Goodness in All Corners of the World

Good Things Happening Around the World

• New York Goes Big on Solar: A $950M solar farm will power 120,000 homes by 2026

• IDs That Open Doors: New city programs help vulnerable communities access vital services

• Fast-Track to Green Jobs: A “Skills Passport” helps fossil fuel workers switch to renewables

• Tiny Homes, Huge Impact: Villages give veterans stability and support

• Atlantic Current? Still Steady: A rare climate win—no major changes in 60 years

• More Good News

• Words of Inspiration

New York Goes Big on Solar:

A $950M solar farm will power 120,000 homes by 2026

A hefty $950 million will fund New York’s largest solar farm, the 500-MW Cider project.

Spanning 2,500 acres in Genesee County, it's set to power 120,000 homes by 2026. With this, New York is making significant strides toward its 2030 goal of 70% clean energy.

• Big Investment, Big Returns
  Greenbacker Renewable Energy has locked in $950 million to kick off the Cider project, aiming to energise New York with clean solar power.

• Setting Records and Goals
  Cider’s the largest solar project in New York's history, part of 23 state-awarded clean energy initiatives. New York’s aiming for 70% renewable electricity by 2030.

• A Solar-Boosting Powerhouse
  With 6,493 MW of solar already, New York is ranked 8th for solar capacity and on track to climb to 5th in just five years.

Why it’s Worth Smiling About

New York’s solar investment signals a clean energy future—and this is just the beginning.

This giant leap towards renewables means cleaner air, cheaper electricity, and a more sustainable world.

Let’s hope the sunshine keeps coming.

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IDs That Open Doors:

New city programs help vulnerable communities access vital services

Some US cities are offering municipal ID programs that give everyone, including undocumented residents and the unhoused, access to vital city services.

These programs help people who’ve lost or never had ID—enabling them to open bank accounts, report crimes, and get healthcare.

Notable examples include New York City’s IDNYC and Greensboro’s FaithAction ID initiative.

City Collaboration for Inclusion

Nonprofits, local governments, and police departments are teaming up to launch ID programs, creating trust and facilitating access for vulnerable populations.

A Simple Solution to Big Barriers

These IDs offer essential services to people who’d otherwise be excluded, from healthcare to public safety.

Why it’s Worth Smiling About

These municipal ID programs are more than just cards—they’re lifelines, opening doors and creating connections for those who need them most.

It’s heartening to see cities fostering trust and inclusivity, one ID at a time.

A small step for an individual, a giant leap for the community.

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Fast-Track to Green Jobs:

A “Skills Passport” helps fossil fuel workers switch to renewables

In the face of climate change, the UK is rolling out a “skills passport” to guide oil and gas workers into renewable energy roles.

With 90% of fossil fuel workers possessing transferable skills, the initiative aims to ensure no one gets left behind as the country shifts towards clean energy.

• Easy Access to Clean Energy Careers
  The digital skills passport helps workers navigate their way to offshore wind, construction, and maintenance jobs.

• Government Backing for Regional Success
  £4 million of investment across key regions will train local workers in welding, engineering, and green tech, helping them secure jobs in renewable sectors.

• A Boost to Economic Growth
  As clean energy becomes a driving force in the economy, there’s potential for up to 725,000 new jobs by 2030.

Why It's Worth Smiling About

The transition to clean energy is creating real opportunities. The skills passport not only opens doors to sustainable jobs, but it also ensures workers aren’t left behind in the race to net-zero.

It's a win-win for both the economy and the environment—talk about turning green into gold.

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Tiny Homes, Huge Impact:

Villages give veterans stability and support

Veterans across Canada are finding a new chance at stability through "Veteran Villages"—tiny home communities designed to help them escape homelessness.

This initiative aims to tackle a pressing issue affecting thousands of veterans both in Canada and beyond.

• A Place to Call Home
  These villages feature 300-square-foot homes with all the essentials: kitchen, bathroom, and living space, designed for ease and independence.

• A Community of Support
  With communal areas, therapy rooms, and case worker support, these spaces are built to foster peer-to-peer connections and holistic recovery.

• From Struggles to Stability
  The foundation provides personalised help, from sorting out benefits to emotional support, empowering veterans to rebuild their lives.

Why It's Worth Smiling About

It's heartwarming to see such a thoughtful approach to helping those who served their country.

Not only are these villages providing a roof, but they're also offering veterans the tools to regain control over their lives.

A sense of belonging and community that helps them thrive.

Read More

Atlantic Current? Still Steady:

A rare climate win—no major changes in 60 years

A new study brings some optimistic news for our planet’s climate system, showing that the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC), a critical ocean current system, has remained steady over the last 60 years.

This system, crucial for regulating global weather patterns, had scientists worried that it might collapse due to melting ice sheets.

However, the latest findings suggest otherwise.

• The AMOC’s Resilience
  Despite fears of a slowdown or collapse, the study indicates no significant decline in the AMOC since the 1960s.

• Improved Measurement Methods
  Past studies used sea surface temperatures to track changes, but these proved unreliable.

  The new approach—looking at air-sea heat flux—provides a more accurate picture of AMOC’s health.

• A Future in Flux
  While the AMOC has not weakened yet, scientists still expect it to slow down over time.

  Whether it will collapse, and when, remains uncertain. But there’s still time to act before things take a turn for the worse.

Why It's Worth Smiling About

The AMOC, it seems, is not in as much trouble as previously feared.

While the future may be a bit murky, the stability observed over six decades is a hopeful sign that our oceans aren’t on the brink of collapse.

Read More

More Good News

• Solar & Wind Leave Fossil Fuels Behind: Growing five times faster, renewables will top coal and gas by 2032

• Pine Foam: A Plastic-Free Fix: Scientists turn pine into eco-friendly insulation and packaging

• Rare Butterflies Make a Comeback: England’s chequered skippers thrive again after 50 years

• Empty Offices Become Urban Farms: Vacant buildings turn into vertical farms for a greener future

• Kabaddi is Changing Girls’ Lives: This high-energy sport is opening doors for young women in India

• Coats That Turn Into Sleeping Bags: Upcycled and practical, they’re made for—and by—the homeless

Words of Inspiration

• "I always wanted to be somebody, but now I realize I should have been more specific."

  — Lily Tomlin

• "Don't worry about the world coming to an end today. It is already tomorrow in Australia."

  — Charles Schulz

• "Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work."

  — Thomas Edison

• "The elevator to success is out of order. You’ll have to use the stairs."

  — Joe Girard

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