15 Good Environmental News Stories To Start Your Year Right
March 2, 2025
The start of a new year is the perfect time to reflect on the progress made in protecting our planet and to find hope in the positive changes happening around us. While environmental challenges can sometimes feel overwhelming, there are plenty of reasons to be optimistic! Good environmental news stories highlight nature’s resilience and the power of conservation efforts. From groundbreaking treaties to innovative technologies, these achievements remind us that meaningful progress is possible when we work together to protect our world.
1. Historic High Seas Treaty Adopted
In a landmark moment, the United Nations adopted the High Seas Treaty, which aims to protect marine biodiversity in international waters. The treaty facilitates the creation of marine protected areas (MPAs) covering up to 30% of international waters by 2030. This milestone is a beacon of hope for safeguarding ocean ecosystems that divers worldwide treasure. Find out more about MPAs in our blog, Six of the Largest Marine Protected Areas in the World.
2. Largest Coral Ever Recorded Discovered
In November 2024, researchers discovered the largest coral ever recorded in the Solomon Islands, measuring over 18 feet high and visible from space. This coral, estimated to be 300 to 500 years old, demonstrates the resilience of marine life amidst threats like climate change. This good environmental news highlights the enduring strength of our underwater ecosystems.
3. Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary Established
October 2024 marked the approval of the Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary off central California. Spanning 4,543 square miles, this sanctuary protects vital marine ecosystems, including kelp forests that sequester significant amounts of carbon. Initiated by the Northern Chumash Tribal Council, this sanctuary underscores the importance of indigenous leadership in marine conservation.
4. The Ocean Cleanup’s Milestone Achievement
The Ocean Cleanup project, led by Boyan Slat, reached a significant milestone by removing over 20,000 tons of plastic from the Great Pacific Garbage Patch (GPGP) by late 2024. The GPGP covers an area roughly three times the size of France.
This project’s innovative approach combines intercepting plastic in rivers and deploying systems to clean up oceanic garbage patches. This good environmental news demonstrates we are getting closer to healthier oceans and clearer dive sites.
5. Record Sea Turtle Nesting
In 2024, record-breaking numbers of sea turtle nests were reported in several conservation zones, signaling the success of long-term efforts to protect these ancient marine reptiles. Notable successes included record nests on Zakynthos in Greece, Anna Maria Island in Florida, and France’s Mediterranean coast. There have been significant conservation efforts in these areas to encourage sea turtle nesting.
6. Sustainable Cruise Lines Leading the Way
The cruise industry is making strides toward sustainability, with several lines adopting eco-friendly practices. For instance, Hurtigruten Expeditions has introduced hybrid-powered ships and eliminated single-use plastics, while Ponant’s Le Commandant Charcot offsets 150% of its emissions. These initiatives contribute to reducing the environmental impact on marine ecosystems, benefiting divers and marine life alike.
7. Europe’s Largest Marine Protected Area in the Azores
In 2024, the Azores established Europe’s largest Marine Protected Area, covering over 900,000 square kilometers. This step ensures the conservation of diverse marine life, including whales, dolphins, and deep-sea corals, while offering divers pristine sites to explore. This is good environmental news that underscores the importance of large-scale efforts to protect our oceans.
8. Advancements in Sustainable Aquaculture
A report in 2024 revealed that sustainable aquaculture has the potential to mitigate 40% of greenhouse gas emissions and provide eco-friendly "blue foods." These advancements ensure healthier oceans while supporting global food security.
9. Coral Nurseries Thrive in Indonesia
Coral nurseries in Indonesia, supported by local communities and NGOs, successfully restored over 1,000 hectares of reef in 2024. These initiatives demonstrate the power of grassroots conservation and provide rejuvenated sites to explore when diving in Indonesia.
10. Marine Wildlife Returns to Protected Areas
In protected zones like Raja Ampat and the Galápagos Islands, surveys in 2024 revealed a marked increase in marine wildlife populations, including manta rays, sharks, and large schools of fish. This resurgence highlights the effectiveness of MPAs and sustainable tourism practices.
11. Microplastics Removal Breakthrough
In 2024, scientists developed a new filtration technology capable of removing microplastics from seawater efficiently. Early tests showed a 90% success rate, offering hope for cleaner oceans and healthier marine ecosystems. This breakthrough is another piece of good environmental news that brings us closer to tackling the microplastic crisis.
12. Carbon Sequestration by Mangroves
A 2024 study emphasized the carbon sequestration potential of mangroves, which can absorb five times more carbon dioxide than rainforests. Countries like Kenya and Indonesia launched large-scale mangrove restoration projects, helping combat climate change while protecting critical habitats.
13. Whale Population Rebounds in the Atlantic
The North Atlantic right whale, once critically endangered, showed a slight population increase in 2024 thanks to stricter fishing rules and better monitoring. New measures, like speed limits for boats in key areas and safer fishing gear, have helped reduce entanglements and collisions. While their numbers are still low, this progress gives hope for the recovery of this iconic species.
14. Shark Conservation Progress
In late 2024, new protections were introduced for 54 shark and ray species under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES). This included hammerhead sharks, requiem sharks (including tiger sharks and blue sharks), and guitarfish. These species were listed under Appendix II, which means international trade is now regulated to ensure sustainability and prevent further population declines.
15. SSI Leads the Way in Marine Conservation Education
In 2024, SSI expanded its Blue Oceans initiative by introducing new conservation courses like Marine Invertebrate Ecology and Nudibranch Ecology as well as two unique specialties under the Ocean Guardians banner: Coral Reef Restoration and Invasive Species Management.
SSI also launched the first annual Ocean Month Cleanup Challenge, encouraging dive centers worldwide to organize clean-ups at beaches, rivers, and dive sites. These efforts position SSI as a leader in marine conservation education, inspiring divers to protect aquatic ecosystems.
Why Celebrate Good Environmental News?
These good environmental news stories inspire hope and remind us that collective action yields results. As scuba divers, we can advocate for sustainable practices, get involved in marine conservation, and witness the positive changes firsthand during our dives.
Let these stories motivate you to continue protecting the ocean. Whether you join a coral restoration project, participate in cleanup dives, or support marine conservation organizations, you can make a difference.