Image from insideclimatenews.org
At such an unsteady time in the world, it is very easy to get sucked into streams of bad news. But, this only makes it more important to search for the good! Here are some optimistic headlines from 2025 and 2026:
Green Sea Turtles No Longer Endangered
As of late 2025, Green Sea Turtles have moved from “endangered” on the Red List to “least concern.” After spending more than four decades critically endangered, this species of sea turtles is on the path to recovery, their global population jumping by 28% since the 1970s. This is significant because sea turtles are a keystone species, meaning they are vital to the health of marine ecosystems.
Ozone Layer on Track For Full Recovery
The ozone layer is a part of Earth’s stratosphere which protects organisms by absorbing ultra-violet (UV) exposure from the sun. For decades, industrialization has resulted in the release of chemicals which have caused the ozone layer to thin. As of 2026, the ozone layer is on track for a full recovery between 2040 and 2066. This is due to the Montreal Agreement, which was designed to phase out ozone-depleting chemicals and substances. This amazing breakthrough is proof that nations can collaborate successfully for the betterment of the planet.
Colorado Animal-Car Collisions Expected to Drop by 90%
North America’s largest wildlife crossing opened in Colorado in late 2025. This overpass provides safety for larger animals, such as elk and deer, which are unable to utilize the underpasses that smaller animals use. The 15 million dollar project, which took one year to complete, aims to reduce wildlife-vehicle crashes along the I-25 by 90%.
Even if it seems that the world is collapsing around us, remember that we are making progress. This is not just “good news”, but a reason to maintain hope. These changes set the precedent for continued environmental progress, and shows that there is light, even in the most challenging of times.