Taking a page from John Krasinski’s book during the pandemic, I’m launching here (with Jeanne's blessing) the GNN - the Good News Network. Every week on Thursday (I will also take some weeks off because I’m human and will forget occasionally and not always have time to do the research I need to report with confidence!) I will post a good news story and provide some thoughtful analysis on it. In the intervening time anyone who wants to be a GNN correspondant can feel free to post in-between.
NO BAD NEWS in this thread. ONLY GOOD NEWS and positive comments in this thread :-)
As weeks go on I'll have time to do more research on stories. But you can all just share links to good news here too. Let's replace doomscrolling with hope scrolling!
Here’s our first top story for the penultimate week of 2024.
Green Corridors, a Path Forward For Sustainability and Solving Parts of the Climate Problem?
by DannyBoy, GNN Lead Anchor
If you’ve been on this forum for awhile, you’ll note our fearless leader @Jeanne-Mayell is great at a lot of predictions, but appears to be quite in tune with mother nature and the increasingly undeniable effects of climate change on our world. Stemming farther back than her “back of the napkin” vision on the collective psyche, the aforementioned napkin prediction continually resurfaces in our discussions on this forum. The most recent set of predictions includes her revisiting that vision, letting us know that the top of the napkin is both four short years, and an eternity away. “By 2029,” Mayell writes, “our country will emerge battered, but wiser, just in time to face the most difficult battle of all -- a depleted earth that cannot not grow enough food.”
Food isn’t the only climate issue we’ll be tackling, but it will certainly be at the top of everyone’s radar.
What we’ve done to the world around us is undeniable, and with the 47th President of the United States already readying both his pen and his cemented congress to roll back many of those protections, it can seem like we’re barreling toward this future with no brakes on the train.
There is hope however. In the article “What’s Next for the EPA Under Trump?”, an interview with a Johns Hopkins faculty member Tom Burke, Burke points out that while the federal government may not lead the way the next few years on climate change, people, everywhere, not just in the United States, can work locally and tackle this in small but cumulative ways.
Over 55% of the world’s population now live in cities, and projections indicate that number will continue to increase, reaching a projected 68% by 2050. Big cities will become bigger, and it’s in these cities - many of which in the United States are led by left leaning mayors, commissions, and councils - where some of the first lines of defense have been, and will continue to be drawn.
I’m not just talking about more infrastructure for EV’s, and eBike rentals, and some of the other things already popping up here. I”m also talking about building urban green corridors. If you don’t know what these are, this article from Iberdorola is a great introduction to the concept.
A great example of this in action is the town Medellin in Colombia. And while I could summarize here I really only want to provide lead-ins to some of these stories, so I leave this one here: https://reasonstobecheerful.world/green-corridors-medellin-colombia-urban-heat/
These won’t solve all the problems we’re facing. But one solution never can. It takes small steps and dedicated humans leading the way to start action at the local level that can spiral to larger and larger regions over time. How can you start work on a green corridor in YOUR community?
A new study has shown once again, that combining solar panels with agriculture can significantly boost crop yields, while conserving water and generating renewable energy for areas vulnerable to climate change, a new study has shown.
Certain crops, such as maize, Swiss chard and beans, thrived under the partial shade provided by solar panels and the crops helped cool the panels which allowed them to generate more efficient energy.
Ancient desert corn is now being grown in the desert conditions of Arizona, according to a story I saw in "Reasons to be Cheerful" which was reporting on a story from "Living Paradigms".
I've read about these farms for several years now. They are also growing other vegetables in these barren landscapes, like squash and tomatoes. It's called dry farming, and it's a real thing that gives so much hope for how we will feed ourselves in a hot world.
https://reasonstobecheerful.world/growing-corn-hopi-dry-farming/
The U.S. can say goodbye to the Murder Hornet, at least for now, as it appears to have been eradicated from U.S. shores. This is excellent news as the invasive insect can destroy a bee colony in 90 minutes and this hornet has a sting 7 times more potent than a bee sting.
https://www.goodnewsnetwork.org/invasive-murder-hornets-are-wiped-out-in-the-us-officials-say/
Score one for young climate activists who celebrated a historic win from the Montana state supreme court. Under Montana's constitution, there is a “fundamental constitutional right to a clean and healthful environment [that] includes climate as part of the environmental life support system.” The ruling affirmed their right to a “safe and liveable climate”.
