🌳 Suriname Commits to Protecting 90% of its Rainforest

Good morning. Suriname is setting a new global standard by protecting 90% of its vast rainforests, safeguarding millions of acres of Amazonian wilderness and unique wildlife.

In Maine, the removal of four major dams will soon reopen hundreds of miles of river, giving endangered salmon and sturgeon a renewed chance to thrive.

And in California, MacKenzie Scott’s $42 million gift is opening doors for thousands of low-income students, expanding access to college and brighter futures.

—Stephanie S

Suriname, a country where 90% of the land is rainforest, has announced legal protections for 90% of its forests, over 25 million acres. This bold move was announced ahead of a major UN climate summit and is viewed as a significant step toward achieving global conservation goals.

President Jennifer Geerlings-Simons emphasized the nation's responsibility to steward its vast Amazonian forests and to build an economy rooted in biodiversity.

Suriname is one of only three countries that act as carbon sinks, absorbing more carbon than they emit. Its forests are home to hundreds of bird species, rare mammals, and unique biodiversity.

This commitment sets a new standard for Amazonian conservation, offering hope for the future of the world’s rainforests.

Four dams on Maine’s lower Kennebec River are set for removal after being acquired by The Nature Conservancy. This move aims to restore hundreds of miles of river habitat for Atlantic salmon, herring, and sturgeon, species that have struggled to reach their spawning grounds for decades.

The decommissioning process will take years and involve collaboration with local industries to ensure water needs are met.

If successful, the project could spark a dramatic recovery for endangered fish and bring lasting environmental benefits to the region.

Philanthropist MacKenzie Scott has donated $42 million to 10,000 Degrees, a California nonprofit supporting low-income students on their path to and through college.

This transformational gift will help expand scholarships, mentorship, and financial aid advising, aiming to break cycles of generational poverty.

Leaders say Scott’s support will have a lasting impact, empowering students to achieve their potential and build brighter futures.

A new airship-style wind turbine is making waves by harnessing strong, steady winds at higher altitudes. Suspended 1,000 feet above ground, this innovative design offers more consistent power and lower costs, especially for rural or hard-to-reach areas.

Developed by Sawes Energy Technology, the S1500 prototype recently generated 1 megawatt of power in a test, far surpassing earlier models.

The technology could deliver wind energy at a fraction of current costs, with mass production expected soon.

165 years ago today, the Open Championship, known today as the British Open, was first played at Prestwick Golf Club in Ayrshire, Scotland. Considered the oldest golf tournament in the world and one of the sport’s four major championships, it was initially a 36-hole contest completed in a single day and dominated by Scottish players for its first three decades. The event earned its “Open” name because both professionals and amateurs were invited to compete.

The winner receives the famed Claret Jug, first awarded in 1872 and displayed permanently at St Andrews. Among its legends are father-and-son champions Old Tom Morris and Young Tom Morris, who remain the oldest and youngest winners in Open history, respectively. Young Tom is also the only golfer to have won four consecutive titles.

Other notable October 17 events:

1918: Screen icon Rita Hayworth was born, later starring in Gilda and Cover Girl.

1967: The rock musical Hair premiered in New York City, capturing the spirit of the 1960s counterculture.

1968: Bullitt, featuring Steve McQueen’s legendary car chase, was released.

1979: Mother Teresa received the Nobel Peace Prize for her work with India’s poor.

🧠 Hungary: Scientists found that the "spirit molecule" DMT can protect the brain from stroke damage in mice.

🦔 UK: Pine martens have been reintroduced to Exmoor National Park for the first time in 100 years, marking a major milestone for wildlife restoration in England.

🔬 Sweden: The Nobel Prize in Chemistry was awarded to scientists for creating microscopic materials that can store huge amounts of chemicals, an innovation compared to Hermione’s magical handbag in Harry Potter.

🦋 New York: A nature center successfully performed a delicate wing transplant on an injured monarch butterfly.

🚓 UK: Police in London followed up on a report of a stolen iPhone, uncovering a global smuggling ring responsible for exporting up to 40% of the city’s stolen phones overseas.

— Aristotle

Every day brings incredible advances and uplifting moments that remind us just how amazing the world can be. Here are five reasons why today is the best time ever to be alive:

💻 Work Anywhere: Remote work technology has created job opportunities for people in regions with limited industries.

🌸 Pollinator Paths: Wildflower corridors along highways are boosting pollinator populations and enhancing biodiversity.

🌐 Language Lifeline: AI translation tools are helping to preserve endangered languages by making them accessible to new learners.

🤖 Mobile Labs: Mobile maker labs are equipping kids with robotics and coding skills on the go.

🚰 Water Kiosks: Community water kiosks are delivering clean water while fostering local enterprise.

Once just days away from being euthanized, a stray pup named Rico was rescued from a Portuguese shelter and went on to become a canine detective. Now living in England, Rico uses his extraordinary sense of smell to track down lost pets (and even zoo animals), proving that every life deserves a second chance.

👉 Catch this, along with other incredible stories from around the world, in this week’s episode of Good News To Go.

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