Solar power in the Netherlands grows 50% in 2019
The share of renewables in the country’s electricity consumption rose from 15% to 17% compared to the year before.
Nations
This archive collects stories from Good News for Humankind involving nations — countries and their governments — as key actors in progress. Across 1,807 articles, you’ll find reporting on policy wins, international cooperation, and measurable improvements in health, climate, rights, and more.
The United States convenes the most diverse Congress in its history
There are more women than ever before, and a new generation of Muslims, Latinos, Native Americans and African-Americans in the House creating what academics call a reflective democracy, more aligned with the population of the United States.
U.K. electricity generation drops to its lowest since 1994
A new analysis shows that in 2018 U.K. electricity generation dropped to its lowest since 1994. The amount of electricity generated per person in the UK has fallen 24% since 2005.
E.U. bans almost all coal mining
Every unprofitable coal mine in the European Union must cease production by the first day of 2019, the date on which all public funds for the mines will come to an end.
E.U. agrees deal on single-use plastic ban
The single-use plastic ban was introduced earlier this year and yesterday the European commission agreed a deal to set the ban in place.
World-leading ivory ban becomes law in the U.K.
The act will introduce a total ban on dealing in items containing elephant ivory, regardless of their age, within the U.K., including export from or import to the U.K..
Australia just cut 80% of its plastic bag use in 3 months
When Australia’s two largest supermarket chains banned plastic bags three months ago, it led to an 80 percent reduction in the country’s overall consumption of plastic bags.
U.K. Government invests £100 million in renewable energy projects in Africa
The projects funded by the new investment could help cut carbon emissions equivalent to those created by 800,000 cars a year.
Norway to become first country that bans palm oil biofuels that are linked to deforestation
In a historic vote, the majority of the Norwegian parliament agreed to ban their biofuel industry from buying palm oil and other dangerous biofuels that are linked to deforestation and harmful environmental practices.
Mauritius now generates 14% of its energy from sugarcane
Electricity from sugar cane now accounts for 14 percent of the island’s needs and, when combined with other renewable sources such as solar, wind and hydro, provides nearly a quarter of daily consumption.