The judgement upheld an earlier district court decision, which saw 16 young plaintiffs – aged as young as five – successfully sue the state over its pro-fossil fuel policies. The state of Montana fought the ruling. The U.S. Supreme Court has no jurisdiction over this state constitutional ruling.
Montana must now consider the environmental and public health impacts of future fossil fuel projects.
https://www.jdsupra.com/legalnews/montana-supreme-court-upholds-climate-4194349/
Taking Out The Trash, One Beach at a Time
by Dannyboy, GNN Lead Anchor.
Welcome to Episode 2 of the Good News Network. Yeah I said I’d be doing these every Thursday and yeah, I missed last Thursday, what should have been the second post on this front. I did say I’d forget sometimes :P. (Honestly I was enjoying the quiet of winter break but today my reading challenge for 2025 starts up and in reading the first book I’ll finish in 2025: The Swedish Art of Aging Exuberantly, One of the lessons the author writes about is called “Don’t Leave Empty Handed”.
What does this have to do with good news? Well, one of her examples in this chapter introduced me to a man named Afroz Shah, a lawyer from India who moved to a place called Versova Beach in 2015 (he had lived there as a kid). Upon returning to the beaches he loved he found them buried under nearly five feet of garbage.
Not one to just accept what is, Shah began working on the weekends to pick up garbage. Over the course of the next six years, the beaches in the area completely transformed. He started alone but was soon joined by others, and then others - and then others still.
Overall nearly 13 million KG (or for us Americans: 28,660,094 pounds of garbage) have been cleaned off of these beaches alone.
It’s even helped bring some of the sea turtles native to that area back!
Click on some of the links in the article, or this one for a nice overall look (Albeit 4 years old now - he’s still going!)
It’s a great reminder of the power of one in the face of tough odds, and that we too can start something without even realizing it by just leading by example.
The Medal of Freedom ceremony is taking place right now. I am so inspired. 19 recipient and I started crying with the first one honored, Chef Jose Andres from World Central Kitchen. How can you not see Michael J Fox receive the award and not cry? What a touching ceremony!! SO many worthy recipients including Jane Goodall, Hilary Clinton, Bono and Fannie Lou Hamer.
This is a must see that fed me like food to the hungry. Biden's award ceremony of the (click link to watch) Presidential Medal of Freedom made me cry good tears, healing the pain I've felt from the Dark News.
So many deserved hero's of our world, people who, in many cases, have been mercilessly demonized in the Dark News, received this medal, which they will pass onto their children and their children's grandchildren:
The Presidential Medal of Freedom is the Nation’s highest civilian honor, presented to individuals who have made exemplary contributions to the prosperity, values, or security of the United States, world peace, or other significant societal, public or private endeavors.
Excerpted from the White House.gov:
President Biden believes great leaders keep the faith, give everyone a fair shot, and put decency above all else. These nineteen individuals are great leaders who have made America and the world a better place. They are great leaders because they are good people who have made extraordinary contributions to their country and the world.
The awards went to:
José Andrés
José Andrés is a renowned Spanish-American culinary innovator who popularized tapas in the United States. His World Central Kitchen provides large-scale relief to communities affected by natural disasters and conflict around the world.
Bono
Bono is the frontman for legendary rock band U2 and a pioneering activist against AIDS and poverty. He brought together politicians from opposing parties to create the United States PEPFAR AIDS program, and is co-founder of campaigning organizations ONE and (RED).
Ashton Baldwin Carter (posthumous)
Ash Carter served as the 25th Secretary of Defense and devoted his career to making the nation safer for all. Throughout his career, he served under 11 Secretaries of Defense in both Democratic and Republican administrations.
Hillary Rodham Clinton
Secretary Clinton made history many times over decades in public service, including as the first First Lady elected to the United States Senate. After serving as Secretary of State, she became the first woman nominated for president by a major United States political party.
Michael J. Fox
Michael J. Fox is an actor who has won five Emmy Awards, four Golden Globe Awards, two Screen Actors Guild Awards, and a Grammy Award. He is a world-renowned advocate for Parkinson’s disease research and development.
Tim Gill
Tim Gill is a visionary entrepreneur whose work has advanced LGBTQI rights and equality. After transforming the publishing industry through groundbreaking software, he leveraged his success to secure key victories in the fight for marriage equality and anti-discrimination protections.
