5 Pieces of Good News to Take Into 2023

With how divided the world is, everyone can agree there’s a lot of bad news out there. It’s essential to be aware of what’s happening in the world, but the state of things can lead to feelings of hopelessness. 

Remember that Jesus brought the ultimate Good News during his time on the planet. Even though he’s left Earth for now, you can still find his light in times of chaos. As Paul recited in Philippians, “If there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.” Here are five pieces of good news to hold onto as you approach 2023.

1. Harm-Reducing Vending Machines Are Saving Lives

The opioid crisis in the United States is a well-known tragedy that still ravages today. While more people are aware of addiction’s physical and mental effects, there is still a dangerous stigma that can stop sufferers from getting the help they need.

A health center in Cincinnati is changing the game with harm-reduction vending machines. The machine is located in Caracole and has free Narcan and fentanyl testing strips available 24/7.

The machines can be discreetly accessed and have prevented hundreds of deaths thanks to their focus on preventing overdoses. The center knows harm prevention is one of the best ways to help people suffering from addiction — these machines help give them another chance.

2. A Solar-Powered Car Is in Production

Solar energy is one of the best renewable energy sources out there. With climate change already impacting the world, reducing the amount of carbon entering the atmosphere is more important than ever.

Gas-powered cars are a significant cause of emissions. Electric cars are advantageous, but they still cause some carbon to enter the air and use non-renewable electricity. Using the sun’s rays to power cars was a dream until recently. That dream is now becoming a reality.

The Dutch automotive company Lightyear has officially placed its first solar-powered car into production. The electric vehicle generates up to 40 miles a day from the sun alone, not having to rely on other energy sources to get you across town. The first of its kind in production, this vehicle is the first step to revolutionizing the vehicle industry.

3. Major Cities Are Embracing Sustainability

In another step to protect the environment, many major cities are working to heal the environment by being sustainable. Metropolises like those are known for their pollution, but these efforts work to create a much better climate.

New York City is working on switching to renewable energy. Los Angeles has a major recycling initiative. London now focuses on achieving net zero emissions and Paris is working to be the greenest city in Europe.

4. DNA Testing Is Reuniting Broken Families

Melissa Highsmith was 22 months old when she went missing from her home in 1971, allegedly kidnapped by a babysitter. The family spent decades searching for their lost baby with no luck until they chose to send away at-home DNA collection tests, which came back matching with Melissa. Now, 53 years after she disappeared, Melissa was able to reunite with her parents and learn about her siblings, excited to start a new chapter.

This same type of testing is helping to connect families around the world, with that technology improving each year. Long-lost biological family members are meeting each other daily thanks to online databases.

5. Species Are Returning from Near-Extinction

Several endangered animals are bouncing back in their original habitats after almost leaving forever. China’s wild horses are returning after years of poaching and environmental degradation. The black-footed ferret is back in the United States after the extermination of prairie dogs — their food source.

Humans drove red kites to near-extinction in the United Kingdom thanks to concern over their prey. However, conservation efforts brought them back where they belonged. Rat kangaroos were almost wiped out when Europeans colonized Australia, bringing cats and foxes with them. After their reintroduction, they can now make the environment better for other animals. Recently, bandicoots and potoroos were also making a comeback there. In Ecuador, researchers discovered harlequin frogs after believing they were extinct.

With so many animals returning to their natural habitats, there is a better chance for them to thrive and for humans to preserve them.

Holding Onto Good News

There’s so much bad news out there that it can be mentally draining to read and watch. Thankfully, good people worldwide are doing good things that you can hold onto when things seem hopeless.