🐘 Elephant poaching decreased by 50 percent after China's ivory ban
Elephant poaching decreased by 50 percent after China implemented its total ivory ban in 2018. The number of illegal ivory seizures also declined after the ban. No "last-minute rush" in smuggling occurred before the ban took effect.
📉 China's carbon dioxide emissions lower than 18 months ago
China's carbon dioxide emissions have been flat or declining since March 2024. Solar power increased by 46% and wind power by 11% in the third quarter, covering nearly all the increase in electricity demand. Emissions from the transport sector fell by 5% due to the rapid spread of electric vehicles.
🔋 Battery storage doubled in 2024 – as much as in all previous history
The world installed over 160 gigawatt-hours of new battery storage in 2024, nearly as much as in all recorded history. Analysis shows that battery storage globally could reach 100–180 terawatt-hours in the long term, three to six times more than current forecasts.
📉 Uganda has reduced AIDS deaths by 64 percent in 14 years
The number of annual AIDS deaths in Uganda has decreased from 56,000 in 2010 to 20,000 in 2024. New HIV infections have fallen from 96,000 to 37,000 during the same period. 96 percent of those receiving antiretroviral treatment have the virus under control.
🧮 Mathematical result: The universe cannot be a computer simulation
Several people believe we live in a computer simulation. New research now shows mathematically that this is not only unlikely, but impossible. Every simulation is governed by algorithms, but since reality is not, the universe can never be a simulation.
🏭 US coal exports plummet – plus five additional problems for coal
US coal exports decreased by 11% during the first half of 2025, while Indonesia's exports fell by 12%. China's coal power production decreased by 4.7% and the country's emissions from electricity production fell by 3% in the first half of 2025. Coal prices have fallen by approximately 30%.
🌳 Amazon deforestation reaches lowest level in a decade
Deforestation in the Brazilian Amazon fell by 11 percent between August 2024 and July 2025, the lowest level in nearly a decade. Authorities conducted 9,540 inspections during the year, an increase of 38 percent, and issued environmental fines totaling 520 million dollars.
🩸 Promising: Blood test can detect more than 50 cancer types – enables earlier treatment
A blood test shows ability to identify over 50 different cancer types and can speed up diagnosis. More than half of the cancer forms were detected in early stages where treatment is more effective. Three-quarters of the detected cancer types currently lack screening programs.
🤐 After a hundred years: New zipper that is more flexible and reduces emissions
YKK has developed a zipper without the woven fabric that normally sits on the sides of the teeth. The new zipper weighs less, is more flexible and reduces both material use and emissions. The North Face and other clothing companies have started using the new technology in their products.