Oysters, Kiwis, and Cancer Drugs: June's Good News Roundup

Summary

A protected seabed off Scotland shows a dramatic recovery, with twice as many species and three times more marine life after 13 years of conservation efforts. The Ocean Cleanup is removing an average of 75,000 kg of trash daily. In New Zealand, the national bird, the kiwi, has returned to Wellington after over a century thanks to the Capital Kiwi Project, which has relocated over 250 birds with a 90% chick survival rate. A new drug, rea, is showing promise against platinum-resistant ovarian cancer, reducing the risk of death by 35% in clinical trials. In Kenya, technology like drones and growth sensors are being used to restore the vital Bonjogi forest, a watershed for 45 million people, ensuring long-term recovery and supporting local communities. The UK is releasing over 15 million oysters to rebuild reefs, aiming to improve water quality and boost biodiversity. Wind power had its strongest year ever, with a 40% increase in installations, and in April, wind and solar combined generated more electricity than gas globally for the first time. A new TB vaccine, M72, is in phase three trials and could revolutionize TB prevention, as 1.25 million people died from TB in 2023. A startup in India, Avenia, is creating plant-based leather from agricultural waste like wheat and rice straw. The UK launched the "Pride in Our Planet Awards" to celebrate environmental work, with winners including community heroes, climate communicators, regenerative sea farms, rainforest restorers, and innovators. Finally, Erin Brockovich is spearheading an effort to map and track AI data centers across the US due to their significant water and power usage, leading to a data center ban in Montre Park, California, and pauses in other towns.