Join us in celebrating 10 wins for the planet from 2024.
As the year draws to a close, ditch the doom scrolling and remember some of the incredible environmental achievements from 2024.
These milestones show we can make positive change and inspire hope for the future.
Here are our top ten highlights!
10. Wildlife Flourishes on Nature-Friendly Farms
A study in England revealed the profound benefits of environmentally conscious farming. Nature-friendly practices are helping birds, pollinators and mammals to thrive, proving that agriculture and conservation can go hand-in-hand.
9. Pine Martens Make a Comeback
In southern England, pine martens are thriving again after decades of decline. Reintroduction programmes have re-established these elusive creatures, strengthening woodland ecosystems and boosting biodiversity.
8. Colombia’s Deforestation Declines
In an inspiring victory for conservation, Colombia has achieved the lowest deforestation rates in the Amazon in over two decades. This decline is credited to robust environmental policies and local efforts to protect these critical rainforests.
7. Wildflowers Bloom in North Devon
A groundbreaking project by the National Trust has transformed 100 hectares of land in North Devon into vibrant wildflower meadows. These fields are now buzzing with pollinators, showcasing the power of rewilding to revive ecosystems.
6. Renewable Energy Breakthroughs
Wind and solar power have reached record highs this year, with global reliance on renewables increasing steadily. Seven countries now generate nearly all of their electricity from renewable energy sources. Bhutan, Nepal, Paraguay, Albania, Ethiopia and the Democratic Republic of Congo and Iceland are all leading the charge toward a sustainable future.
5. EU Passes Landmark Nature Restoration Law
Early this year Europe took a major step forward by passing the Nature Restoration Law. Aiming to revive biodiversity, this legislation ensures that ecosystems across the continent are protected and restored, setting an example for global conservation.
4. Water Voles Released in Cornwall
This year saw the largest reintroduction of water voles in Cornwall. Hundreds of these adorable wetland engineers have returned to their natural habitats, restoring balance to fragile ecosystems and supporting other species like otters and birds.
3. Banishing Plastic Bags
The UK is seeing the positive effects of policies to curb plastic waste. Taxes on single-use plastic items, like bottles and bags, have helped reduce plastic pollution on beaches and shores, with the amount of plastic bags found washed up down by 80%.
2. A Dog Walk To Boost Biodiversity
A small but impactful initiative in Sussex is combining dog walking with conservation. By handing out seed packets in wearable doggy bags, dogs scatter seeds as they roam the Railway Land Nature Reserve in Lewes.
1. Ozone Layer Recovery Accelerates
There’s more good news for the planet as harmful gases depleting the ozone layer have decreased faster than expected. NASA reports that the ozone hole is at its smallest in decades, proving that we can reverse environmental damage if we commit to change.
Looking Forward to 2025
Let’s start 2025 remembering that small changes start with us - let's do it together!
