January 23, 2026
Hello dear Good News community,
The weekend is almost here – but first, we’ve got six good news stories for you. Highlights include an impressive achievement by The Ocean Cleanup, the discovery of the world’s oldest known cave art, and a long-term study showing that varied exercise can actually extend your life. Sounds like some weekend inspiration, right?
Enjoy reading, Selina
NEWS OF THE DAY
(Opens in a new window)The Ocean Cleanup removes 45 million kilograms of plastic from waterways
A major win in the fight against plastic pollution: Since its founding in 2013, the environmental organization The Ocean Cleanup has removed over 45 million kilograms of trash from oceans and rivers – 25 million of which were collected in 2025 alone. Source: NOTICIAS AMBIENTALES
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Austria’s top court strengthens non-binary rights
Austria’s Constitutional Court ruled that the third gender designation is no longer limited to intersex individuals. The court emphasized that recognizing one’s gender identity is a human right, addressing years of political delays. Source: THECOLU
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EU: Renewable Energy Surpasses Fossil Fuels
Renewable energy sources such as wind and solar have, for the first time, generated more electricity in the EU than fossil fuels. Overall, renewables now account for nearly half of the EU’s total power production. At the same time, electricity generation from coal has fallen to a historic low. Source: HEISE ONLINE
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The world’s oldest cave art is discovered
In a limestone cave in Indonesia, researchers have discovered the oldest known cave art in the world: a hand stencil estimated to be at least 67,800 years old. The finding offers insights into the early spread of modern humans. Source: THE GUARDIAN
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New solar evaporator makes seawater drinkable in record time
A research team has developed a new solar technology that turns seawater into drinking water using only sunlight – no external electricity needed. The innovative solar evaporator produces around 4.1 liters of clean water per hour per square meter, roughly seven times the natural evaporation rate. Source: TECH XPLORE
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Varied exercise shown to extend lifespan
A long-term study with 100,000 participants shows that people who mix different types of exercise have a significantly lower risk of death compared to those who are inactive. Walking, tennis, and strength training all scored highly – but the biggest benefits went to those who varied their workouts regularly. Source: MEDICALXPRESS
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Best regards,
Bianca Kriel & Selina Mahoche
Date
January 23, 2026