Renewables overtook coal for the first time, a report revealed how to feed 10 billion, and the ‘European green capital’ was revealed, plus more good news

This week’s good news roundup

Renewables overtake coal in ‘historic shift’

For the first time, renewables have overtaken coal as the world’s leading source of electricity, representing a “historic shift” in the global energy transition.

That’s according to fresh analysis from the thinktank Ember, which said that the milestone had been reached in the first half of 2025.

Ember’s research also showed that the increase in wind and solar power outpaced rising global demand for electricity, with solar alone meeting 83% of the new demand.

“We are seeing the first signs of a crucial turning point,” said Ember’s senior electricity analyst Małgorzata Wiatros-Motyka. “Solar and wind are now growing fast enough to meet the world’s growing appetite for electricity. This marks the beginning of a shift where clean power is keeping pace with demand growth.”

However, the headline figures masked a mixed global picture. While renewables tipped fossil generation into reverse in India and China, Europe and the US both saw increases in the amount of fossil fuels burned to generate electricity.

Ember attributed this to weak wind power in Europe, and the failure of renewables to keep pace with rising demand in the US.

Image: Gustavo Fring

Can we feed the world without breaking it? Yes, says report

Is it possible to feed almost ten billion people by 2050, while keeping within planetary boundaries?

According to the most comprehensive study of food systems to date, the answer is: yes. But not without major changes in how we produce and consume food.

The EAT-Lancet Commission’s report identifies food systems as “the single biggest cause of planetary boundary transgressions”, and the main driver of biodiversity loss and emissions (30% of the global total).

But it doesn’t have to be this way. In its report, it said that an urgent reduction in meat and dairy consumption, particularly in the west, could put diets on a more sustainable footing. It also advocates for an increase in the production and consumption of whole grains, fruit, nuts and vegetables.

According to the commission, its ‘planetary health diet’ offers a template for a “science-backed dietary pattern” that promotes human health and protects the planet. Mass adoption of this, it estimates, could deliver returns of $5tn (£3.74tn) a year through better health, restored ecosystems, and climate resilience.

“Transforming food systems is not only possible, it’s essential to securing a safe, just, and sustainable future for all,” said Johan Rockström, the commission’s co-chair.

Image: Felix Lanoo

Immune system discovery wins scientists Nobel prize

A trio of scientists who discovered how the immune system attacks infections but not the body’s own cells have been awarded the Nobel Prize in physiology and medicine.

Shimon Sakaguchi, from Japan, and Mary Brunkow and Fred Ramsdell, both from the US, identified regulatory T cells – so-called “security guards” – that prevent parts of the immune system from attacking the body.

The scientists’ work is being used to develop new treatments for autoimmune diseases, cancer and other diseases.

“Their discoveries have been decisive for our understanding of how the immune system functions,” said Olle Kämpe, chair of the Nobel Committee.

Read more: How to boost your immune system: 12 science-backed steps

Image: Engin Akyurt

German city declared ‘European green capital’

A little-known German city quietly leading the way on air quality, climate change adaptation, and the circular economy has been declared ‘European green capital’ for 2027.

The bragging rights were awarded to Heilbronn (pictured) by the European Commission, which launched the initiative to showcase cities making the greatest strides towards sustainable living.

Heilbronn was praised for its efforts to cut air pollution, improve water quality, boost active travel, embrace the circular economy, and adapt to climate change. Key to its success, judges said, was engaging and communicating with its citizens.

The city will succeed 2025 titleholder Vilnius in Lithuania, and 2026 titleholder Guimarães in Portugal.

“[These are] cities that strive to be at the forefront of urban and environmental sustainability,” said Jessika Roswall, European commissioner for the environment. “Cities that – simply put – lead by example.”

Image: Karwin Luo

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US cities have put the breaks on pro-car planning

The shift away from car-oriented urban planning is accelerating in the US, where cities are increasingly putting more emphasis on walking and cycling.

That’s according to the Pedestrian Friendliness Index, which ranks US cities for walkability, cycle friendliness, and pedestrian safety.

