Here are today’s stories of progress in the fight against the climate crisis and nature loss.

🐋 A key ocean treaty is finally here

A global agreement to protect the world’s oceans and the teeming marine life they hold was finally ratified by the minimum threshold of 60 countries, meaning it will soon come into law. Under this High Seas Treaty, 30% of global waters will be protected from destructive activities like deep-sea mining and overfishing. Environmentalists have been pushing for such a law for 20 years, and have hailed it as a huge turning point for ocean conservation. 

👩🏽‍🌾 Food without the cost

New research shows that a low-tech sustainable farming method can both put more money in farmers’ pockets and help restore wildlife. In India, the practice of ‘zero budget natural farming’ – which avoids chemical pesticides and fertilizers and opts for free, natural practices like manure instead – is growing in popularity. As well as helping boost bird populations, it was found that it doesn’t reduce the amount of food produced, which is critical for food security on a warming planet.

🇺🇳 The UN climate chief is optimistic

Simon Stiell, the UN climate chief, has said that the economic benefits of climate action are so undeniable that countries that stick to the sidelines will fall dramatically behind. He points to China’s radical green transformation, which has created huge benefits across health, food security, and livelihoods. It’s hoped his words help spur concrete commitments at this year’s COP to keep global warming under limits. 

💌 Enjoying the newsletter? Share it with a friend who could use some good news.

📝 The Green Light is written by freelance writer Molly Millar.