Solar power quietly overtakes coal in the US
The Trump administration calls coal “the backbone of affordable and reliable energy” and has invested $700 million (€610.6 million) in the industry. Although it once supplied most of America’s electricity, cheaper natural gas and nuclear power have pushed fossil fuels aside over the past decade.
And now renewable energy is also claiming a bigger share. In May 2026, Coal reaches one of its lowest monthly shares everIt fell to just 12% of the US energy mix, and was overtaken by solar power for the first time on record.
EVs outstripped every development forecast
The global EV market is booming. Sales have increased tenfold in six years, and by May 2026, 63% of new cars sold worldwide were electric. China is at the forefront in this matter, but Ethiopia is moving ahead in Africa.
Since banning combustion-engine imports in 2024, the East African country’s electric fleet has nearly quadrupled to more than 100,000 vehicles – almost entirely powered by cheap hydropower.
Sand and algae rejuvenate Kenyan soil
Fresh water is scarce on the Kenyan island of Kivu and the land is mostly sand, yet crops have begun to grow. Soil microbiologist Su Kahumbu is rebuilding fertile soils using microorganisms, organic waste and clever moisture retention instead of fertilizer.
The results are already visible, with trees and beans taking root in soil that was bare of roots until recently. The same techniques are now being tested on polluted urban soils.
Women in India’s coal town fight toxic dust
Delhi often makes headlines for India’s air pollution crisis, but the air is worse in mining towns like Bokaro in Jharkhand state. Coal production there exceeds 200 million metric tons per year, exposing residents to persistent dust and increasing respiratory illnesses.
When officials failed to act, local women took action. Trained as “Paryavaran Sakhi” or friends of the environment, they monitor pollution levels, mark hotspots and demand accountability.
Edited by: Tamsin Walker