Environment

This archive covers environmental progress from across the globe — habitat recoveries, clean-energy advances, pollution rollbacks, and policy wins that show ecosystems and communities adapting and improving. Each story is rooted in evidence, focused on what’s working, and drawn from sources doing the actual work.

A lush green valley with people walking on a trail for an article about environmental protection over economic growth

New survey finds 86% of people worldwide prioritize nature over economic growth

Environmental protection is a near-universal priority, according to a landmark global survey covering more than 22,000 people across 22 countries. A striking 86% of respondents said governments should prioritize protecting the environment over economic growth when the two conflict — a majority in every single country surveyed. The findings challenge the long-held political assumption that the public will trade environmental protection for jobs and growth. Consistent across wealthy and lower-income nations alike, the data suggests that concern for nature is not a luxury value but something closer to a shared human one.