{"id":80359,"date":"2025-12-18T16:03:18","date_gmt":"2025-12-18T15:03:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.greenpeace.org\/international\/?p=80359"},"modified":"2026-01-05T14:37:11","modified_gmt":"2026-01-05T13:37:11","slug":"hope-comes-alive-when-we-take-action-8-good-news-stories-2025","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.greenpeace.org\/international\/story\/80359\/hope-comes-alive-when-we-take-action-8-good-news-stories-2025\/","title":{"rendered":"Hope comes alive when we take action: 8 Good News stories 2025"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

We are approaching the end of  2025 \u2013 once a distant marker used for environmental milestones and future promises of a cleaner, greener world to come. Now we are ten years after the Paris Agreement for climate action<\/a> and fresh from concluding COP30 in Brazil<\/a>. We\u2019ve reached a moment that feels both urgent and full of possibility, but it still feels as if we are stuck. And certainly not making progress fast enough with the Global Goals<\/a> for sustainable development, agreed by all 193 United Nations members back in 2015. <\/p>\n\n

\"First
The iconic Greenpeace ship, Rainbow Warrior in Bel\u00e9m, host city of COP30.
\u00a9 Filipe Bispo \/ Greenpeace<\/div><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n

So much can seem wrong in this world right now \u2013 geopolitical turmoil, unachieved climate targets, and future goals that seem unrealistic. The forces driving destruction are continuing to push the world toward crisis. From fossil fuel corporations, industrial agriculture and extractive industries, to big tech and political actors who attack accountability and sow division.<\/p>\n\n

Yet one thing remains certain: in troubling times, hope is an act of resistance.<\/strong><\/a> At Greenpeace, we know that collective action \u2013 across borders and generations \u2013 fuels hope.  As part of a rising tide of people demanding dignity, justice, safety, social and ecological renewal, we are hopeful.<\/p>\n\n

Despite the setbacks and often overwhelming odds, so much good is still happening. Change is unfolding \u2013 sometimes quietly, sometimes boldly \u2013 driven by people and their communities, with courage and care for each other and the planet. Negativity is easy to see and feel, but positivity is powerful, and it\u2019s what keeps us moving forward and keeps the momentum towards a brighter future for us all.<\/p>\n\n

As the calendar year comes to a close, it offers a moment to reflect back on the year we have just lived \u2013 and for some of us just survived \u2013 and perhaps we can even take a moment to be grateful for the progress people-power has made. That\u2019s why we are here to share with you some of our most significant victories of the year \u2013 wins that prove progress is real, hope is justified, and action matters<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n

1. Global Ocean Treaty set to come into force<\/h2>\n\n
\"Pixelstick
Greenpeace Turkey organised a pixelstick campaign in the Bosphorus to demand the ratification of the Global Ocean Charter. The whales, dolphins and stingrays that appeared in the night view of the Bosphorus aimed to make the call for the ratification of the Global Ocean Treaty visible.
\u00a9 Caner \u00d6zkan \/ Greenpeace<\/div><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n

The Global Ocean Treaty reached its 60th ratification<\/a> in September 2025, clearing the way for this historic agreement to enter into force in January. With only 0.9% of the High Seas currently<\/a> fully or highly protected, the Treaty is crucial to expanding protection, establishing sanctuaries that help mitigate the climate crisis, and safeguarding food security for the billions who depend on ocean resources.<\/p>\n\n

It is a <\/strong>landmark moment for protecting the ocean<\/strong><\/a>, and proof that countries can come together to protect our blue planet.<\/strong> The era of exploitation and destruction must end, and the Global Ocean Treaty is the tool to make that happen. This is a massive achievement \u2013 decades in the making<\/a> \u2013 for all the activists, supporters and allies who raised their voices for ocean protection. Campaigners, coastal communities, small-scale fishers, scientists, and ocean lovers everywhere can hold on to this moment as proof that when millions of us demand change, we can achieve what once seemed like a distant dream.<\/p>\n\n

But the fight for the protection of our Ocean is far from over. Scientists are clear that we need to protect at least 30% of our ocean by 2030. Governments around the world must use this time to ensure the first historic \u2018Ocean COP\u2019, set for 2026 becomes a turning point, and start to develop plans for the first-ever sanctuaries under the new Treaty. Our ocean can\u2019t wait<\/strong><\/a>, and neither can we.<\/p>\n\n

2. Raja Ampat: Victory for \u2018The Last Paradise on Earth\u2019<\/h2>\n\n
\"Photo
Greenpeace Indonesia activists, posed for a photo with a banner reading ‘Save Raja Ampat, Stop Nickel’ and ‘Selamatkan Hutan Papua’, with the iconic karst island formation of Piaynemo, Raja Ampat in the background.
\u00a9 Nita \/ Greenpeace<\/div><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n

In June the Indonesian government announced<\/a> it would revoke four out of five active nickel mining licences in Raja Ampat, West Papua, following growing scrutiny of mining activity in the archipelago. Tens of thousands of people signed and posted under the banner of #SaveRajaAmpat in just a matter of days. <\/p>\n\n

The decision came the same day Greenpeace Indonesia released its Paradise Lost?<\/em><\/a> investigation, which documented the scale of the threat nickel mining poses to Raja Ampat \u2013 often referred to as \u201cThe Last Paradise on Earth\u201d. The report identified 16 nickel mining licences. Twelve of the licences are located within the UNESCO-listed Raja Ampat Global Geopark, and four active licences were on small islands where mining should be prohibited under Indonesian law.<\/p>\n\n

