2025 in review: 315 stories about solutions and progress

Squirrel News Team | Posted on December 31, 2025 |

Photo: Mathew Smith/Unsplash (CC0)

With 2025 drawing to a close, we’re taking a look back at some of the most exciting developments taking place over the course of the year: from environmental protection measures to new policies reducing social inequality and much more.

January: World’s largest tropical forest reserve, Thailand bans plastic waste imports, “Solar Mamas” empower villages

February: Penalties for political lies, legal right for New Zealand mountain, fine dining restaurant staffed by homeless people

March: Historic protection for Indigenous groups, UK to plant new national forest, bridges for monkeys

April: First global CO2 tax for ships, European countries test social prescribing, cuddle parties

May: Sinking emissions in China, less litter across EU coastlines, “No Mow May” all year long

June: Ireland ends coal power, the world’s largest marine protected area, violent crime plummets in the US

July: Landmark climate rulings, falling homicide rates, first malaria treatment for newborn babies

August: New nature reserves, success against diseases, initiatives to improve the lives of children

September: WTO agreement to reduce overfishing, islanders take Swiss cement giant to court, Australia’s Great Koala National Park

October: Basic income for artists, feelings of safety at a record high, Poland bans fur farming

November: Bank accounts for homeless people, first-ever treaty with Aboriginal peoples, graduating with $1000

December: Historic win for sharks and rays, Paris’ urban cable car, New York’s Grandma Stands

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