A Bangladeshi pharma company will soon release a generic version of an expensive drug for cystic fibrosis that will allow hundreds of patients worldwide to access treatment. The only pharmaceutical option available for cystic fibrosis has for years been a combination treatment called ETI (elexacaftor/tezacaftor/ivacaftor) priced between $300,000 and $370,000. Drug discovery, testing, and complying […] The post Expensive Cystic Fibrosis Drug Now Within Reach After Dramatic Price Drop of New Generic Version appeared first on Good News Network.

BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM A sweeping new report from the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) lays out an ambitious, but achievable, economic transformation: investing in the health of the planet could generate at least $20 trillion in annual benefits by 2070. Released during the United Nations Environment Assembly, the Global Environment Outlook, Seventh Edition (GEO-7), is the most comprehensive environmental assessment yet, drawing on the work of 287 scientists across 82 countries. The report makes the case that stabilizing the climate, protecting ecosystems, and reducing pollution are not just moral imperatives; they are essential economic strategies. Left unchecked, environmental degradation will not only harm public health and biodiversity, but could also erode global prosperity. “A simple choice stands before humanity,” said Inger Andersen, UNEP Executive Director. “We can either face a future shaped by disruption and rising costs, or choose one of lasting prosperity through decisive investment in planetary health.” Five systems that must change The report identifies five key global systems: economy and finance, materials and waste, energy, food, and the environment. Each of these systems must undergo deep, coordinated reform. It calls for governments to shift away from traditional economic indicators like gross domestic product and adopt metrics that reflect both human and natural capital. These new measures would help guide policies toward long-term well-being, not just short-term growth. In addition to system reform, the report outlines two core transformation pathways. One emphasizes behavioral shifts, such as reducing material consumption and demand for high-impact goods. The other centers on technological innovation and efficiency improvements. Both approaches are designed to work in tandem and could begin delivering macroeconomic benefits by 2050. By 2070, those benefits could total $20 trillion annually. By the end of the century, the report estimates that figure could rise to a staggering $100 trillion per year. The costs of inaction are higher Without significant policy change, the GEO-7 warns that global temperatures will exceed 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels in the early 2030s and likely surpass two degrees by the 2040s. On that path, climate change could reduce global GDP by 4 percent by 2050 and up to 20 percent by 2100. Environmental degradation is already exacting a high toll: 9 million people die each year due to pollution. Health damages from air pollution reached $8.1 trillion in 2019, or 6.1 percent of global GDP. Land degradation now affects up to 40 percent of global land, impacting more than 3 billion people. One million species face extinction. Plastic waste totals more than 8 billion tonnes, with health losses from associated chemicals exceeding $1.5 trillion annually. Extreme weather disasters attributed to climate change cost an average of $143 billion per year over the last two decades. In contrast, the report estimates that achieving net-zero emissions and halting biodiversity loss would require $8 trillion in annual investment through mid-century—less than the mounting cost of climate-related damage. Economic and environmental wins go hand in hand The GEO-7 envisions a world in which healthier ecosystems directly improve human and economic well-being. Some of the projected benefits by 2050 include: Avoiding 9 million premature deaths due to air pollution. Reducing undernourishment for nearly 200 million people. Lifting over 100 million people out of extreme poverty. Expanding natural lands and restoring ecosystems. These gains are only possible, the report says, through coordinated, systemwide change. Among the key recommendations: In economics and finance Move beyond GDP and embrace inclusive wealth metrics. Correctly price the environmental costs and benefits of economic activity. Phase out harmful subsidies and redirect incentives to support sustainability. In materials and waste Support circular product design and supply chain transparency. Shift consumer behavior toward reuse and regeneration. Invest in business models that reduce waste and extend product life cycles. In energy Accelerate the decarbonization of supply chains. Improve energy efficiency at all levels. Ensure a just transition that includes energy access and poverty reduction. In food systems Shift toward healthy, sustainable diets. Boost efficiency in production and cut food waste. Strengthen resilience and food security. In the environment Scale up biodiversity conservation and ecosystem restoration. Embrace nature-based solutions for climate adaptation. Strengthen climate mitigation efforts to curb long-term warming. A call for global cooperation The report concludes that tackling climate change, nature loss, and pollution must be approached as an interconnected challenge, not as isolated issues. It calls for integrated policy frameworks and urges collaboration among governments, multilateral institutions, businesses, civil society, academia, and Indigenous Peoples. Indigenous and local knowledge, in particular, is emphasized as a crucial element for guiding just and effective transitions. Modeled after the scientific rigor of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) and other major UN science bodies, the GEO-7 presents both a warning and a roadmap. “We already have the tools, the science, and the momentum,” said Andersen. “What we need now is the will to act at scale and in solidarity.” In short, the path to global prosperity and climate resilience may no longer lie in business as usual but in bold, coordinated investment in the health of the planet.     Did this story stand out? Share it with a friend or support our mission by becoming an Emissary.

BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM A new year often comes with new intentions, new goals, and new calendars waiting to be filled. But before jumping into resolutions or performance-based productivity, it might be worth pausing to ask a deeper question: What’s actually driving you? Is the motivation rooted in personal joy and meaning? Or is it more about proving something, keeping up, or satisfying someone else’s expectations? Understanding the difference and making room for more intrinsic motivation could be the key to building a year that feels more fulfilling, aligned, and sustainable. What is intrinsic motivation, really? Psychologists generally group motivation into two categories: intrinsic and extrinsic. Intrinsic motivation is powered by curiosity, joy, or a sense of purpose. It’s what drives people to learn a new language, paint for fun, or train for a marathon just because it feels good. “Intrinsic motivation is driven by our curiosity, what brings us joy, or what feels meaningful and important to us,” says Arati Patel, a licensed marriage and family therapist. Extrinsic motivation, on the other hand, comes from outside sources. Think things like praise, rewards, approval, or social pressure. That’s not inherently a bad thing. External incentives can be useful, especially when they offer structure or accountability. But over time, if extrinsic motivation becomes the main engine, the results can include burnout, disconnection, and even physical symptoms. “When you’re driven mainly by the external,” Patel explains, “it tends to leave [you] burnt out or [feeling] disconnected.” Aura E. Martinez, an empowerment coach, adds that excessive reliance on external validation can show up as anxiety, low self-worth, insomnia, or chronic stress. It can also leave people questioning their identity, especially after achieving a goal that felt more obligatory than joyful. How to tell the difference between intrinsic and extrinsic motivation It’s easy to assume that we always know what we want. But cultural conditioning, family expectations, and social comparison can cloud our judgment. Sometimes we chase goals without realizing they weren’t truly ours to begin with. Martinez suggests getting curious about why a goal exists in the first place. “I help clients distinguish [between intrinsic and extrinsic motivation] by asking them not only what they want but why they want it,” she says. Another clue? Language. If a sentence starts with “I should” more often than “I want,” that may point to extrinsic motivation. Perhaps the most reliable indicator, however, is energy. According to both Patel and Martinez, exhaustion can be a red flag. Goals fueled by internal drive can still be tiring, but they don’t tend to leave people feeling drained or emotionally depleted. A soul-deep fatigue, on the other hand, may be a sign that something is off. How to reconnect with your internal compass To realign with intrinsic motivation, start with an “energy audit.” Martinez recommends tracking which activities leave you feeling energized and which leave you drained. Over time, this simple practice reveals patterns, and those patterns point toward what actually matters. She also suggests asking questions like: What would I be doing if no one were watching? What would I choose if I weren’t trying to be the “good” daughter, partner, employee, or friend? Am I making this decision out of love or out of fear? Another helpful tool is unscheduled time. Patel advises carving out blank space in the day and observing where the mind and body naturally gravitate when obligation isn’t steering the wheel. Our bodies often know before we do. Tense shoulders, a clenched jaw, or a heavy feeling can be subtle signs of a disconnect between our actions and our deeper desires. “Authentic choices often feel lighter,” Patel notes, “while performing tends to feel tense or heavy.” Navigating guilt and external pressure Even when the desire to shift is clear, letting go of external motivation can be difficult, particularly if it’s tied to the expectations of people we care about. “Letting go of external validation can stir guilt, shame, or fear of disappointing others,” Patel says. And those feelings are natural. But that doesn’t mean we’re stuck. The key, Martinez explains, is self-compassion. We don’t have to overhaul our lives overnight. Start small. If people-pleasing at work is a challenge, maybe that means logging off at a reasonable hour once a week instead of staying late every day. These micro-boundaries help build confidence and self-trust. A few practical ways to strengthen intrinsic motivation If part of your New Year intention is to make decisions that come from within, here are a few starting points: Name the source. When you feel pulled toward a goal, ask: Whose voice is this? Is it mine, or does it belong to a parent, boss, or friend? Do a values check. Does this goal align with your core values? If not, is there a way to reframe it? For instance, maybe the drive to “stay fit” is externally motivated by beauty standards, but reframed as a way to feel strong and energized, it can align with deeper personal values. Take baby steps. You don’t have to quit the job or ditch the commitment immediately. Try softening your attachment to it. One small shift can lead to greater freedom over time. Set boundaries gently but firmly. Boundaries aren’t about shutting others out. They’re about giving yourself space to be who you are. And if you need support navigating them, reach out to a coach or therapist who can help you build that muscle. The seasonal invitation to slow down While the New Year often comes with a push to be more, do more, and accomplish more, it can also be a time for slowing down and tuning in. The truth is, taking time to reassess what drives us is part of creating a more intentional, meaningful year. “This seasonal rhythm reminds us that it’s natural and healthy to pause, release, and reset,” says Martinez. Whether that means letting go of a draining goal or making space for something new, the beginning of the year is a powerful time to realign. Final thoughts Choosing intrinsic motivation isn’t about ignoring responsibility. It’s about grounding action in joy and purpose rather than pressure and performance. That’s how resilience is built. Not by gritting through burnout, but by connecting to something real. This year, instead of chasing outcomes that look good on paper, try tuning into the things that feel good in your body and spirit. Let that be your compass.   Did this story stand out? Share it with a friend or support our mission by becoming an Emissary.