Jane Goodall
Dr. Jane Goodall is a world-renowned ethologist and conservationist whose research transformed our understanding of primates and human evolution. She is a passionate advocate for empowering individuals and communities to protect and preserve the natural world.
Fannie Lou Hamer (posthumous)
Mrs. Fannie Lou Hamer transformed the struggle for racial justice in America. As a founder of the Mississippi Freedom Democratic Party, she challenged the exclusion of Black voices in the political system and laid the groundwork for the 1965 Voting Rights Act.
Earvin “Magic” Johnson
Earvin “Magic” Johnson is a legendary retired basketball player who led the Los Angeles Lakers to five championships. Off the court, he is a successful entrepreneur and philanthropist who supports underserved communities through his Magic Johnson Foundation.
Robert Francis Kennedy (posthumous)
Robert Francis Kennedy is remembered as an Attorney General who fiercely combatted racial segregation, and as a United States Senator who sought to address poverty and inequality in the country. His legacy continues to inspire those committed to justice, equality, and public service.
Ralph Lauren
Ralph Lauren is a fashion designer who redefined the fashion industry with a lifestyle brand that embodies timeless elegance and American tradition. He has influenced culture, business, and philanthropy, notably in the fight against cancer and the preservation of the Star-Spangled Banner.
Lionel Messi
Lionel Messi is the most decorated player in the history of professional soccer. He supports healthcare and education programs for children around the world through the Leo Messi Foundation and serves as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador.
William Sanford Nye
Bill Nye has inspired and influenced generations of American students as “Bill Nye the Science Guy.” His dedication to science education continues through his work as CEO of the Planetary Society and as a vocal advocate for space exploration and environmental stewardship.
George W. Romney (posthumous)
George Romney was a businessman who served as the chairman and president of American Motors Corporation. A public servant, he later served as both the 43rd Governor of Michigan and the 3rd Secretary of Housing and Urban Development.
David M. Rubenstein
David Rubenstein is co-founder and co-chairman of The Carlyle Group, where he built one of the most successful global investment firms. He is renowned for his philanthropy and generous support for the restoration of historic landmarks and the country’s cultural institutions.
George Soros
George Soros is an investor, philanthropist, and founder of the Open Society Foundations. Through his network of foundations, partners and projects in more than 120 countries, Soros has focused on global initiatives that strengthen democracy, human rights, education, and social justice.
George Stevens, Jr.
George Stevens, Jr. is an award-winning writer, director, author, and playwright. His career has been dedicated to preserving and celebrating the best of American film and the performing arts, including by founding the American Film Institute and creating the Kennedy Center Honors.
Denzel Washington
Denzel Washington is an actor, director, and producer who has won two Academy Awards, a Tony Award, two Golden Globes, and the 2016 Cecil B. DeMille Lifetime Achievement Award. He has also served as National Spokesman for the Boys & Girls Clubs of America for over 25 years.
Anna Wintour
Anna Wintour is a renowned fashion icon who has led Vogue as editor-in-chief since 1988. A champion for philanthropic causes, she is also the leading architect behind the annual Met Gala fundraiser and chief content officer of Condé Nast.
It was a fantastic ceremony and truly uplifted my spirits when I watched it the other day. It lightened my heart and showed me once again there is so much good in people.
Cross posting in the LA Fires thread as well. Rather than say "I'm going to post on Thursdays" I'm just going to say "I'm going to try to post each week."
This article is all of it for me. I have no notes:
‘The Love in the Air Is Thicker Than the Smoke’
On the streets of L.A., Michelin-starred chefs are cooking for firefighters, boutiques are giving away clothes and a sprawling city is coming together.
Thanks to one man's intuition, here's a bit of happy news for your Wednesday morning . On Monday afternoon, two teenage girls went out on a paddleboard off of Cedar Key, FL and were blown off course by winds. They did not return and a frantic search ensued. This area of the coast is full of coves and bays and oyster bars. It's jagged and rocky and bordered by swamps and would be difficult to search.
Three men were planning to go out fishing Tuesday morning, but when they heard about the missing girls they decided instead to help search. One of them had a strong hunch they should go to a place called Turtle Bay. They did, and found the girls within half an hour, stranded on an oyster bar at Turtle Bay. This place was 14 miles from the girls' starting point. The girls were suffering from mild hypothermia but otherwise OK.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=84WtLSBao58&ab_channel=WKMGNews6ClickOrlando