The Best of Climate Change in 2025

In this article, I am looking past the headlines of crisis to find the architecture of success. I am tracking three massive shifts: the historic economic victory of solar over coal, the tactical brilliance of local-led conservation like Cool Earth, and the conservation and resilience shown in the recent bounce back of near-extinction species.

The Energy Signal: Solar Claims the Crown

This year marks a definitive "point of no return" in the global energy markets. Solar has officially eclipsed coal as both the cheapest and most efficient form of energy in the world. This isn't just a win for the climate; it is an economic landslide. Now, there are virtually no downsides for solar compared to oil, coal, and gas. For the first time, the "green premium" has vanished. It is now more expensive to be dirty than it is to be clean.

The intelligence here is clear: the energy transition is no longer a matter of political will, but of undeniable market math. As we move forward, it is essential to recognize the implications of this shift. The transition to solar energy not only benefits the environment but also creates economic opportunities.

The Action Signal: The Tactical Impact of Cool Earth

While many large-scale carbon offsets have come under scrutiny, organizations like Cool Earth are proving that some of the most effective climate action is local, direct, and human-centric. By partnering with Indigenous communities in the Amazon, Papua New Guinea, and the Congo, they aren't just "buying land"—they are empowering the people who already live there to protect it.

Their model is based on a profound realization: Indigenous peoples protect 80% of the world's remaining biodiversity. A huge problem in rainforests is loggers moving around a forested area, buying land from Indigenous communities for very low prices, and then cutting down the trees. This is where Cool Earth comes in.

This year's data shows that forest loss in Cool Earth-protected areas is significantly lower than in surrounding regions. It is proof that when we fund local agency, we save the global canopy.

The Conservation Signal: The Great Animal Bounce-back

The narrative of biodiversity is often one of inevitable loss. However, 2025 data shows that nature is remarkably resilient when given a fighting chance. We are currently witnessing an incredible bounce-back of several amazing species. In Australia, the ampurta (a small marsupial) has been designated as 'least concern'. In our oceans, green sea turtle populations have recovered to a designation of 'least concern' from the brink of collapse.

These recoveries signal that our conservation methods work. These species were both formerly designated as 'near extinction' by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) red list. Now, as noted above, they are both of 'least concern' thanks to conservation efforts.

The success of these species highlights the effectiveness of targeted conservation efforts. By focusing on specific habitats and species, we can make a significant impact. It is essential to continue supporting these initiatives to ensure that other species do not face similar threats.

The Takeaway

We are no longer waiting for the technology or the proof of concept. The technology is already the cheapest option, the conservation models are already working on the ground, and there are plenty of actions that are worth backing. A livable future is no longer about finding solutions. It is a matter of scaling what is already succeeding.

As we move forward, let us focus on the successes we have achieved. By supporting solar energy, local conservation efforts, and biodiversity recovery, we can create a sustainable future for generations to come.

© 2025 Climate News Media