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And can seaweed save the world?
Dear Reader,
It’s Feel-Good Friday, and Dot’s back with news to remind all of us that although we’re up against some headwinds, the progress against climate change is unstoppable. Let’s get started:
You’ve no doubt heard of plug-in solar, but what about “pug in solar”? (Honestly, Dot wants both!) For an amusing reminder that plug-in solar can power our world (and “pug in solar” can supercharge our hearts), click here.
Meanwhile, monarchs might be retaking their throne! After many years of population decline, Monarchs had us all worried that they were going the way of Dodo birds. But World Wildlife Fund scientists recently reported a 64% increase in population based on Forest Area Occupied by Monarch Butterflies Colonies in Mexico During the 2025-2026 Hibernation Season. All hail the kings and queens.
Also more resilient than previously feared is the Amazon rainforest, often called the lungs of the world. An ecologist produced long-term research revealing that “palm species and other wetland trees are not just surviving drought seasons, they’re maintaining their health and even adding biomass,” according to a story from Mongabay (an environmental news organization). Great news, but, uh, how about we stop demanding that nature be so darn resilient and just stop stressing it the heck out?!
But just in case we keep on pushing nature to the brink, a non-profit in California is safeguarding region-specific seeds to aid in environmental recovery. Check out this visually stunning and inspiring story about the work of these unsung heroes. (And don’t miss the chance to salute Shirley Bellows, another Bluedot Climate Champ preserving rare species of seeds. And take note of this “Noah’s Ark” to save tree seeds in Canada that we learned about from longtime Bluedot contributor Darcy Rhyno.)
Finally, here’s a Feel-Good story, sent to Dot from a Reader named Judith Benedict in response to a Daily Dot called “Rooting for Trees.” She wrote: “I'm a tree hugger and loved the tree story. We know a tree on the walk we take a mile down the road from us. It's a giant white pine. Our friend Rich, who has passed now, used to hug the tree and remember, or pray, for his friends who had passed on. We have continued that tradition — hugging the tree and remembering all those who have gone before. I call it the grandfather tree. Thank God for trees!”
Indeed. And thank God for treehuggers like you and Rich, Judith.
Good news in your neighborhood? Tell Dot about it so we can share in the Feel-Good vibes.
Positively,
Dot
Read more about how seaweed grows and ways to prepare it in your kitchen.
For more Bluedot Climate Quick Tips, click here.