Surrounded by vast sugarcane farms, pristine rainforest, empty beaches and lush waterfalls, Cameron Bates’ new home of Ingham, a town in northern Australia, was a welcome breath of fresh air after the 16 years he’d spent living and working in Jakarta, Indonesia. In 2019, Bates moved into an apartment in the center of Ingham, overlooking the town’s main Rotary Park and just minutes away from the community’s beloved Botanical Gardens, war memorial and adjacent green spaces. But these were also all locations that the town’s population of flying foxes, members of the fruit bat family, had come to call home.  While Ingham’s flying foxes had taken up residence there for at least the previous decade, the colony was growing thanks to four different sub-species coming together to roost, resulting in a population so massive that at one point it was over 500,000. These figures far outnumbered the local human population of less than 5,000. At dusk, Bates would marvel at a nightly event he quickly became accustomed to: Thousands of the native bats awakening for the evening and leaving the safety of their roost to forage for fruit and nectar before returning at dawn. The creatures would transform the night sky, their black silhouettes dancing across the sunset as their shrill cries echoed across town. Little did Bates realize that this natural phenomenon would come to consume his professional life, and life in his new home. A sight to behold or ‘an infestation that had reached biblical proportions’? Credit: Hinchinbrook Shire Council “I never had an issue with the flying foxes, as I had moved to the area from one of the most polluted, poverty-stricken cities on the planet, and I was then witnessing firsthand this incredible nightly spectacle,” recalls Bates, a senior journalist at regional newspaper The Townsville Bulletin. “I was completely unaware of the depth of feeling against the flying foxes in the community […] But it became the number one issue over the next few years. In one of countless stories I wrote about it, I described it as ‘an infestation that had reached biblical proportions.’”  And then it got worse. A heatwave caused many of the flying foxes — which can carry a number of deadly viruses — to drop mid-flight, says Bates, falling into locations including local school yards, leading some parents to boycott sending their kids to school. Central amenities including Rotary Park, the Botanical Gardens and bus stops for the two local elementary schools had to be cordoned off, and businesses nearby had to close due to the sheer number of flying foxes rendering the area unsafe. The bats had also come to roost near a local kindergarten, which therefore had to close. Weighed down by negative news? Our smart, bright, weekly newsletter is the uplift you’ve been looking for. [contact-form-7] The flying foxes had transformed their surroundings, and not for the better — bat urine and faeces covered the ground, and the animals completely decimated the very trees they were nesting in. In 2020, the swarm of bats was so thick that an emergency helicopter was not able to land at the nearby hospital. “It was horrific,” local mayor Ramon Jayo of the Hinchinbrook Shire Council says. “The stench was unbelievable. The Botanical Gardens were a disaster. All the trees were shaggy. It was like a war zone. There was no going in there anymore. That really upset me because that’s where our war memorial is, and it was disgraceful that we weren’t maintaining that area because of these bats […] They had to go.” Mayor Jayo was facing pressure from some residents to cull the animals, but flying foxes are protected in Australia, not just as a native species but, much like bees, as environmentally significant pollinators and seed dispersers. “Every day I would get people telling me to shoot the flying foxes, but it would have been like a drop of water in a bucket,” Mayor Jayo says. “We knew we’d come up with a better method, because we’re surrounded by pristine rainforests and mangroves. So it’s not as if there was no habitat for them to go to.” Previous councils had used one-off dispersal tactics — banging on drums and saucepans at dawn to disrupt the flying foxes on their return from feeding, prompting them to seek alternative accommodation. But this only had a temporary effect, as Mayor Jayo would later find out that it would take a sustained effort lasting years to keep the bats at bay. At that point, Mayor Jayo called in the experts. He signed a check for A$300,000 ($195,500 U.S.) to Biodiversity Australia, a private consultancy that specializes in working out a solution for when humans and wildlife clash. Hinchinbrook Shire Council then received a A$60,000 ($40,000 U.S.) grant from the state government of Queensland, where Ingham is located, to support its efforts. Steven Noy and his team spent three months humanely relocating Ingham’s resident flying fox population. Credit: Biodiversity Australia At the helm of Biodiversity Australia is Steven Noy, who founded the organization in 2002 and who says he is yet to meet an animal he hasn’t been able to persuade to move elsewhere — be it koala, kangaroo, snake, magpie, or flying fox.  