It’s the final post in which I can say Happy New Year! Soon, we’ll be in February, and then it’s just a normal month again. So, while we’re still in January, let’s remind you of what Monthly Good News is about.

In short, it’s my personal attempt at reminding you that Earth is not an inherently bad place to be and humans are striving for better every single day. The core message here is PEOPLE DON’T TOTALLY SUCK, HAVE A NICE DAY, and I try to convey that to you by rounding up as much good news from the prior month as possible.

This is January’s. Even in a month in which it’s super cold and kind of sad and everywhere you look you’re being taught how to make your sustainable new year’s resolutions, there are still good things happening and good news being made.

So here’s the news:

• Green energy has overtaken gas as the UK’s leading source of electricity this winter, sparing the country from an even worse energy crisis
• More than 200 ultra-rich people (millionaires and billionaires) have called in an open letter for higher taxes
• A study of 7,000 people reveals a correlation between exposure to nature and lower use of prescription drugs
• The Welsh Football Association has announced gender pay equity for anyone playing for their national team; the men’s team agreed to a 25% pay cut, while the women’s team received a 25% pay rise
• Blossoming fruit trees are returning to Birmingham as the first of 600 new trees are planted
• It was announced that no rhinos were poached in Kaziranga, the world’s largest rhino reserve for all of 2022
• The UN shared its findings that the ozone layer is on track to fully recover within 40 years
• Scientists identified a “climate-proof” wheat that can offer higher yields in hot weather
• England has announced a plastic ban, halting the production and sale of single-use plastic cutlery, plates, trays, bowls and certain types of polystyrene cups and food containers
• Housing developers in England will be required to make mini wetlands on developments such as rain gardens and ponds
• France has demanded that fast food entities provide reusable tableware for food being eaten onsite as a way to cut down on fast food packaging
• In Spain, tobacco companies will have to pay for the clean up of cigarette butts, one of the most commonly littered items in Europe
• For the first time ever, researchers have turned plastic waste and greenhouse gases into sustainable fuels, using only a solar-powered reactor
• There are already 8 net-zero countries in the world
• Los Angeles and San Diego banned plastic foam
• In 2022, 79% of cars sold in Norway were electric

In conclusion:

People don’t totally suck, you know. Have a nice day.

By Bethany Climpson, Sustainability Engagement Assistant