First International high-seas agreement takes effect in 2026, clean Chicago River attracts people and wildlife

September 24, 2025

Hello dear Good News community,

Some days, I really have to sift through negative headlines to find the good news. But it’s there: reports on the protection of the world’s tropical forests, exciting discoveries in nature, and initiatives working toward sustainable cities. Enjoy today’s edition!

Enjoy reading, Selina

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London tests car-free Oxford Street

Oxford Street was opened to pedestrians only for one day. Normally, around half a million people pass through daily. The mayor plans to permanently close one kilometer of the shopping street to delivery vehicles, taxis, and buses starting in January 2026. Cars are already only allowed to cross the street during off-peak hours. Source: BBC

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Brazil announces billion-dollar fund to preserve tropical forests

Brazil’s President Lula da Silva announced at a UN event in New York that Brazil will contribute one billion dollars to a global fund for the preservation of endangered forests. The Tropical Forests Protection Fund (TFFF) will provide financial support to countries with tropical forests to help conserve and protect them. Source: REUTERS

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85 previously unknown lakes discovered under Antarctica

Researchers have discovered 85 previously unknown lakes several kilometers beneath the frozen surface around the South Pole. The discovery was made possible using data from the European Space Agency’s CryoSat satellite. These new findings help improve our understanding of global sea-level rise. Source: BLUEWIN

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Unique deep-sea habitat discovered

Researchers have discovered a unique deep-sea habitat off Papua New Guinea—a new hydrothermal field. What makes it special is the simultaneous release of hot vents and cool methane gas. Experts are now calling for this extraordinary ecosystem to be protected. Source: EUREKALERT

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Govandi in Mumbai shows how urban planning empowers children & women

Govandi, a neighborhood in Mumbai, long struggled with poor living conditions. Thanks to a community initiative, residents have now created recreational facilities—libraries, workshops, and leisure areas—specifically designed for children and women, defying typical urban planning norms. Source: BBC

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Green bus stops take over cities

Around the world, bus stop roofs are being transformed into green oases: they provide habitats for insects and reduce the urban heat island effect. In the Netherlands, there are already over 1,000 green stops, and the trend is spreading across Europe as well as to countries like Japan, Singapore, Canada, and the USA. A model for integrating nature into urban infrastructure. Source: THE WASHINGTON POST

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Best regards,

Bianca Kriel & Selina Mahoche