A Dose of Climate Optimism
Jan 31, 2025
Happy Friday, fellow Change-Makers!
I know a lot of you work for some amazing companies, institutions, and organizations, so I will put it out there that I am currently looking for an aligned sponsor/partner to activate a cool project. If you think your organization might be interested in putting its name to climate optimism, please get in touch with me!
You can respond to this email, send me a DM on Substack, or click the link above! This could be exciting :)
Also, thank you for reading, it warms my heart to see new subscribers every week. Welcome to the Climate Optimist tribe!
Wrapping January with more climate hope:
In ‘Historic Win,’ Court Rules Against UK’s Rosebank Oilfield Over Climate Impacts
The decision by the previous Conservative government in the United Kingdom to approve the giant Rosebank oilfield off Shetland was ruled unlawful by an Edinburgh court on Thursday.
The judgment by Lord Ericht at the Court of Session said the carbon emissions that would be created by the burning of oil and gas at the largest untapped oilfield in the UK had not been taken into consideration.
This is a MAJOR climate win and a testament to that people power and tireless organizing do lead to results. I want to take a moment to thank my friends in the UK who have poured their souls into this for years. THANK YOU!
FRESH IN: Major Court Victory!
The European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR) has handed down a seismic ruling, holding for the first time that failure to adequately address environmental pollution violates the human right to life. This includes the obligation to inform individuals living in areas affected by pollution so that they be able to assess the risks to their lives and health.
The decision comes in a case brought by Italian citizens in response to hazardous fumes and other pollution from widespread illegal waste dumping and burning in the Campania region that was having devastating impacts on their health. The court has clarified that the government’s failure to appropriately address this issue, even though it was caused by private parties, has put the State in breach of human rights law.
The ruling should have ramifications for existing and prospective cases all over Europe.
Green Climate Fund Pledged $2.5 Billion to 44 New Climate Action Projects in 2024
According to CDP, a growing wave of companies is taking accountability to the next level by tying executive pay to climate targets. This shift reflects a deeper integration of sustainability into corporate strategy, driving meaningful action to reduce emissions. Change starts at the top—and it’s gaining momentum. Let’s celebrate the progress and push for more!
Trump’s Executive Orders and the Future of Climate Action—What’s Next?
Recent executive orders signal a shift in climate policy, raising questions about the future of environmental protections and clean energy initiatives. While challenges lie ahead, momentum for climate action remains strong. Grassroots movements, state policies, and global commitments continue to push for progress. The path forward is in our hands—let’s keep the pressure on for a sustainable future!
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Climate Action and Biodiversity: Finding the Right Balance
Cutting emissions and protecting nature go hand in hand. Forest restoration, ocean conservation, and regenerative farming don’t just combat climate change—they also preserve the ecosystems that sustain us. In 2025, movements worldwide are proving that climate solutions can heal the planet while protecting its incredible biodiversity. The future is resilient and abundant—let’s build it together!
Atlantic Robot Discovers Ocean Resilience, Offering a Glimmer of Hope
A groundbreaking robotic study in the Atlantic has uncovered surprising signs of ocean resilience, revealing ecosystems adapting in ways previously unseen. While climate challenges persist, these findings highlight nature’s ability to recover when given the chance. Innovation and restoration go hand in hand—let’s champion both for a thriving planet!
Words of Hope
“You can’t make a cloudy day a sunny day, but you can embrace it and decide it’s going to be a good day after all."
– Jane Lynch
Confused about Climate Terms?
I highly valued this week’s episode of Outrage & Optimism where they break down some of the most important acronyms in the climate world to be aware of in 2025. Check it out here.
More Climate Optimism:
☀️ Activate your journey of empowered and resilient climate leadership with The Climate Optimist Course
☀️ Check out The Climate Optimist Handbook for a guide to inner resilience and hope.
☀️ I'm currently open for booking throughout 2025 - visit my website to learn more about my workshop and speaking offerings.
☀️ Looking for a more hands-on experience? I now offer one-on-one coaching for a selected few. Schedule a call to see if this might benefit you!
There is a ton of good news in this post!! Thank you so much for doing the research and packaging the optimism up!