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

Horses running

Wild horses return to Spain’s Iberian highlands after 10,000 years

By / / Good News For Humankind

A groundbreaking ecological project is underway in Spain’s Iberian Highlands, where wild horses are now roaming a landscape they haven’t inhabited in millennia. This collaborative effort, led by the Rewilding Europe Foundation, the International Union for Conservation of Nature, and Rewilding Spain, is a strategic move to restore the natural ecosystem. The project aims to reduce wildfire risk and promote biodiversity by reintroducing large herbivores, which act as “natural engineers” for the environment.

Wind turbines on a farm

Wind and solar power fuel over one-third of Brazil’s electricity for first time

By / / Good News For Humankind

Brazil has reached a clean energy milestone: in August, wind and solar supplied more than one-third of the country’s electricity for the first time. This rapid growth has cut emissions, created thousands of jobs, and reduced dependence on hydropower, which is increasingly vulnerable to drought. According to the International Energy Agency and World Bank, Brazil now leads emerging economies in showing how renewables can meet rising demand while slashing carbon pollution. The achievement positions Brazil as the only G20 nation currently on track to meet its COP28 renewable energy commitments.

Children in preschool raising their hands

New Mexico to be first U.S. state to launch universal child care system

By / / Good News For Humankind

A groundbreaking new law in New Mexico is making history by guaranteeing no-cost childcare for all families. This initiative is a strategic investment in the state’s future, designed to boost the economy by enabling parents, particularly mothers, to enter or re-enter the workforce. It also ensures quality by increasing provider pay to a minimum of $18 an hour. This progressive move sets a new national standard, proving that investing in children and families is a powerful path to long-term prosperity.

Oil rig at sunset

Guatemala closes massive oil field

By / / Good News For Humankind

Guatemala has permanently closed the Xan oil field in Laguna del Tigre National Park, marking a major shift from fossil fuel extraction to forest protection. The site, once responsible for nearly 90% of the country’s oil production, will now serve as a security base to curb illegal logging, ranching, and trafficking in the Maya Biosphere Reserve. Conservation groups and local communities have welcomed the move, while the government is also investing in renewable energy and new conservation funds. The closure signals hope for safeguarding biodiversity, cultural heritage, and community resilience across Central America’s largest tropical forest.

Coral

The Philippines protects massive coral hotspot

By / / Good News For Humankind

A significant victory for marine conservation has been achieved in the Philippines, where a new law establishes a vast marine protected area off Panaon Island. The legally protected seascape covers approximately 151,000 acres and is home to some of the world’s most climate-resilient coral reefs. This action, championed by local communities and a multi-year effort, not only safeguards endangered species but also supports the livelihoods of local fisherfolk.

Solar farm

Global solar installations up 64% so far this year

By / / Good News For Humankind

Global solar installations are soaring, with a record-breaking 380 gigawatts of new capacity added in the first half of 2025 alone. This unprecedented surge, documented in a report by the International Energy Agency (IEA), solidifies solar’s position as the world’s fastest-growing power source. This rapid pace of development is not only a major win for the climate but also a powerful driver of energy independence for nations worldwide.

Downtown Chicago and Chicago River

Chicago to hold first open water swim in Chicago River in nearly a century

By / / Good News For Humankind

The Chicago River, once devastated by pollution, has seen a remarkable turnaround, with cleaner water, expanding wildlife, and renewed public confidence. Conservation groups now report diverse fish species, turtles, and birds thriving along the river, while the city prepares for its first open-water swim in nearly a century. Years of effort—ranging from sewage treatment upgrades to floating wetlands and volunteer cleanups—have driven the transformation. Challenges like stormwater overflows remain, but the river’s revival demonstrates what persistent investment, advocacy, and collaboration can achieve.

Wind turbines in the desert

Clean energy to provide one-third of India’s utility electricity for first time ever

By / / Good News For Humankind

India’s energy sector is experiencing a monumental shift, marked by a record 20% surge in clean electricity generation in the first half of 2025. This significant increase, fueled by wind and solar power, has allowed the country to reduce its fossil fuel output by 4%. The growing share of clean power in India’s energy mix demonstrates that robust economic growth and environmental sustainability are not mutually exclusive goals.

Forest scene

Washington State to conserve 77,000 acres of “legacy forests” on state lands

By / / Good News For Humankind

Washington has announced a landmark step in forest conservation, protecting 77,000 acres of legacy forests across the state. These ecologically rich areas provide critical wildlife habitat, store carbon, and build wildfire resilience. By conserving legacy forests while supporting rural economies, Washington is charting a path toward sustainable forestry and climate resilience.