It’s easy to feel hopeless about the state of our planet. The climate crisis is intensifying, extinction rates are alarming, forests are vanishing, water cycles are disrupted, and pollution is suffocating urban areas, creating marine dead zones. The science that explains climate change is often disregarded as “scammer’s work.”

Yet, I remain optimistic. Green energy technologies are rapidly advancing and becoming more affordable, even catching the attention of influential figures like President Trump—especially since China‘s strong commitment to low-carbon solutions is reshaping global energy dynamics.

You might call me overly hopeful, but pessimism stifles action. Here are five reasons to be at least a bit optimistic about the future of our planet.

Reason 1: Nature is making a comeback in numerous regions. Species are adapting, evolving, and reclaiming spaces even in the most polluted landscapes. Wolves are roaming across Europe, and tiger populations are on the rise in India. While we must remain vigilant about biodiversity loss, it’s encouraging to see that nature is resilient. Many areas are now being returned to natural habitats as farmers step back from cultivation.

Reason 2: The population crisis is stabilizing. The once-feared baby boom is no longer considered an imminent threat. In fact, many couples today are opting for significantly fewer children, reflecting a reduction in birth rates. Trusting individuals to make their own reproductive choices is proving more effective than coercive policies, such as China’s former one-child policy.

Reason 3: Advances in technology are providing effective solutions to environmental challenges. When the Climate Change Treaty was established in 1992, renewable energy sources like wind turbines were just emerging. Today, over 40% of the world’s electricity is generated from affordable low-carbon technologies, signaling a shift toward reducing fossil fuel dependence.

Reason 4: A peak consumption event is occurring. The material consumption per person in places like Britain has dropped significantly this century, from 16 tons to 11 tons annually. Modern manufacturing processes create more value with fewer resources, and consumers are increasingly prioritizing experiences over material goods.

Reason 5: Local knowledge is a beacon of hope. Recent studies suggest that rural regions are often protectors of the environment rather than its adversaries. Indigenous lands serve as safe havens for biodiversity; deforestation rates are lower within these areas.

The prevalent notion that greed leads to environmental collapse—the so-called tragedy of the commons—is misguided. I believe that collective action by communities can enhance local environments, benefiting the global commons of our atmosphere, climate, and oceans.

While I acknowledge that the worst outcomes are still possible, the path to avoidance lies in decisive action, powered by optimism.

Fred Pierce: Author of Despite It All: A Handbook for Climate Change Activists and former environmental consultant for New Scientist.