Our 2025 Year In Review with Sam Matey-Coste was full of insights on how humanity’s civilization-wide effort to build a better Anthropocene. We’re seeing unprecedented world-changing growth in solar and battery technology deployment, an international surge in rewilding, an imminent peak in global carbon emissions, and rapid innovations to sustain agriculture, among many other positive developments!

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Recording

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Quick recap

Disclaimer: This is an auto-generated meeting summary from Zoom, offering a high-level overview of the discussion. Please note that it may not capture all details with perfect accuracy.

The meeting focused on discussing hopeful climate trends from 2025, with participants exploring various positive developments in renewable energy, particularly solar power, and environmental conservation efforts. The group highlighted significant progress in global climate actions that serve as a source of hope, including declining CO2 emissions in major countries and successful biodiversity conservation initiatives. The conversation ended with discussions about new tools for climate advocacy and celebration of reaching over 200 actions, while emphasizing the importance of continued support for climate initiatives.

Summary

Climate Action and Hopeful Trends

Liz, Kaylee, and Sam hosted a virtual event discussing hopeful climate trends from 2025. Kaylee introduced the Climate Action Carousel, a web-based tool for contacting decision-makers, and explained how participants could use it to take action. Sam gave a presentation regarding positive developments in technology, policy, and society relevant to climate change.

China’s Solar Power Leadership

Sam presented data showing significant progress in renewable energy, particularly solar power, highlighting China’s rapid deployment of solar capacity, which now approaches three times that of the United States. He noted that solar power is becoming the cheapest source of electricity globally, with China installing over 256 gigawatts in 2025, more than twice the rest of the world combined. Sam also discussed some of the environmental benefits of solar farms, including increased biodiversity, and mentioned that China’s fossil fuel use has begun to decline.

Global Solar Energy Revolution

Sam discussed the rapid growth of solar energy production and deployment, particularly in China and other countries. He noted that many countries are now ahead of the US in terms of renewables as a share of generation and final energy use, with Pakistan being a notable example of a country that rapidly increased its solar energy capacity in 2024 and 2025. Sam emphasized that this solar revolution is not driven by emissions reduction goals but by the economic benefits of cheap and reliable electricity, and he expressed optimism that this shift could significantly reduce global greenhouse gas emissions and limit global warming, though he acknowledged that the probability of limiting warming below 2 degrees remains below 5%.

Global Climate and Conservation Progress

Sam discussed significant progress in global climate efforts, highlighting China’s flat or falling CO2 emissions and India’s first decline in power sector emissions since independence. He noted that clean power now covers all demand growth in China, while some sectors like chemical manufacturing are increasing due to self-sufficiency efforts. Sam also shared positive trends in biodiversity, including a peak in recorded extinctions about 100 years ago and successful conservation efforts for species like tigers, black rhinos, and giant pandas. Kaylee announced that the group had surpassed their goal of 100 actions and increased it to 150.

Global Conservation and Urban Wildlife

Sam discussed the establishment of international marine protected areas in 60 countries, including China, and highlighted the potential for protecting vast areas of the high seas. He also explored the concept of “anthropophiles,” insects that have evolved to live in human-inhabited areas, and noted the increasing presence of wildlife in urban environments. Sam emphasized the trend of fewer deaths from natural disasters despite their increasing frequency and intensity, attributing this to improved warning systems and resilience. He also discussed advancements in farming techniques that increase resilience, including genetically modified crops and no-till farming, which have contributed to record-high yields of staple crops despite adverse weather conditions.

Climate Progress and Innovation Celebration

The meeting celebrated reaching over 200 actions and discussed climate change impacts and innovations, including advancements in malaria vaccines and renewable energy. Sam highlighted positive trends, such as fewer deaths from natural disasters and the development of new technologies, while acknowledging ongoing challenges. Liz encouraged attendees to support Climate Action Now by becoming members and joining future events, including a panel with Hannah Ritchie in February. Brett encouraged attendees to subscribe to the Daily Dose of Climate Hope newsletter, which now has over 26,000 subscribers, and offers a daily bit of hope in climate news.

Climate Action Advocacy Tool

Brett and Sam discussed the Can Action Carousel, a new software tool that allows organizations to easily integrate climate action advocacy tools on their websites. Brett highlighted that the carousel is free and easy to implement, sharing examples of its adoption by various groups including churches, universities, and civic clubs. He emphasized its potential to significantly increase citizen advocacy efforts. The conversation ended with a video created by Case King, a volunteer and musician, expressing gratitude and encouragement for ongoing climate action efforts.