Topping the index was Minneapolis (pictured) in the state of Minnesota, followed by Miami, Florida, and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Montgomery in Alabama, which remains defiantly wedded to the car, ranked lowest.

“After decades when sprawling suburbs reigned supreme and downtowns were seen mainly as business districts or tourist stops, urban life is being redefined,” said Maria Gatea, who led the research for Storage Cafe, a storage company.

“Across the country, hundreds of miles of bike lanes have been added, light rail systems expanded, and mixed-use multifamily projects have reshaped urban cores. These changes reflect a growing demand for a more comfortable lifestyle – one where errands, work, and leisure are all within easy reach by foot, bike, or transit.”

Image: Weston M

UK nature reserve makes history with 10,000th species

A nature reserve that was bought for £10 in 1989 has become the first in the UK to record 10,000 species – thanks to the discovery of a moth that imitates a wasp.

Wicken Fen in Cambridgeshire reached the milestone after a six-belted clearwing (pictured), which mimics wasps to avoid predators, was spotted at the site.

The nature reserve began life as a tiny two-acre site, but under the National Trust’s ownership it has grown to 820 acres, incorporating woodlands and wetlands.

“A concerted effort over time to expand, restore and care for it has created this haven for wildlife that is a thousand times the size it was, and we believe, the most biodiverse recorded reserve in the UK,” said the trust’s Alan Kelly.

“I never fail to be surprised by what we find here, and it is absolutely a case in point that if you give nature the opportunity and the space, it will do remarkable things.”

Image: William Bishop/National Trust

A ‘lost’ species returned to an English national park

In a triumph for conservationists, pine martens are roaming England’s Exmoor national park again after an absence of more than 100 years.

The charismatic weasels were driven out of England by hunting and habitat loss in the 19th century. Conservationists subsequently hatched a plan to bring them back – a project that has reached another milestone with the release of 19 individuals that were relocated to Exmoor from Scotland.

Similar successful releases have already taken place at nearby Dartmoor, as well as in the Forest of Dean, Wales and Cumbria.

“It’s wonderful to see pine martens living wild in Exmoor again,” said Tracey Hamston of Devon Wildlife Trust, which led the project. “These animals were once a key part of our thriving woodland wildlife, so it’s good that they are back where they belong. It’s a positive sign that nature can be restored.”

Image: Terry Whittaker/Devon Wildlife Trust

New London statue celebrates motherhood

A statue celebrating the raw, unfiltered reality of motherhood has been unveiled in London – a city where animals are twice as likely to be immortalised in bronze as women.

Mother Vérité (pictured) challenges that invisibility. Standing tall and unapologetic, the figure depicts a mother holding her newborn. Every detail has been captured with striking honesty: veiny, uneven breasts, cracked nipples, enlarged areolas, and postpartum curves visible beneath a pair of disposable underwear.

“Motherhood is at once everyday and extraordinary,” said Rayvenn Shaleigha D’Clark, the British artist behind the statue. “By honouring the postpartum body, we’re recognising the courage of women everywhere.”

The statue was unveiled outside St Mary’s Hospital, before moving to its permanent home on Portman Square on Thursday. Read more here.

Image: Tiny Studios

Positive News magazine rolled off the presses

The new issue of Positive News magazine launched this week, taking readers on an unplugged deep-dive into ideas and initiatives that are quietly changing the world.

Some are not so quiet. Like the project putting upcycled instruments into the hands of young learners, ensuring access to music isn’t dependent on wealth.

We also visit the organisations that are helping kids to discover the importance of getting their hands dirty – whether on farms and construction sites, or at sea. And we speak to the ‘ethical hacker’ opening up exciting career paths for girls in tech.

“The stories in this issue show how, no matter the nature of the struggle or challenge, humanity’s energy to bring about positive change is unstoppable,” said editor Tom Pattinson, of his first issue since taking the helm. “This music refuses to be silenced.”

*Image: Positive News *Main image: Karsten Wurth

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