Doomscrolling is easy these days, so let’s take a moment to celebrate some wins for our planet in 2025. There’s good news in the fight against climate change, and it deserves attention.
One of the biggest victories? The infamous ozone hole over Antarctica is shrinking. According to the World Meteorological Organization, this change marks a significant success of global efforts. The reduction in ozone-depleting chemicals, particularly CFCs, has led to this positive trend. The changes stem from the Montreal Protocol established in 1987, and for the first time, we’re seeing real improvement.
Shifting gears, renewable energy is making strides. For the first time, renewable sources like wind and solar produced more electricity than coal in the first half of 2025. Energy demand rose by 2.6%, with 83% of that increase coming from solar power, which surged by 31%. Interestingly, coal power saw a slight decline of 0.6% during the same period, illustrating a steady move toward cleaner energy. In Texas, projections show solar farms are set to eclipse coal-generated power, illustrating a local success story that ties into the broader global shift. You can read more about this landmark achievement in energy here: Reuters.
Nature has its own comeback stories too. In Yellowstone National Park, aspen trees are thriving again. A recent survey shows that 43% of checked stands now feature new overstory aspen trees, something not seen since the 1940s. The return of predators like wolves has surprisingly aided this growth by controlling elk populations, which often overbrowse young aspen shoots.
In Chicago, after nearly a century, organized swimming returned to the once-polluted Chicago River. Cleaning efforts, spurred by the Clean Water Act of the 1970s, have dramatically improved the water quality. Local groups continue to monitor and advocate for the river’s health, which has resulted in successful community events.
Meanwhile, scientists are taking an innovative approach to offset methane emissions from livestock. A project named “Cool Cows” aims to reduce methane production in new generations of cows by 2%. While it may seem modest, this could lead to a 40% reduction in emissions over 20 years. Methane’s short lifespan in the atmosphere means that even small reductions can have a significant impact on global temperatures, a win for climate mitigation.
These developments show that while challenges remain, positive strides are being made. Hope is on the horizon as we collectively work toward a healthier planet.