Over the past 15 years, Biodiversity Australia has worked with 25 councils and private entities whose towns and properties have been overrun by flying foxes, including a colony of 1.5 million that had taken over a camp site in the Northern Territory tourist attraction of Carnarvon Gorge. “We’ve never harmed an animal. […] It’s all about deterrent and behavioral change. As humans, we’ve created these problems, so we need to be ready to have a solution without lethal means,” Noy says. “We get people telling us, ‘shoot every last one.’ But it’s not doing anything because animals don’t react to death. If you shoot one flying fox, they won’t even notice the difference within the mob itself. Another animal just takes its place.” Noy and his team use the dispersal tactics that had failed previously — banging drums and saucepans at known flying fox sites at 4 a.m. But then they take it up a notch with full-scale pyrotechnics, which includes smoke and bright lights. Some skeptical residents, who had set up sound systems and drum-banging brigades of their own, questioned what A$300,000 was buying that they couldn’t achieve on their own. That, says Noy, was an action plan that involved closely tracking and understanding the flying foxes. In 2020, Noy and his team spent three months in Ingham doing just that. Then, when it came time to deploy the noise over two intense early mornings — accompanied by the Mayor and local politicians — Noy had a pretty good idea of where they would go, namely a wetlands on the outskirts of town, or to join a small colony based at one of the beaches. “That morning at the Botanical Gardens, it looked like the old war stories, where you see smoke and bombs and guns and everything going off. It took about three to four hours for the smoke to clear,” says Mayor Jayo, who describes Biodiversity Australia’s efforts as “amazing.” When the flying foxes arrived at their chosen new locations, Noy’s teams were ready to check that there were no disturbances that would stop them from settling. At the wetlands, they realized that mowers and maintenance teams were creating noise, preventing the bats from getting comfortable, so that was called off. The flying foxes that once transformed Ingham have now relocated to more remote places such as the mountains to the north of the town. Credit: Craig Dingle / Shutterstock “The timing is absolutely crucial. You have a very short window just before light to get your day’s job done. If you miss that, or you’re in the wrong location of that day, the day’s over,” says Noy. “People think humans are so smart and that animals are dumb. They don’t understand how they communicate, what they do, what they see.” Five years on, the flying foxes have moved further afield, to the mountains to the north of Ingham, to the mangrove trees along the coastline, and to the banks of the Herbert River, a vital waterway that first drew European settlers to the region in the 1860s. But to this day, Hinchinbrook Shire Council spends A$3,000 (around $2,000 U.S.) per month on a daily early morning crew that patrols the former flying fox hotspots for any individuals that may be taking a chance on returning to their old stomping ground, as the animals send “scouts” to check if they can return “home.” If any flying foxes are spotted, the drum and saucepan banging recommences until said scouts are gone. This will be the case at least until the generation of flying foxes that was born in town dies out and makes way for new generations that are born in the new habitats, without any memory of the town. “It’s not a situation that’s going to go away,” says Noy, who likens the ongoing deterrent maintenance work to other council activities such as mowing and weed control. “Studies have proven that the population isn’t in decline, it’s actually increased, because when you get a parkland and you mow it, trim the trees, irrigate it, you’re creating a cooling environment that attracts flying foxes. We just have to work out what other sites we can try and push them to.” Mayor Jayo acknowledges that, despite now being able to restore the likes of the Botanical Gardens, “we haven’t won the war.” And he has an equally significant battle on his hands: Educating locals who think Ingham’s flying fox troubles have ended, or those who are new to town as to why they are subject to drum and saucepan banging at dawn. Wait, you're not a member yet? Join the Reasons to be Cheerful community by supporting our nonprofit publication and giving what you can. Join Cancel anytime “I probably get more complaints from people now that the bats aren’t there, because they don’t see the problem anymore,” he says. “They don’t like being woken up on a Saturday and Sunday by someone banging drums outside their window. But you know, I just listen to them and then I say, ‘this is why we don’t want to be back to where we were in 2020 — this is the reason we’re doing it.” For Bates, who has heard all types of resident comments — positive and negative — in his reporting of the issue, he concludes that relocating Ingham’s flying foxes “was worth every cent” and the ongoing cost is a small price to pay. “I am looking across Rotary Park now,” he says, “and the historic kauri pine trees have recovered. The smell of bat sh*t and urine has long dissipated, and locals and tourists are free to enjoy the gardens without fear of a dead bat falling on them.” The post How a Tiny Australian Town Relocated 500,000 Flying Foxes appeared first on Reasons to be Cheerful.