A Year in Review

As the year comes to a close, many people are left reflecting on months filled with heavy headlines and constant uncertainty. War, climate disasters, and political conflict dominated the news cycle, often making it feel as though the world was moving backward rather than forward. With so much focus on crisis, it has become easy to overlook quieter moments of progress happening beyond the spotlight. Yet, in December, several stories emerged that showed meaningful change continued to take place, even if it arrived slowly and without much attention. 

In Australia, decades of investment in public health have put the country on track to become the first in the world to eliminate cervical cancer by 2035. This progress is largely due to widespread HPV vaccination programs and improved early screening, which have dramatically reduced rates of the disease. Health experts say Australia’s success could serve as a symbol of hope for other countries working to prevent cancer through long-term public health planning. 

On the island of Borneo, Indigenous activists achieved a major legal victory against a palm oil company that had been clearing local forests. The court ruling forced the company to pause its operations, protecting land that is important to both wildlife and Indigenous communities. For activists, the decision was not only about environmental protection, but also about defending ancestral land and cultural survival. 

Poland, once Europe’s largest producer of fur, passed a ban on fur farming. All fur farms are expected to close within the next eight years, which will save an estimated three million animals each year. The ban marked a major shift in animal welfare policy and followed years of public pressure from activists and animal rights groups. 

The United Kingdom also made a significant climate decision by becoming the world’s largest economy to end new oil and gas exploration. Environmental activists celebrated the move as a step toward reducing reliance on fossil fuels and investing in cleaner energy. While existing projects will continue, the decision signals a long-term shift in national energy policy. 

In India, millions of rural households gained access to clean drinking water through expanded infrastructure programs. For many families, this meant improved health, fewer waterborne illnesses, and less time spent collecting water each day. Officials described the effort as a major step toward improving quality of life in underserved communities. 

Progress was also seen in the United States, where renewable energy continued to grow rapidly. Wind and solar power surpassed fossil fuels in new electricity generation, reflecting a shift toward cleaner energy sources. Experts say this trend could play an important role in reducing carbon emissions in the coming years. 

Even urban development took a more hopeful turn. In London, three million tons of earth excavated during the construction of a new underground train line were reused to create wetlands. These wetlands now provide shelter, nesting areas, and food for nearly 40,000 birds, turning construction waste into a new habitat for wildlife.

2026 Times Square Ball. Photo via ABC News.

The year may be remembered for its challenges, but it was also shaped by people working toward solutions. These stories show that change does not always come in dramatic moments. Often, it happens through steady work and small victories. Ending the year with these victories offers a reminder that progress continues, even when it is easy to miss.