Today (2017 C.E. - 2025 C.E.)

South Korea ends breeding of bears and extraction of their bile

By Peter Schulte / January 19, 2026 / Good News For Humankind

South Korea has passed a landmark law to ban bear bile farming, bringing an end to an industry established in the 1980s. The legislation prohibits the breeding and slaughter of bears for their bile, with a full phase-out mandated by January 1, 2026. The government has committed to building sanctuaries to house the approximately 300 remaining bears and will provide compensation to farmers. This collaborative victory, driven by the Ministry of Environment and animal welfare groups, marks a major win for global animal rights.

Giant pandas no longer endangered in historic conservation win

By Peter Schulte / January 19, 2026 / Good News For Humankind

The giant panda has achieved a historic conservation milestone, officially moving from “endangered” to “vulnerable” on the IUCN Red List. This status change reflects a 17% increase in the wild population over the last decade, with numbers now reaching 1,864 individuals. The recovery is the direct result of China’s massive investment in habitat restoration, bamboo reforestation, and successful captive breeding programs. This victory proves that sustained, science-based conservation can successfully pull iconic species back from the brink of extinction.

New Jersey passes new law to require testing of all rape kits

By Peter Schulte / January 15, 2026 / Good News For Humankind

New Jersey has achieved a major legislative victory with a new bill mandating the expedited testing of rape kits. The law requires kits to be submitted within 10 days and tested within 90, ensuring justice is no longer delayed. This reform addresses a hidden backlog exposed by News 12, which found thousands of untested kits gathering dust due to prosecutorial inaction. The Joyful Heart Foundation, which previously rated New Jersey as one of the worst states for survivor care, now ranks it among the best following this change.

The U.K. secures 8GW of offshore wind capacity in record-breaking auction

By Peter Schulte / January 14, 2026 / Good News For Humankind

Great Britain has achieved a major energy milestone, securing 8.4 gigawatts of new offshore wind capacity, enough to power 12 million homes in its latest government auction. The success follows a strategic adjustment in government policy designed to attract investment and stabilize energy prices. This massive expansion will drive billions in private investment and create thousands of green jobs in coastal communities, keeping the U.K. on track for its 2030 net-zero targets.

7 in 10 cancer patients in the U.S. now survive five-plus years after diagnosis

By Peter Schulte / January 13, 2026 / Good News For Humankind

The United States has achieved a significant medical victory, with the five-year cancer survival rate rising to nearly 70 percent, up from just 49 percent in the mid-1970s. This historic high, confirmed by the American Cancer Society, reflects decades of progress in early detection and breakthrough treatments like immunotherapy. Survival rates for prostate cancer have surged to 98 percent, while leukemia survival has nearly doubled. This steady trend confirms that cancer is increasingly becoming a manageable condition, saving millions of lives nationwide.

Ghana repeals legislation that opened forest reserves to mining

By Peter Schulte / January 13, 2026 / Good News For Humankind

In a historic win for conservation, the Parliament of Ghana has repealed L.I. 2462, effectively banning mining activities in the country’s protected forest reserves. This decision follows months of intense advocacy from a coalition of labor unions, religious groups, and environmental organizations. The repeal safeguards critical watersheds that provide drinking water to millions and protects vital habitats for endangered species. This legislative reversal marks a decisive shift toward sustainable development and restores the legal sanctity of Ghana’s natural heritage.

Fentanyl overdose deaths in the U.S. are now falling sharply

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

The United States is seeing a dramatic decline in fentanyl overdose deaths, with new data showing a drop of approximately 33% in 2024 after the crisis peaked at 76,000 deaths in 2023. Preliminary findings suggest continued double-digit reductions in 2025. This positive trend is driven by successful diplomatic efforts to cut off precursor chemicals from China, disrupting the supply chain. Simultaneously, the widespread availability of naloxone and expanded access to addiction treatment are saving lives domestically.

Major rewilding effort removes 100 miles of fencing across the Great Plains of Montana

By Peter Schulte / January 8, 2026 / Good News For Humankind

Led by the American Prairie Reserve, this initiative relies on volunteers to clear abandoned barbed wire that endangers wildlife and fragments habitat. The removal reopens ancient migration corridors for species like pronghorn antelope and elk, allowing them to move freely across the landscape. This project restores the natural beauty of the prairie and serves as a powerful model for reconnecting fragmented ecosystems nationwide.

Illustration of the concept of nuclear fusion

China achieves breakthrough in fusion reactor plasma density

By Peter Schulte / January 7, 2026 / Good News For Humankind

China has achieved a major breakthrough in the quest for viable fusion power with its experimental EAST reactor in Hefei, Anhui Province. The device shattered a world record by sustaining plasma at 158 million degrees Fahrenheit for over 17 minutes. This engineering feat proves that the extreme conditions needed for fusion can be stabilized for long durations. The breakthrough is a critical step in the global effort to develop abundant, safe, carbon-free energy supplies and combat climate change.

The Faroe Islands legalizes abortion

By Peter Schulte / January 6, 2026 / Good News For Humankind

In a landmark victory for reproductive freedom, the Faroe Islands parliament has voted to legalize abortion, ending one of Europe’s most restrictive bans. The new law allows for abortion on demand up to the 12th week of pregnancy, aligning the archipelago with its Nordic neighbors. This historic change removes the need for women to travel to Denmark for care, ensuring access to essential medical services at home. The decision is a triumph for grassroots activists who campaigned for years to modernize the nation’s healthcare laws.