Positive environmental news: 2025 highlights
Despite the often-negative headlines, 2025 has brought encouraging progress for the environment.
Here are some of this year’s most uplifting stories:
- Solar power surpasses coal: For the first time, solar energy generated more electricity than coal across Europe.
- Global action on fossil fuels: Although COP30 fell short of expectations, Colombia and the Netherlands have independently committed to phasing out fossil fuels. They will co-host the inaugural International Conference on the Just Transition Away from Fossil Fuels in April 2026.
- Plastic bag laws making a difference: Regulations have led to a noticeable reduction in plastic bags found on shorelines, especially in areas with strict rules.
- E-waste responsibility: New UK regulations now require online electronics retailers to contribute more towards e-waste recycling.
- Protecting the oceans: With 60 ratifications, the High Seas Treaty will become international law in January 2026, providing a legal framework to safeguard marine biodiversity in international waters.
- Wildlife recoveries: Green turtles have rebounded from near extinction to “least concern” status. Scottish wildcats are producing litters in the Highlands, over 80 water voles have been reintroduced to a Devon wetland, and pine marten kits are thriving in Exmoor.
- Innovations in clean water: Researchers in Korea have developed the first eco-friendly technology to rapidly capture and destroy toxic “forever chemicals” (PFAS) in water.
- Protecting marine habitats: Following public consultation, the UK Government plans to expand bans on bottom sea trawling.
Why not make a New Year’s resolution to seek out more positive environmental news? Staying informed via the following sources can inspire hope and eco-positivity: