Monthly Optimism Roundup for April 2024

25 April 2024

We’re back with another roundup of good news from around the globe!

This month, we marvel at the huge diversity found in Cambodian mangrove forests, discover the air-cleaning ‘green corridors’ of a Columbian city and see how two Earthshot Prize Finalists are keeping plastic out of our oceans and carbon out of our atmosphere.

Read on for all the details 👇

PROTECT AND RESTORE NATURE

700 different species found in one Cambodian mangrove forest

During a recent exploration of a Cambodian nature reserve, a team of biologists were astonished to find around 700 different species of animals living in just one small area.

Among their discoveries were the critically endangered hairy-nosed otter and the endangered fishing cat. The huge variety of species found emphasises the important role mangroves play in conserving biodiversity.

CLEAN OUR AIR

20km of ‘green corridors’ cleaning a Colombian city’s air

Medellín’s mayor, Federico Gutiérrez, has promised to reinvigorate an initiative which has seen the city transform 30 streets into ‘green corridors’ and create over 70 hectares of parks and gardens filled with a diverse range of plant life.

These areas are not just better to look at, but the types of plants chosen actually clean the air of harmful pollutants, which can cause serious health issues like asthma.

REVIVE OUR OCEANS

New bubble barrier protects Dutch sea from plastic pollution

2022 Finalists, The Great Bubble Barrier, have installed their fifth barrier so far in a major shipping canal in Harlingen, the Netherlands.

The underwater system uses air bubbles to prevent plastic pollution from flowing into the UNESCO protected Wadden Sea – an area home to numerous plant and animal species and a breeding site for millions of migratory birds.

BUILD A WASTE-FREE WORLD

Second-hand clothing sales outpace retail sales in USA

A new report by clothing resale platform, Thredup, shows that the second-hand clothes market in the USA grew 15 times faster than the retail clothing sector in 2023, with online sales booming by a quarter compared to 2022.

As more shoppers realise the environmental and financial benefits of second-hand clothing, the amount of fashion waste being dumped in landfills will be vastly reduced.

FIX OUR CLIMATE

2022 finalist’s new material locks CO₂ away in road asphalt

A ground-breaking new carbon-negative material produced by 2022 Finalist Low Carbon Materials, has been used in a UK road for the first time.

The material called ACLA® uses natural processes to suck CO₂ from the air and permanently lock it away. When just a small amount is mixed with traditional road asphalt it can slash the carbon footprint of road building.

Keep an eye on our channels for all the latest optimism from around the world, including updates from our amazing Finalists.

Got some news you want to shout about? Share on social media using #EarthshotPrize

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