The news cycle was a bit “doom and gloom” at times, but 2022 was undoubtedly a difficult year for many Brits.
It’s important to keep your eye out for feel-good news stories. A healthy dose of positivity could be all the boost you need to brighten up your day and ensure this year is a happy one.
Read on to discover five positive news stories from 2023 so far, sure to fill you with optimism.
1. The Earth’s ozone layer is on track to fully recover
One of the leading challenges the world has faced over the past few decades has been our deteriorating ozone layer.
Caused by chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and halons — gases found in aerosol spray cans and refrigerants – it is now 35 years since the world’s leaders agreed to stop producing these chemicals.
A recent United Nation’s report confirms these initiatives have stabilized and begun to repair the ozone layer. Projections show it should fully recover within four decades if steps are maintained.
World governments have come together to change policies and produce positive returns that make the future seem a little brighter.
2. The pandemic might have produced a possible long-term solution to cancer
One piece of good news to emerge from the pandemic was the leap forward in vaccine technology. This was the result of the global race to create, test, and roll out Covid-19 vaccines within an unprecedented timescale.
The mRNA type of vaccines developed by BioNTech and Pfizer have led to progress in research towards cancer vaccines. According to CNBC, the vaccines are being designed to teach cells how to recognise cancer cells and deploy the body’s antibodies.
The technology has entered the testing phase and if successful could lead to cancer death rates plummeting.
3. Avengers actor Jeremy Renner survived a snowplough accident and is on the mend
Avengers star Jeremy Renner began the year with a life-threatening accident when his six-tonne snowplough ran over him.
The actor tried to use the vehicle to free his nephew’s pickup truck during a snowstorm. After stepping out to review their progress, the plough began drifting downhill towards his nephew, and Renner chased after it as he attempted to get behind the wheel once more.
He was pulled under and suffered more than 30 broken bones and crushed his chest. After a period in the ICU, news emerged that Renner had miraculously survived his injuries and was on the mend. It turns out real-life superheroes exist.
4. Conservation efforts are reviving vulnerable or functionally extinct species.
The San Diego Zoo Safari Park recently announced the birth of a critically-endangered Przewalski’s Horse—sometimes referred to as the “Last Wild Horse”. It is part of an ongoing effort to revive the species that was considered extinct in the wild since 1996.
Conversation efforts around the globe have seen vital habitats restored and species that were vulnerable or functionally extinct rebound in numbers.
In recent years these incredible species have been pulled back from the threat of extinction:
- The Blue Iguana
- American and European Bison
- Humpback Whales
- Green Sea Turtles
- American Alligator
- Louisiana Black Bear
There have also been efforts to reintroduce native species, including:
- Cheetahs in India
- Wild Bison in the UK
- Eurasian Lynx in central Europe
These are positive signs for the animal kingdom and bring hope that the modern age of extinction could be slowly brought to an end.
5. Insect protein could help reduce UK food wastage and environmental issues
Insects have been a staple of South American and Asian cuisine for centuries. But in recent years the benefits of having insect protein in your diet have started to filter to the west.
According to AFN, the UK wastes approximately £19 billion worth of food each year — enough to feed 25% of the world’s population.
The agricultural and meat production industries also contribute heavily to deforestation and global emissions.
Introducing insect protein as a key part of our regular diet could go a long way to solving food waste and climate issues.
Insect protein has a range of benefits such as:
- Requiring far less space to farm
- Having a smaller carbon footprint
- Providing all the necessary nutritional benefits for our diets
- Having a longer shelf life than other major proteins.
It might have a bit of a “yuck” factor for western palates, but if it helps solve climate and food shortage issues, then it’s certainly good news for the future.
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