Good News for Humankind 🌏

The world’s latest milestones for climate, justice, freedom, peace, health, and more

Israel and Hamas agree to cease-fire after 15 months of war and terror

The guns have gone silent in Gaza after over a year of brutal war. Since October 2023, over 45,900 Palestinians and 1,700 Israelis have been killed, including many civilians, children, journalists, and humanitarians. The initial stage of a truce between Israel and Hamas prompted celebrations in Gaza and hope for a permanent end to the conflict. Three women were the first Israeli hostages to be released. In exchange, Israel has agreed to release dozens of Palestinian prisoners.

India adds record 24.5 GW of solar in 2024

India added 24.5 GW of solar and 3.4 GW of wind capacity in 2024, doubling solar installations and increasing wind capacity by 21% from 2023, according to JMK Research & Analytics. These additions brought India’s total renewable energy capacity to 209.44 GW, with solar accounting for 47%. Utility-scale additions nearly tripled from 2023, while rooftop and off-grid installations rose 53% and 197%, respectively, driven by the PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana program, which spurred 700,000 rooftop installations in 10 months.

New York to fine fossil fuel companies $75 billion under new climate law

New York state will fine fossil fuel companies $75 billion over the next 25 years to pay for damage caused to the climate. The new law is intended to shift some of the recovery and adaptation costs of climate change from individual taxpayers to oil, gas, and coal companies. The money raised will be spent on mitigating the impacts of climate change, including adapting roads, transit, water and sewage systems, buildings and other infrastructure. Fossil fuel companies will be fined based on the amount of greenhouse gases they emitted between 2000 and 2018.

250 miles of New Mexico’s rivers get toughest safeguards against pollution

In a unanimous decision, New Mexico’s Water Quality Control Commission has voted to protect 250 miles of stream and river segments with the state’s highest water quality safeguards. This historic decision recognizes stretches of the Rio Grande, Rio Chama, Cimarron, Pecos, and Jemez rivers as Outstanding National Resource Waters, ensuring that these lifelines remain uncontaminated by pollution. The 10-0 vote shields these critical ecosystems from degradation caused by pollutants, heavy metals, temperature changes, and other environmental threats.

Critically endangered Siberian crane populations have increased by nearly 50% over last decade

The Siberian crane, known for its extremely long and arduous annual journeys, is one of the world’s rarest cranes. Its western and central populations are nearly extinct today. Most Siberian cranes that remain belong to the eastern population, which migrates between northeastern Russia and China. By 2012, researchers estimated there were around 3,500-4,000 individuals left in this eastern population. The latest bird counts from Russia and China suggest their numbers have nearly doubled to 7,000 individuals thanks to concerted habitat protection efforts.

Remember

Palestine declares independence (1988 C.E.)

The Palestinian Declaration of Independence formally established the State of Palestine, and was written by Palestinian poet Mahmoud Darwish and proclaimed by Yasser Arafat in Algiers, Algeria. Despite the 1988 proclamation of the State of Palestine, at the time the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) did not exercise control over any territory. The PLO began to exercise a limited rule in the West Bank and part of the Gaza Strip as a consequence of the 1994 Gaza-Jericho Agreement. In 2012, Palestine was upgraded to the status of UN non-member observer state.

Imagine

The State of Palestine achieves peace, self-determination, and full recognition from the U.N. (2035 C.E. ???)

After decades of war, terror, and occupation, Israel and Palestine formally recognize one another as legitimate states and achieve a lasting peace agreement. All UN member states acknowledge the State of Palestine and declare it a full voting member of the international governing body. The State of Palestine gains full freedom to govern itself and live in dignity.

These milestones have been added to the Archive of Human Genius – our database of social change milestones – past, present & future.

Take Action

Contribute to UNICEF’s fund for children in Gaza

From UNICEF: The Gaza Strip is the world’s most dangerous place for children. An estimated 1.9 million people are displaced — half of them children. Children are dying of malnutriton as famine looms.UNICEF is in Gaza, delivering food, water, medicines, and other lifesaving supplies while continuing to help children most in need around the world. With your support, we can reach even more children whenever and wherever they need help. Donate.

This week’s calendar

GET S*** DONE Work Group every weekday at 10:30am-12pm PT (online)
Bellingham Men’s Circle on Monday, January 20 from 6-8pm PT (in-person)
Peter’s show in West Seattle on Saturday, February 22

Weekly reflection

Hi beautiful people,

For the first time in over a decade, I performed some songs at a small house concert near Seattle this Friday. It was lovely! It felt nourishing and liberating to get back to sharing this side of me with others. For so long, this part of my life has been shrouded in shame, insecurity, and fear. Though playing in front of people is still a bit nerve-wracking and uncomfortable, it felt good to be vulnerable and open, and be so wonderfully received by kind-hearted people.

And now, I am going to do it again soon! I’m playing at Kenyon Hall in West Seattle on February 22 along with my friends Benjamin Jay Thomas, Nora Heath, and Terry Pooler. If you live near Seattle, come join us!

Buy tickets

Love,
Peter