August’s positive climate news: New solar records and Porto’s free public transport
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It might not feel like it but there’s plenty of positive change happening when it comes to the climate and it’s worth celebrating. From record-breaking solar generation and farmers moving away from animal farming, to cities encouraging public transport by making it free, these stories show how innovation and action are making a difference.
Here are four reasons to feel hopeful about the future and a reminder that progress is already happening all around us.
See more positive stories here.
Solar smashes UK monthly generation record
Solar power supplied a record 14.4% of Britain’s electricity in July, making it the biggest month for solar generation ever recorded. A combination of long spells of sunshine and a growing number of rooftop panels helped solar beat the previous monthly record of 12.4%, set in May.
Solar generation was also 50% higher than July last year, when it accounted for 9.6% of electricity generation. More than 142,000 new solar installations were recorded across Britain in the first half of 2026, putting the country on track for another record year.
As households generate more of their own clean, homegrown electricity, solar is playing an increasingly important role in reducing reliance on fossil fuels and protecting consumers from volatile global energy prices.
From pig farm to mushroom farm: A new future for agriculture
A former pig farm in Iowa is getting a new lease of life, this time growing specialty mushrooms instead of raising thousands of pigs.
The Faaborg family once raised around 8,000 pigs a year at their farm. With support from The Transfarmation Project, they have overhauled their intensive livestock operation into a mushroom-growing business and demonstration hub.
The project aims to show farmers that moving away from industrial animal agriculture can be both profitable and sustainable. The converted farm will also provide a space for research, education and visitors interested in alternative farming.
It’s a powerful example of how existing agricultural land and infrastructure can be transformed into something better for farmers, animals and the planet.
Porto makes public transport free
Porto, Portugal’s second-largest city, has introduced free public transport for all residents, covering buses, trains and trams. The scheme aims to reduce congestion, encourage people to leave their cars at home and make getting around the city more accessible.
The programme is a flagship policy of new mayor Pedro Duarte and is expected to cost around €25 million a year, funded by the city council. Porto is considering increasing its tourist tax to help cover the cost.
The scheme builds on Portugal’s national policy offering free public transport to people aged 23 and under and follows Luxembourg, which made public transport free nationwide in 2020.
Germany’s solar boom reaches new heights
Germany’s solar power boom is continuing to accelerate, with the country generating 43.2 TWh of solar electricity in the first half of 2026. Solar accounted for around 18.2% of Germany’s total electricity generation, highlighting just how important renewable power is becoming.
Installed solar capacity has also climbed to approximately 124.9 GW, up from around 118 GW at the start of the year. Millions of rooftop systems, alongside large-scale solar parks, are driving this rapid growth.
Germany’s progress shows how investment, supportive policies and widespread adoption can transform a country’s energy system, helping reduce reliance on imported fossil fuels while building a greener, more secure energy future.
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It might not feel like it but there’s plenty of positive change happening when it comes to the climate and it’s worth celebrating. From record-breaking solar generation and farmers moving away from animal farming, to cities encouraging public transport.
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