Nations | Good News for Humankind

Bolivia protects over 2.4 million acres of Amazonian rainforest in major conservation win

By Peter Schulte / February 12, 2026 / Good News For Humankind

In a massive victory for the Amazon, Bolivia has established the Rhukanrhuka Municipal Protected Area, safeguarding nearly 2.4 million acres of critical rainforest. This achievement is the result of a powerful partnership between the municipal government of Reyes and the Tsimane, Movima, and Yuracaré Indigenous communities. The new reserve protects vital habitats for endangered species like the Bolivian river dolphin and secures a massive carbon sink. This initiative empowers local stewardship and promotes sustainable economic alternatives to deforestation.

Ostriches return to Saudi Desert after 100 years in historic rewilding effort

By Peter Schulte / February 10, 2026 / Good News For Humankind

In a major conservation victory, the red-necked ostrich is thriving once again in the Saudi Arabian desert after a 100-year absence from the wild. The population in the Imam Turki bin Abdullah Royal Natural Reserve has surged to nearly 250 individuals following a successful reintroduction program. This initiative restores a key species to its ancestral habitat, where natural breeding has already begun with the hatching of wild chicks. The success signals a new era of effective rewilding and biodiversity protection in the Kingdom.

Lead pollution plummets 100-fold in the U.S. over last century

By Peter Schulte / February 9, 2026 / Good News For Humankind

A new study analyzing over a century of human hair samples reveals a massive environmental victory: lead pollution in the US has dropped by 100-fold since 1916. Researchers at the University of Utah confirmed that regulations like the Clean Air Act and the ban on leaded gasoline drove concentrations from nearly 100 ppm to less than 1 ppm. This dramatic decline has protected millions of children from neurotoxic exposure, proving the incredible efficacy of science-based environmental policy over the last century.

Guatemala launches historic rewilding of oil fields to protect the Maya Forest

By Peter Schulte / February 4, 2026 / Good News For Humankind

Guatemala has launched a historic rewilding initiative by permanently closing the Xan oil field inside Laguna del Tigre National Park. This decision protects a massive ecosystem spanning approximately 827,000 acres, which is critical for jaguars and migratory birds. Instead of dismantling the site entirely, the government is repurposing the industrial infrastructure into a security base for rangers to fight illegal deforestation. This innovative “oil-to-wilderness” transition prioritizes ecological recovery and water security, setting a new global standard for retiring fossil fuel assets in protected areas.

China launches world’s largest first compressed air facility

By Peter Schulte / February 3, 2026 / Good News For Humankind

China has successfully launched the world’s largest compressed air energy storage (CAES) facility in Hubei province. This 300-megawatt plant utilizes underground salt caverns to store renewable energy, capable of reducing coal consumption by 45,000 tons and carbon emissions by 109,000 tons annually. This non-lithium technology provides a sustainable, long-duration storage solution that stabilizes the grid and enables greater integration of wind and solar power. The project demonstrates a scalable, eco-friendly alternative to chemical batteries, marking a pivotal advancement for global clean energy infrastructure.

Renewables now supply more than 50% of Australia’s energy for the first time

By Peter Schulte / February 2, 2026 / Good News For Humankind

Australia has reached a historic tipping point in its energy transition, with renewable energy sources supplying over 50% of the national electricity demand for the first time. This milestone is driven by the world’s highest uptake of rooftop solar and a surge in wind farm generation. The shift has successfully displaced coal power while maintaining grid reliability through advanced battery storage. This achievement puts the nation significantly closer to its ambitious goal of reaching 82% renewable energy by 2030.

Mauritius pioneers heat-resistant coral with 98% survival rates

By Peter Schulte / January 28, 2026 / Good News For Humankind

Scientists in Mauritius have achieved a major conservation breakthrough, recording a 98% survival rate for transplanted heat-resistant corals. The project, led by the Mauritius Oceanography Institute, identifies resilient strains to rebuild reefs capable of withstanding rising ocean temperatures. With plans to transplant 100,000 fragments by 2030, this initiative secures vital coastal protection and food security for the island nation. The success offers a scalable, science-based model for climate adaptation that can be replicated by vulnerable island communities worldwide.

Ten nations commit €11 billion to massive 100GW North Sea wind power hub

By Peter Schulte / January 27, 2026 / Good News For Humankind

In a historic display of unity, the U.K., Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, Ireland, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, and Iceland have signed an agreement to transform the North Sea into a 100-gigawatt renewable energy powerhouse by 2030. The coalition pledged a joint investment of €11 billion to build offshore wind farms and interconnected energy islands. This massive infrastructure project is designed to power 100 million homes, securing Europe’s energy independence and accelerating the transition away from imported fossil fuels.

Middle class Mexicans now outnumber those in poverty for the first time

By Peter Schulte / January 27, 2026 / Good News For Humankind

The August report from Mexico’s National Institute of Statistics and Geography confirms that the number of Mexicans living in poverty fell from 51.9 million in 2018 to 38.5 million in 2024. This massive reduction of over 13 million people is driven by sustained minimum wage hikes and robust social safety nets. This demographic shift validates recent social policies and offers a hopeful model for inclusive growth in emerging economies.

Wind and solar supply more power than fossil fuels in Europe for first time ever

By Peter Schulte / January 23, 2026 / Good News For Humankind

In a landmark achievement for the energy transition, wind and solar power have generated more electricity than fossil fuels in the European Union for the first time over a full year. According to the 2026 Ember report, renewables accounted for 30% of the EU’s electricity in 2025, surpassing the 29% from coal and gas. While gas use rose slightly due to weather conditions, a 20% surge in solar generation and a historic low for coal (9.2%) secured this major victory for clean energy.