🐺 North America's large carnivores have recovered over the past 50 years
Gray wolves, pumas, black bears, and grizzly bears have made significant comebacks in North America. Black bears have increased by approximately two percent annually since the 1980s and now number over 850,000 individuals.
🏭 China builds fewer coal power plants as renewable energy takes over
China approved 41.8 gigawatts of new coal power capacity during the first three quarters of this year, the lowest pace since 2021. Wind and solar power can now cover all of China's increased electricity demand. Expectations for coal power profitability have dropped, leading to fewer new plants.
☀️ Despite political headwinds: American investments in carbon-free energy set record in 2025
Investments in carbon-free energy and transportation reached $75 billion in the third quarter of 2025, the highest quarterly figure ever. The full year 2025 is expected to exceed last year's total investment of $267 billion. Wind power investments rose 31% and reached the highest level since 2020.
💰 Kerala in India has eliminated extreme poverty
The Indian state of Kerala has reduced poverty from 59.8% in the 1970s to near zero. Kerala has the lowest proportion of multidimensionally poor people in India, with only 0.55% of the population. The result was achieved through investments in health, education, and targeted interventions.
📉 Measles deaths down 88 percent since 2000
The measles vaccine has saved nearly 59 million lives since the turn of the millennium. The number of deaths in 2024 is among the lowest recorded since 2000. 96 countries have now eliminated measles, including the first three countries in Africa.
🐕 Trained dogs track poachers in Africa
A British organization has sent 15 trained dogs to five African countries to combat poaching of rhinos and elephants. Some smaller nature reserves have almost completely eliminated poaching thanks to the deterrent effect of the dogs.
🏧 More women in developing countries have access to bank accounts
73% of women in low- and middle-income countries now have a financial account, an increase of 7 percentage points since 2021. The share of women saving formally has increased from 22% to 36% in three years. Mobile phones and digital accounts make it easier for women to use financial services.
📉 Coal has decreased from half to one-seventh of US electricity production in 15 years
Carbon dioxide emissions from US electricity production have decreased by approximately 40 percent since 2005. Solar and wind power now produce more electricity than coal and employ more American workers. This has prevented over one million asthma attacks and 60,000 premature deaths.
🐢 India's olive ridley turtles have recovered – 10 times as many nests now
20 years ago, researchers counted around 100,000 turtle nests in India, but during last winter's nesting season, approximately one million nests were recorded. Protection measures such as seasonal fishing bans, protected coastal zones, and ecotourism have contributed to the recovery.