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From scientific discoveries to activist wins, here are the latest news stories that showcase the people who are taking on climate change and nature loss, and winning.

💰 Pharma payouts to protect nature

At COP16 in Colombia, countries came to a landmark decision that the pharmaceutical sector will pay for the biologically-driven genetic material it uses. These payouts would come to billions, half of which will be directed to Indigenous peoples and communities who live at the sharp end of the biodiversity crisis.

🇵🇭 Making polluters pay

The Philippines is one of the world’s biggest sources of ocean plastic, with 35% of the plastic waste it generates dumped in nature. Last year, it became the first country in Southeast Asia to implement Extended Producer Responsibility, meaning companies have to redesign their packaging to reduce plastic, and recover waste from the environment – or risk paying penalties and losing their licence to operate. The law has benefitted waste collection workers, who can sell the plastic bottles and packaging that litter the streets to organisations who will recycle, upcycle or burn them. 

🔋 A better battery might be on the way

Lithium batteries – necessary for electrifying the world and moving away from fossil fuels – are mined in an environmentally destructive process that puts workers and communities at risk. But now a new alternative is emerging – sodium-ion batteries. Since sodium isn’t a rare metal, these batteries would be far more sustainable as well as cheaper. Although they’re too heavy to be used inside a mobile phone or EV, it’s thought sodium batteries could be used in energy storage.