Good News #62
Caribou protection in Canada, vulture comeback in India, marine reserves in São Tomé & Príncipe, independent climate website in the U.S., and solar permitting in Rhode Island
Here’s your weekly roundup of environmental good news stories from around the world. I hope these lift you up, give you inspiration, and remind you that despite the conflict and chaos, there are good people in this world making progress for the planet.
Canada and Quebec reach agreement to protect Caribou
After years of negotiation, the federal and provincial governments have signed a haymaking agreement to protect caribou across Quebec. The deal includes $25.2 million in federal funding to support the creation and expansion of protected areas, habitat restoration, and population monitoring. Over the next decade, the plan aims to reach a target of 65% undisturbed habitat for several key herds. This move is considered a critical step in preventing the local extinction of these iconic species.
South Asia’s vultures make a historic comeback
New data confirms that White-rumped Vultures, which had declined by 99.9% across India due to livestock drug poisoning, are now seeing their numbers climb steadily across India, Nepal, and Pakistan. The RSPB is calling the recovery “one of the biggest conservation success stories of our time,” following a decades-long ban on the drug diclofenac.
São Tomé & Príncipe establishes its first marine reserves
The island nation of São Tomé & Príncipe has officially approved its first-ever marine protected areas, Santana and Ilhéu das Rolas. The reserves protect critical marine habitats while allowing for regulated, small-scale local fishing. The project was notably shaped by Manuel “Lindo” Gomes, a former turtle poacher turned lead conservationist.
Climate.us launches as an independent science resource
To ensure public access to reliable data, Climate.us launched its full independent website on July 6. The nonprofit is backed by more than 2,500 small donors and 80 volunteer scientists, creating a resilient, science-reviewed home for climate information that is independent of shifting government policies.
Rhode Island advances instant solar permitting
The Rhode Island House passed legislation on July 5 to implement an “instant” solar permitting process. By streamlining the bureaucracy, the state expects to significantly accelerate the installation of residential solar panels.