AFTER many years of rather depressing news about the environment and climate, it’s great to hear about some of the improvements that have been made worldwide because of our efforts, writes Helen Gillingham.

Solar provided more electricity than coal in Europe in 2025.

Plastic bag laws are making a difference, leading to a decrease in plastic bags found on shorelines in places with regulations.

New UK government regulations require online electronics retailers to contribute more to e-waste recycling costs.

The High Seas Treaty reached 60 ratifications so will become international law in January 2026. This will provide a legal framework to protect marine biodiversity in international waters.

Green turtles bounce back from being classified as near extinction to least concern status.

Scottish wild cats are producing litters of kittens in the Scottish Highlands, over 80 water voles have been introduced to a Devon wetland, and Pine Marten kits are also now in Devon. It would be great if Somerset was next for Pine Martens as these keystone creatures help keep our ecosystem in balance.

The UK Government plans to increase the ban on the area that bottom sea trawling can happen, after consultation.

Researchers at a Korean University have developed the first eco-friendly technology to rapidly capture and destroy toxic "forever chemicals" (PFAS) in water.

After the disappointing Cop 30, Colombia and the Netherlands announced that they would independently establish a roadmap for abandoning fossil fuels. The two nations also agreed to co-host the first ever International Conference on the Just Transition Away from Fossil Fuels, scheduled for April 2026.

All these stories were found by searching online for positive news from organisations such as Primo Natura, Ecologi, Positive News and Reuters. It’s easy to become despondent when we hear of all the problems in the world, so while it is, of course, good to be aware of problems so we can be spurred into action to help solve them - be that voting for politicians who have environmental health on their agenda, recycling or spending money ethically - it’s important to still make sure you have a balance for your own mental health.

If you read a bad news story, then search for a good news one straight after, they are out there too.