It’s safe to say, we could all use some good news nowadays. That’s why we’re back with Volume 2 of The Upside, our roundup of some of the good news that’s happening in the world.
We had a lot of great responses to our last volume, and were thrilled to check out all the links that our readers submitted highlighting some stories that inspired them. Thank you so much to everyone who shared words of encouragement and news stories — we’ve included some of them here!
Do you have a positive environmental story you’d like us to check out? Send an email to hey@temboo.com for a chance to be included in the next issue of the Upside!
African mountain forests store more carbon than thought
Africa’s mountain forests may store up to two-thirds more carbon than previously thought, according to research that highlights the role the threatened ecosystems can play in tackling climate change.
Sweden’s HYBRIT delivers world’s first fossil-free steel
Swedish green steel venture HYBRIT said that it had made the world’s first customer delivery of steel produced without using coal as it looks to revolutionize an industry that accounts for around 8% of global greenhouse gas emissions.
Flood prevention: Swansea University study reveals role of wetlands
Vegetation can save up to £27m in avoided damage per estuary during a large storm, researchers say.
Mexico devises revolutionary method to reverse semiarid land degradation
In Mexico, a university-educated, small-scale peasant farmer came up with an innovative solution that not only restores degraded land to productivity, but also greatly enhances soil carbon storage, provides a valuable new crop, and even offers a hopeful diet for diabetics.
Volunteers in India plant 250 million saplings in a single day with 80% survival rate
In just a single day, Indians have planted an impressive quarter-billion tree saplings in their quest to clean the air.
Artificial intelligence to help predict Arctic sea ice loss
A new AI (artificial intelligence) tool is set to enable scientists to more accurately forecast Arctic sea ice conditions months into the future. The improved predictions could underpin new early-warning systems that protect Arctic wildlife and coastal communities from the impacts of sea ice loss.
Reforestation holds promise for Europe’s increasingly drier summers
A new study in Nature Geoscience suggests that if all land suitable for reforestation was forested in Europe, average summer rainfall would increase by 7.6%, partially ameliorating drier summers predicted as a result of climate change.
In Sengal, a master of permaculture grows a lush oasis in the desert
Goran N’Diaye is a pioneer of permaculture. Following his own success, he’s now training the next generation of young Senegalese farmers. In doing so, he hopes to change traditions and spread sustainable, ecologically friendly farming practices.
Laser Fusion Experiment Unleashes an Energetic Burst of Optimism
Even scientists who were skeptical of work at the National Ignition Facility called the results a success.
