Positive things that happened in 2020

1. Our ocean will not totally suffer after all

In one of the more hopeful climate reviews as of late, a group of scientists projected that marine life could recover from human intervention in the next 30 years if policies around overfishing, pollution, and habitat restoration are implemented swiftly.

2. Our planet got some time to breath

COVID-19 has put millions of people out of work and forced millions more to work from home. While this certainly isn't something to celebrate, it has had some positive impacts on the natural world. Fewer cars on the road means less carbon and nitrogen in the atmosphere, at least for the time being. Early research also shows that biodiversity is also benefitting from our new normal.

3. Household products got a green makeover

Innovative new companies like blueland, cleancult, and Force of Nature have shown that home staples like laundry detergent and all-purpose cleaner don't need to come in plastic packaging. Meanwhile, cleaning product delivery service Grove Collaborative committed to going plastic-free by 2025 and Unilever announced that all of its products will have net zero emissions by 2039.

4. SpaceX launches two astronauts into space for first time

On May 30, 2020 a rocket ship designed and built by Elon Musk’s SpaceX launched two Americans astronauts, Doug Hurley and Bob Behnken into orbit from U.S. soil for the first time in nearly a decade.

5. Recognition of the work of health workers

We learned to appreciate the selfless dedication of nurses, orderlies, doctors and other health workers who risked their lives to save ours — and the selfless dedication of truck drivers, grocery stockers, farmworkers and so many more who risked their lives to keep the economy from collapsing.

Works cited:

Team, F. (2020, December 10). It wasn't all bad: Here are 20 good things that happened in 2020. Retrieved January 06, 2021, from https://www.fox29.com/news/it-wasnt-all-bad-here-are-20-good-things-that-happened-in-2020

Loewe, E. (2020, July 28). On The Bright Side: 8 Good Things That Have Happened For The Planet In 2020. Retrieved January 06, 2021, from https://www.mindbodygreen.com/articles/good-things-that-happened-in-planet-this-year