Vattenfall stops cancels pellet power plant – after protests, less thresher sharks being caught in Indonesia

March 29, 2025

Hello dear Good News community,

Just today I received an email to sign up for a petition and I always catch myself thinking: ‘Is this going to help at all?’. And yes, protest does bring something, as one of our Good News from today shows. In the Netherlands, the energy company Vattenfall has cancelled the construction of a wood pellet power plant. Forest activists had protested against this, as several studies show that wood pellets cause more emissions than coal.

Enjoy reading, Selina

(Öffnet in neuem Fenster)

For the climate: Vattenfall cancels wood pellet power plant – after protests

The energy company Vattenfall stops the construction of the largest wood pellet power plant in the Netherlands. Forest conservationists, who had previously campaigned against such a power plant, celebrate the decision. Studies show that wood pellets cause more emissions than coal. Scientists warn against deforestation and climate damage. Source: MONGABAY

Go to article (Öffnet in neuem Fenster)

Less thresher sharks being caught in Indonesia – thanks to community efforts

A conservation programme in Indonesia has reduced thresher shark catches by 91 per cent by providing fishers with alternative sources of income, according to a new study by the University of Cambridge. The programme, which ran from 2021 to 2023, supported nine volunteer fishers with resources to transition to a new livelihood. Source: MONGABAY

Go to article (Öffnet in neuem Fenster)

France's way to clean electricity from the sea

France's first commercial tidal power plant with the world's most powerful underwater turbines is being built off the coast of Normandy. According to the manufacturer's estimates, the new power plant will generate 15 to 18 terawatt-hours of energy. This could supply 8 million people with green electricity. Source: EURO NEWS

Go to article (Öffnet in neuem Fenster)

Rare frog species rediscovered after 130 years

After more than a century, the rare frog species Alsodes vittatus has been rediscovered. First sighted in 1893, the species was thought to have been lost for 130 years. A research group from the University of Concepción in Chile has now found a small population in the Pemehue area. Source: DISCOVER WILDLIFE

Go to article (Öffnet in neuem Fenster)

Why farmers in Vermont use urine as fertiliser

Farmers in Vermont use urine to fertilise their crops, using the high nitrogen content of urine to reduce reliance on chemical fertilisers. This sustainable practice not only contributes to a lower environmental impact, but also solves the problem of waste disposal. Source: BBC

Go to article (Öffnet in neuem Fenster)

The growing influence of women in surfing

Women have made great strides in surfing, a sport traditionally dominated by men. In Zarautz, Spain, young girls and women are now increasingly joining the surfing community. Role models such as Nadia Erostarbe and Ainara Aymat are inspiring the next generation and increasing female participation. Source: EL PAÍS

Go to article (Öffnet in neuem Fenster)

🥰 You are the best!

Wow, we are overwhelmed! 🤩 Thanks to you, we've almost reached our monthly target for March – we're still a bit over $750 away from covering our expenses like salaries, IT and more. Many thanks to our 201 supporters! It's only thanks to you that we have good news for everyone. 💚

(Öffnet in neuem Fenster)

❣️ Thank you to all 201 supporters in March!
Good News is largely financed by the voluntary contributions of its users. We are a non-profit organisation and all income is reinvested. Thanks to your voluntary contributions, we are able to cover a large part of our staff and production costs.

🩷 We hope that with our hand-picked daily edition, we have been able to motivate you to initiate and promote positive change yourself.

💌 If you know someone who would enjoy receiving this newsletter, please forward this email to them to sign up (Öffnet in neuem Fenster).

📲 Download our Good News app (Öffnet in neuem Fenster) .

Best regards,

Bianca Kriel & Selina Mahoche