While the government\u2019s announcement represents a significant development, it does not yet secure full protection for Raja Ampat. The permit for the largest mine remains in place, and past experience shows revoked licences can be reinstated. Together with local and Indigenous Peoples in West Papua, Greenpeace Indonesia is calling for the permanent cancellation of all mining permits, the prevention of nickel and smelter development linked to Raja Ampat, and robust legal safeguards to ensure mining cannot return. <\/p>\n\n

This decision demonstrates the impact of sustained investigation, Indigenous Peoples\u2019 resistance and public pressure. <\/strong>It marks an important step toward lasting protection for one of the world\u2019s most biodiverse regions<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n

3. World\u2019s highest court delivers historic protections for climate-impacted communities<\/h2>\n\n
\"Pacific
200 women gather at Mt Yasur, an active volcano on the island of Tanna in Vanuatu. The women hold signs, calling for climate justice in the Pacific.
\u00a9 Greenpeace<\/div><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n

After 6 years of campaigning led by 27 law students in the Pacific Islands<\/a>, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) issued a landmark Advisory Opinion<\/a> that strengthens states\u2019 obligations in the climate emergency beyond the Paris Agreement in July. It confirms that all countries have duties to prevent significant environmental harm and that states must regulate businesses for the damage caused by their emissions, no matter where that harm occurs. The court also affirmed that the right to a clean, healthy and sustainable environment is fundamental to all other human rights.<\/p>\n\n

This Advisory Opinion signals a new era of global climate justice. By clearly defining states\u2019 international climate duties and the consequences for breaching them, the ICJ opens the door to new cases that could bring justice to communities suffering the worst impacts of a crisis they did little to cause.<\/strong> The court\u2019s message is unequivocal: fossil fuel production, consumption, and the granting of licenses and subsidies may violate international law, and major polluters must stop emitting and pay for the damage<\/a> they have inflicted.<\/p>\n\n

4. Landmark trial on greenwashing holds oil and gas corporation to account<\/h2>\n\n
\"Climate
250 activists shut down TotalEnergies AMG demanding immediate and concrete commitments from its CEO Patrick Pouyann\u00e9 on TotalEnergies\u2019 retreat from Russia and the end of all new fossil fuel projects, such as EACOP in Uganda and Mozambique LNG.
\u00a9 Basile Barjon \/ Greenpeace<\/div><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n

In October, a Paris court issued a significant ruling against TotalEnergies\u2019 misleading advertising<\/a>. The case, brought by Friends of the Earth France, Greenpeace France, and Notre Affaire \u00e0 Tous with support from ClientEarth, challenged the company\u2019s attempts to present itself as a climate-responsible actor<\/a> while continuing to expand its fossil fuel activities.<\/p>\n\n

TotalEnergies claimed in its ads that it placed \u201cclimate at the heart of its strategy\u201d and aimed to deliver \u201ccleaner, safer and more affordable energy,\u201d highlighting its 2050 net-zero ambition. The Court found these claims likely to mislead consumers, noting that the company is simultaneously increasing its production and investment in oil and gas \u2013 a trajectory incompatible with scientific recommendations and the Paris Agreement, which call for an immediate reduction in fossil fuel production.<\/p>\n\n

This judgment is the first to recognise the oil industry\u2019s net-zero messaging as greenwashing.<\/strong> It marks an important step towards holding major polluters accountable<\/a> for misleading the public and delaying real climate action.<\/p>\n\n

5. A huge step towards seed sovereignty in Kenya<\/h2>\n\n
\"World
Consumers and small scale farmers have handed over a petition to Parliament and the Ministry of Agriculture calling for an overhaul of Kenya\u2019s food system.
\u00a9 Paul Basweti \/ Greenpeace<\/div><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n

In November, a Kenyan court delivered a groundbreaking judgment declaring that seed sharing among farmers is legal<\/a>, marking a significant victory for smallholder farmers and allies defending food sovereignty in Africa. For years, Kenyan farmers have lived under the shadow of a law that threatened jail terms of up to 2 years and a fine of 1 million KES (about 7,800 USD) for selling or exchanging unregistered seeds, effectively handing control of the country\u2019s food system to multinational corporations. This landmark decision protects traditional farming<\/strong> practices and the rights of small-scale farmers to save, exchange, and plant seeds freely, challenging corporate control over agricultural resources<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n

The verdict reinforces community-based seed systems<\/strong> that have sustained food security for generations, setting a powerful precedent for defending farmers’ rights and biodiversity against restrictive seed laws that favour large agrochemical corporations.<\/p>\n\n

<\/div>
<\/div>
<\/div><\/div><\/div>
<\/div>
<\/path><\/g><\/g><\/g><\/svg><\/div>
View this post on Instagram<\/div><\/div>
<\/div>
<\/div>
<\/div>
<\/div><\/div>
<\/div>
<\/div><\/div>
<\/div>
<\/div>
<\/div><\/div><\/div>
<\/div>
<\/div><\/div><\/a>

A post shared by Greenpeace International \ud83c\udf0d (@greenpeace)<\/a><\/p><\/div><\/blockquote>\n