Clean Energy and Creative Cooking: Silver Linings in Uncertain Times

In 2018, Time ran a story about the rise of anxiety in Americans. Statistically speaking, the last decade was the safest and most prosperous time in history, yet nearly 70% of respondents in this study self-reported feeling somewhat or extremely anxious about issues related to their health, the safety of loved ones, and affording bills and expenses.

Since that study was published, the coronavirus has led to grave concern about health and economic stability on a global scale. Political unrest has continued to mount and many citizens carry a deep cynicism about the intentions of our elected leaders — on both sides of the aisle. Oh, and there are murder hornets. I’m no scientist, but I think “colossal bummer” is the technical term for what’s happening.

We might overlook the positive things happening in the world in the midst of all this doom and gloom. However, science tells us that a steady diet of “bad news” can have adverse effects on our physical, emotional and mental well-being. Thankfully, the demand for good news is on the rise. According to a recent article in the New York Times, websites and social media accounts that focus on positive, uplifting content have seen a large uptick in participation.

In that vein, I’d like to highlight some examples of awesome things happening in the world. This is not to make light of the terrible effects created by COVID-19 — rather, it is a reminder that light still very much exists in the darkness. Here are ten things that made me happy lately:

• For the first time in history, renewable sources outpaced coal in energy generation for a full month. While lower natural gas prices and reduced demand due to coronavirus contributed to these numbers, utility-scale solar, wind and hydro accounted for a massive portion of the production and put us ahead of prior renewable energy generation forecasts.

• A fundraiser for Native American tribes affected by COVID-19 has attracted an influx of Irish citizens’ donations. They are repaying the kindness of the Choctaw Nation, which donated $170 during the Great Famine of 1847. So far, nearly $3 million has been raised to help Navajo and Hopi families. 

• Countless stories of successful efforts to raise funds for coronavirus relief, including the cast of Parks & Recreation raising $3 million, Rihanna and Jack Dorsey raising $4.2 million, and Lady Gaga working with WHO, the Global Citizen foundation and other performers to raise over $127 million. 

• The “video game grandma” who connects with viewers all over the world while streaming video games and offers kind words, advice and friendship to everyone who watches her play.

• Pakistan’s 10 Billion Tree Tsunami is back on after a pause for coronavirus lockdown efforts. Over a five-year span, Pakistan will use the labor of 63,000 unemployed citizens to plant 10 billion trees across the nation.

• An orchestra in Budapest has found creative ways to help deaf people “hear” Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony through use of touch and ultra-sensitive hearing aids. Hearing impaired people can sit next to musicians with their hands on the instruments or hold balloons, which give the sensation of sound through vibration.

• Many people are trying to cook more sophisticated dishes than they might have before widespread “stay at home” orders. A YouTube channel called “Pasta Grannies” is documenting family pasta recipes from Italian nonnas all over the country.

• College students across the country are signing up for a volunteer program called “Leave It to Us,” that offers free online grocery shopping and delivery to senior citizens. The students want seniors to know they are not alone and are cared for in the midst of this struggle. 

• A 16-year-old from Virginia, TJ Kim, received his pilot’s license early this year and has been flying supplies to rural hospitals in the Southeast each week. He has delivered thousands of masks, gloves, gowns and other equipment.

• A Toronto-area resident with COPD has been unable to leave his home since the pandemic started, but this has not stopped him from spreading joy. Bradley Harder has baked over 200 pies for people in his community and has no plan to stop. 

Beloved television figure (and, frankly, national treasure) Mr. Rogers once said, “When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, ‘Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.’” Life is incredibly challenging for many people right now, but there are still reasons to have hope.

Wear a mask, wash your hands, listen to scientists, and remember to look for the helpers. Or, if you are able, be a helper. The world needs all the good it can get right now.