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

⚙️ Waterwheels have come back around

Waterwheels – a form of hydropower – are making a comeback around the world. This millennia-old technology, previously used for hammering and milling, captures the power of rushing water and converts it to electricity. While solar doesn’t work without the sun, or turbines without wind, waterwheels can generate power around the clock. This is especially useful for helping remote communities become more resilient, and less reliant on an unpredictable centralised grid.

🚙 Norway’s electric transformation

Norway is edging closer to becoming the first country to move fully away from fossil fuel-powered cars. Last year, nine out of ten new vehicles sold in Norway were electric –compared to 20% of new cars in the UK and just 8% in the US. It’s achieved this through policies such as making electric cars exempt from taxes, scrapping VAT and import duties on EVs, and building an extensive charging network.

🏥 Improving wellbeing doesn’t have to cost the earth

We can make people happier and healthier while simultaneously driving down our resource use, a new review has found. While popular belief has it that economic growth is necessary for social benefits, researchers discovered that the immense downsides of putting profit above people and the planet – like pollution and social inequality – can actually offset these benefits. For better social outcomes, we should move away from an obsession with GDP and instead focus on strengthening public services, improving income equality, and bolstering democratic systems.

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