Evolving Folks Project

The constant barrage of negative news makes it easy to get trapped in a cycle of worry and despair. With the latest Trump victory has left a lot of my liberal friends and colleagues feeling like the end is near. The new administration will prioritize the wealthy, Wall Street, and the Military Industrial Complex, enacting policies that will harm many. It’s the same as the previous outgoing administration.

The Gaza genocide will mar the Biden-Harris legacy. It’s impossible to predict the future of the Middle East conflict. As the US loses its grip on ruling the global stage, it might empower its people to unite with the world in reshaping a system dominated by the few. Or will we see more people falling into a downward spiral?

This year has been marked by natural disasters, growing political instability, surprising election results, and the bizarre boxing match between a YouTube influencer and a retired heavyweight champ. 2024 has been a wild ride. It’s normal to feel melancholic and hopeless about the way things are. Don’t worry, though.

But let’s not forget that positivity is something we choose to do. We can develop a hopeful outlook by concentrating on the good, expressing thankfulness, and being around positive people. Doing things we enjoy, spending time with people we care about, and taking care of ourselves are crucial for a brighter outlook. We’ll inevitably face challenges, but a positive attitude lets us navigate them with strength and discover opportunities for growth and joy.

Here are some stories highlighting good news from across the globe. They are uplifting and reassuring, reminding you that all is not lost.

The Nonvoters: The election has left many liberal Democrats feeling down. Trump won both the antiquated Electoral College and the popular vote. Is MAGA the new preference for the American electorate over Democrats and liberalism?

That’s not entirely accurate. The number of nonvoters surpasses the 74 million Trump voters. Kamala got 71 million votes in 2024, respectively. According to the data there are about 90 million eligible voters in the United States that did not vote in the 2024 U.S. election. Let’s take a quick look at the average nonvoter.

Nonvoters were likelier to have lower incomes, to be young, to have lower levels of education, and to say they don’t belong to either political party, which are all traits that square with what we know about people less likely to engage with the political system.”

Given their size, political parties might benefit from prioritizing the nonvoters in the US. That’s yet to be seen. Many citizens feel disconnected from politics, abstaining from voting in each election. But we can take solace in that half the country isn’t MAGA.

Climate Change: For the first time, solar and wind energy production surpassed fossil fuels in the European Union, a significant development in the fight against climate change. This news is positive for both the West and the Global South, as developed nations with the largest carbon footprint face the consequences of climate change, which has disproportionately impacted the Global South.

The US and Canada might work together to lessen their environmental impact. The island nation of Tasmania, having reached net zero emissions for nine years in a row, deserves recognition. While, the nation of South Africa is making strides to cut its carbon emissions and uplift the plight of the Global South when it comes to the Climate Crisis.

In a statement to the United Nations Secretary-General on the occasion of the Climate Summit in New York, (South African) President Cyril Ramaphosa said although developing countries historically contributed the least to global emissions, they will continue to be the most affected by climate change and its impacts.

In Mexico, after a landslide victory in June 2024, Claudia Sheinbaum, a climate scientist and former Mexico City mayor, became the first woman to hold the presidency of Mexico. She’s North America’s sole female head of state and the only scientist to hold high office.

Mutual Aid: The Southeast has displayed its collective strength in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, with people coming together to help each other. This is a testament to the resilience of people coming together, even in the face of hardship.

Even in the darkest times, like what’s happening in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, aid groups are working hard to deliver aid to those impacted by the Israeli occupation and bombardment.

The humanitarian crisis in Gaza continues to be one of the most urgent and pressing issues of our time. The situation has escalated over the years, with many people suffering due to ongoing conflicts, economic blockades, and the lack of essential resources. To alleviate the distress faced by the Palestinian population in Gaza, many global communities have come together to provide aid. This article discusses how you can contribute to Gaza aid donations, the various methods available for Gaza mutual aid, and how to help the people of Gaza in meaningful ways.

During times like this, we are reminded that despite negative news, there are always things to celebrate. Remember, while there are challenges in the world, there are also countless acts of kindness, resilience, and progress. Focusing on the positive can help us stay encouraged and motivated to make a difference. There is always hope.