In a world often filled with challenging headlines, it’s refreshing to take a moment to celebrate positive developments that inspire hope and progress. This month, we bring you a roundup of uplifting stories that highlight the power of human action, innovation, and our deep connection to nature.
Wildlife Encounters: Healing Our Minds, Connecting Our Hearts
Wildlife encounters offer more than just fleeting moments of wonder—they have a profound impact on our wellbeing. Environmental researcher Liz Lev, in her study conducted at Seattle’s Discovery Park, found that observing wildlife can significantly improve our mood, reduce stress, and even strengthen our social bonds. These interactions tap into our deep evolutionary connection with nature, reminding us of our place within the natural world. Participants in Lev’s study noted that their experiences not only enriched their own lives but also fostered more positive interactions with family and strangers alike. Filmmaker Craig Foster, of “My Octopus Teacher” fame, echoes this sentiment, describing these encounters as moments of kinship that deepen our appreciation for the natural world. Embracing wildlife encounters might just be the key to a happier, more connected life.
Discover more about the study on the BBC podcast, “The Science of Happiness.”
For insights on how nature can transform our minds, check out our co-founder Julius’ blog post on rewilding the mind.
Explore Copenhagen Sustainably and Earn Rewards for Going Green!
Copenhagen is leading the way in sustainable tourism with its innovative CopenPay initiative. This pilot program rewards visitors for eco-friendly actions with perks like free ice cream and discounted museum entry. By encouraging travellers to adopt sustainable habits—such as picking up litter or cycling instead of driving—Copenhagen is turning tourism into a force for positive environmental change. Unlike other European cities where mass tourism has caused tensions, Copenhagen aims to foster a more conscious and environmentally friendly mindset among its visitors. This initiative not only helps preserve the city’s beauty but also inspires travellers to carry these green habits back home.
Learn more about CopenPay and how it’s reshaping tourism in Copenhagen here.
Swiss Seniors Win Historic Climate Case, Setting a Precedent for Global Action
In a groundbreaking victory, a group of Swiss women known as KlimaSeniorinnen has won the first-ever climate case in the European Court of Human Rights. The court ruled that Switzerland’s inadequate efforts to reduce emissions violated the women’s rights to private and family life by failing to effectively address climate change. This landmark decision, which is binding across 46 European countries, could have far-reaching implications for future climate litigation. The KlimaSeniorinnen, mostly in their 70s, argued that their age and gender made them particularly vulnerable to the impacts of global warming, such as heatwaves. While similar cases brought by Portuguese youth and a former French mayor were dismissed, the Swiss victory represents a significant step forward in holding governments accountable for climate action.
Watch the historic moment and learn more about the case here.
Global Energy Crisis Ignites Unprecedented Surge in Renewable Power
The global energy crisis, triggered by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, has accelerated the shift toward renewable energy at an unprecedented pace. In the next five years, global renewable energy capacity is expected to grow by nearly 2,400 GW—an 85% increase from the previous five years and 30% higher than last year’s forecast. By 2027, renewables will dominate global electricity capacity expansion, with solar PV and wind power leading the way. Solar PV is on track to surpass coal as the world’s largest power source by 2027. Despite challenges such as permitting, grid infrastructure, and financing, especially in emerging economies, this rapid expansion is bringing the world closer to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.
Read the full report on the future of renewable energy here.
