The Best Moments of 2025
2025, now a quarter of the way into the 21st century, was a white-knuckle ride for a lot of us. But without revisiting the gory details, let’s make hay while the sun shines. Look on the bright side. Find the silver lining. Insert your favorite hopeful cliché here.
Because here’s the thing: it wasn’t all bad. (Perspective, people!) You just had to know where to look.
With that spirit in mind, here’s an optimistic roundup of 25 genuinely great, uplifting, and inspiring moments from around the world in 2025, spanning science, health, climate, society, space, and culture.
1) Wildlife Wins
Several endangered species experienced significant comebacks this year.
From green turtles and California condors to blue whales and India’s sacred tigers, effective conservatism is paying off globally.
2. Ocean Plastic Levels Drop for the First Time in Decades
Global cleanup efforts and smarter policies helped reduce ocean plastic by about 12%. A rare and welcome environmental win.
3. Breakthroughs in Cancer Treatment Trials
AI-assisted immunotherapy showed promising remission rates for pancreatic and lung cancer, offering real hope where it’s long been needed.
4. A New Non-Opioid Pain Medication Approved
Journavx, the first new class of non-opioid pain medication in 20 years, was approved, offering relief without the addiction risks.
5. Global Tree-Planting Record Shattered
Volunteers across 50 countries planted 1 billion trees in a single weekend. Yes, billion, with a “B.”
6. The World Comes Together to Protect the High Seas
The UN’s High Seas Treaty moved within reach of becoming law, aiming to protect 30% of international waters by 2030.
7. Childhood Mortality Drops 13% in Pilot Regions
Expanded vaccination access led to measurable, life-saving reductions in early childhood deaths.
8. Solar-Powered Fuel Becomes a Reality
Scientists at the University of Cambridge developed a reactor that pulls carbon dioxide from the air and turns it into sustainable fuel.
9. A Popemobile Turned into a Mobile Health Clinic
Pope Francis’s former popemobile was repurposed into a portable clinic for children in Gaza, capable of treating about 200 kids a day.
10. New Space Telescopes Take Flight
NASA launched the SPHEREx and PUNCH missions, expanding our understanding of galaxies and the Sun’s corona.
11. Renewable Battery and Energy Tech Surges
Major battery breakthroughs helped reduce reliance on fossil fuels and made power grids more resilient worldwide.
12. 3D-Printed Kidneys Show Real Promise
A lab-grown kidney prototype was successfully implanted in animals—a huge step toward future organ transplants.
13. 2025 Named the International Year of Glaciers’ Preservation
UNESCO spotlighted glacier protection and climate resilience on a global scale.
14. Quantum Science Takes Center Stage
The UN declared 2025 the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology, celebrating innovation across the globe.
15. Personalized Cancer Vaccines Advance
Tailor-made cancer vaccines, designed around individual tumor mutations, became accessible to NHS patients in England.
16. The World’s First Zero-Waste City Emerges
A Swedish city set the standard for circular living by aiming to eliminate municipal waste altogether.
17. Massive Coral Reef Restoration Completed
More than 500 hectares of coral reef were restored, strengthening marine ecosystems and biodiversity.
18. The Largest Animal Rescue Operation in History
Over 7,000 animals were saved from illegal wildlife trade—an enormous victory for conservation.
19. Nobel Prize Honors Climate-Saving Materials
The 2025 Chemistry Nobel Prize recognized materials that capture carbon, harvest water from air, and reduce pollution.
20. Clean Energy Surges in Developing Countries
Solar and renewable power expanded rapidly, bringing sustainable electricity to underserved communities.
21. A New Global Earth Medal Is Launched
Inspired by Jane Goodall, the award honors individuals making meaningful contributions to life on Earth.
22. A Year of Unforgettable Sports Moments
From record-breaking feats to Rory McIlroy’s career Grand Slam, sports once again brought people together.
23. Cities Go Greener and Safer
Urban centers expanded electric transport, walkways, and people-first design, improving daily life worldwide.
24. Science, Collaboration, and Hope Keep Moving Forward
Across disciplines and borders, innovation proved that progress doesn’t stop, even in tough years.
25. You Made It
You’re here. You’re breathing. You’ve had a heck of a year.
And honestly? That alone is worth celebrating. If you need good news on a daily basis, and who doesn’t, here’s a great source: https://www.goodnewsnetwork.org/
