All the good news you need to hear this week

With everything that’s going on in the world right now, it can be difficult to focus on (or find!) the positives. That’s where The Good News comes in. 

Most newspapers make for pretty grim reading at the moment. And while it’s important for us all to stay up-to-date with what’s happening around the world during these uncertain times, it’s also important to make sure you’re getting a semi-regular dose of positivity. 

One way to do that is to focus more on the good that’s happening in the world. And trust us – while it might not feel like it right now, there’s still a hell of a lot of good happening. Just take this little lot, for example: 

A 104-year-old WWII veteran is thought to be the oldest person to beat coronavirus. According to CBS News, William “Bill” Lapschies contracted the virus and began showing symptoms in early March. His symptoms gradually worsened and his family were concerned he wouldn’t pull through. But by April 3, Lapschies had fully recovered – just in time for his birthday.

As well as the war, the centenarian also lived through the Spanish Flu, the Great Depression and a couple of the world’s major recessions. 

For the first time in decades, Venice’s famous (and much-photographed) canals ran clear in late March. With the iconic Italian town having suffered from intense and increasing overtourism in recent years, global travel restrictions and border closures are giving the town’s wildlife a chance to recoup.

With the canals and lagoon emptied of cruise ships, water taxis, and other tourist boats, and the streets emptied of tourists, ducks, cormorants, fish and swans have allegedly returned in abundance. 

Remember climate change? While the global coronavirus shutdown is helping slash global emissions, back in February India managed to switch a dozen of its major ports to fully renewable energy. As well as helping slash emissions of the state-owned ports, the switch to renewables is also helping them keep a lid on power bills. 

As above, the global shutdown of industries, transport and most aspects of everyday life has led to an enormous kick-back for the environment. By mid-March, researchers at Columbia University had already found that carbon monoxide levels (primarily from cars) had fallen by almost 50%.

And according to the BBC, scientists believe that by May, CO2 levels could be at their lowest since the 2008 financial crisis. Elsewhere, in China, it’s estimated that roughly 50,000 – 75,000 people have been saved from premature death by the sharp drop in air pollution around the country.

In what is quite possibly the goodest news of the year so far, a dog in Colorado has been delivering groceries and mail to a 71-year-old neighbour. Sundance, a golden retriever, was trained by her owner Karen Eveleth to help their elderly neighbour of 10 years, who has pre-existing health issues. Talking to CNN, Eveleth said: “I make meals for her and Sundance brings back the empty bowls. [Sundance] is a humble hero.” 

Staff writers come from a range of backgrounds including health, wellbeing, music, tech, culture and the arts. They spend their time researching the latest data and trends in the health market to deliver up-to-date information, helping everyday Australians live healthier lives. This is general information only and is not intended as medical, health, nutritional or other advice. You should obtain professional advice from a medical or health practitioner in relation to your own personal circumstances. The information in this article is general information only and is not intended as medical, health, nutritional or other advice. You should obtain professional advice from a medical or health practitioner in relation to your own personal circumstances 

Disclaimer:
The information in this article is general information only and is not intended as financial, medical, health, nutritional, tax or other advice. It does not take into account any individual’s personal situation or needs. You should consider obtaining professional advice from a financial adviser and/or tax specialist, or medical or health practitioner, in relation to your own circumstances and before acting on this information.