a climate leader before hosting the COP26 summit in 2021, but subsequently backslid on its commitments under the last government. The reappointment of a climate envoy will help to restore trust in the UK as a climate leader, activists said.
Indian Rhinos Thriving
India has announced a remarkable comeback for its one-horned Asian rhino population, which has surged from just 600 in the 1960s to over 4,000 today, following 40 years of conservation efforts.
Tripling Renewables
At last year’s COP28 summit, nearly 200 countries pledged to reach net-zero energy emissions by 2050 and triple renewable capacity by 2030 to stay on track for that target. The IEA just confirmed that this figure is 'within reach' thanks to the blistering pace of renewables build out over the last 12 months.
New Marine Sanctuary
Protecting 116 miles of coastline (encompassing 4,543 square miles of offshore and coastal waters), California has designated its first marine sanctuary in over three decades. The Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary is the third-largest in the country, and it’s also the first “Indigenous-focused” sanctuary. “This is a huge moment for the Chumash People and all who have tirelessly supported our campaign over the years,” said Violet Sage Walker, Northern Chumash Tribal Council chairperson. “My father, the late Chief Fred Collins, began the journey to protect these sacred waters 40 years ago, and we have been so proud to continue his work. I am delighted to celebrate his vision, today’s success, and the future of our People who will always be connected to past, present and future by this special stretch of coastline and the true magic its waters hold.”
Aussie Rooftop Solar
A happy accident resulting from a series of unco-ordinated climate policies: over 3.7 million Australian households and small businesses now have rooftop solar, surpassing coal-fired power. This means more than one in three homes generates its own power during the day, with the trend set to grow, reports The Guardian.
Methane Monitoring
As part of a large-scale initiative to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, Colorado is implementing cutting-edge technologies to monitor methane emissions at its 80 landfills across the state. With the help of a $129 million grant, the program is the first of its kind and could help set a new standard for other states. The state has already been using the technologies - which include drones, aircraft, and satellites - to help it spot leaks in oil and gas infrastructure, too. This is good news because methane traps 80 times more heat than carbon dioxide over 20 years - and landfills are the third-largest source of methane.
"Sometimes opportunities float right past your nose. Work hard, apply yourself, and be ready. When an opportunity comes you can grab it." Julie Andrews
On This Day
3 October 1990: After four decades of Cold War division and with pressure from the German chancellor Helmut Kohl, Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev agreed to a unified Germany within NATO, leading to Germany's reunification this day in 1990.
Today's Articles
Vacation Survey: Hilton's study of 2025 travel intentions shows that people want to slow down - finally.
World's First: Work begins on a network of 'bison bridges' in south east England for the country’s first wild bison herd in thousands of years.
Mood Boosting Video
Seasonal Poetry: Ode To Autumn by John Keats.