Environmental Successes of 2025: 5 Big Wins
- Chipco Preserve
- 1 minute ago
- 5 min read
Maeve Kiley
Global Impact of Environmental Efforts
As 2025 comes to a close, environmentalism and environmental efforts have been a significant part of the cultural zeitgeist. Climate change and deforestation are common talking points in political and scientific debates. Meanwhile, scientific thought and research are continually evolving, with discoveries and advances reshaping the field.
Although there are many challenges worldwide, particularly in environmental efforts, there were also successes. Some challenges have been addressed and overcome through advances in combating climate change and habitat loss. While 2026 will be a new year with new global challenges, reflecting on the ways many people fought to protect the earth in 2025 may help inspire others to do the same.
1. Amazon Deforestation Fires Drop
In early 2025, the Brazilian government, led by President Lula, established vigorous environmental enforcement and protection measures. These laws and regulations led to an 80% decline in deforestation fires in the Amazon Rainforest (the lowest deforestation rates since 2015).
Brazil also launched ARPA Communities with partners to preserve Indigenous land and protect native species. The Kayapo, Guajajara, and Ka’apor tribes advocate and fight for Indigenous land rights, an end to illegal logging/poaching, and protect isolated Indigenous tribes in the rainforest as well. Their efforts have directly confronted and punished illegal activities and rejuvenated damaged lands.
Although the Amazon Rainforest is still under attack with illegal logging, mining, poaching, and fires, damaging the important ecosystem. Climate change has caused unpredictable droughts and extreme temperatures in the rainforest, exacerbating preexisting human-made issues. However, stronger global focus and government efforts have paved the way for better environmental protection and advocacy for Indigenous land rights.
2. Ongoing Success with Giant Panda Population
Since its official classification by IUCN (International Union for Conservation in Nature) in 1990, the Giant Panda is one of the most widely recognized endangered species. Deforestation, low birth rates, and poaching led to the Giant Panda population plummeting by 1,000 by the late 1980s, prompting the Chinese government to enact the Wildlife Protection Law to protect the species.
Global efforts were launched to try to save the Giant Panda. China established 67 Panda reserves and banned logging in 1998. International breeding programs were established across nature preserves and zoos to maintain a genetically healthy captive population. Giant Pandas became the “Gateway Species” for advocating on behalf of endangered species due to their cuteness and popularity among humans (compared to less aesthetically pleasing, yet still important, endangered species).
In 2016, Giant Pandas were moved from the “Endangered” classification to “Vulnerable.” This was a triumphant moment for conservationists and scientists who have worked tirelessly to achieve this goal. Although the journey is far from over, 2025 saw greater success for Giant Panda populations, with a documented total of 1,900 wild pandas and 800 captive pandas worldwide. The Smithsonian National Zoo welcomed two Giant Panda cubs named Bao Li and Qing Bao in January of 2025. The future of Giant Pandas is looking bright, but everyone must work together to save Giant Pandas and other threatened/endangered species.
3. Antarctica Marine Life Discoveries
In January 2025, Iceberg A-84 broke off from the George VI Ice Shelf and revealed a majestic discovery.
A seafloor ecosystem, previously hidden for decades (possibly centuries), was uncovered. The ecosystem boasted flourishing life with a bounty of corals, sponges, anemones, sea spiders, and much more. Six new species were discovered in this ecosystem by a research team from the Schmidt Ocean Institute.
Incredible footage of the elusive Antarctic Gonate Squid was captured here. This rare, rosy-red cephalopod is around 3 feet long (0.91 meters). The behavior and eating habits of this squid is still mostly unknown, but continued research and exploration of this area will hopefully reveal more of this mysterious species.
This incredible discovery is another reminder of the importance of these areas and marine life. Pollution, climate change, and waste dumping have been harming marine life for decades, and if humanity wishes to keep our oceans healthy and strong, advocacy for marine life must continue.
4. California Reintroduces Beavers to Tribal Lands
The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) launched the Beaver Restoration Program in 2022 to restore populations and support conservation efforts.
The program partnered with the Tule River Tribe and Maidu Summit Consortium. Before colonization, beavers were plentiful and swam in the many rivers of Southern California. However, irresponsible hunting and habitat loss have left beaver populations decimated. Their absence has been felt because beavers play an essential role as keystone species and environmental engineers.
The program was codified into law in 2024 (AB 2196), which solidified its continued support and implementation. The introduction of beavers has been a massive success with river health and water retention on the Tule River Tribe lands improving significantly. The CDFW released a status report in September of 2025 and has been communicating with other landowners about potentially expanding the program.
5. University of Oxford Develop a Honeybee “Superfood” to aid population health
The University of Oxford, spearheaded by Professor Geraldine Wright, has created a revolutionary “superfood” for honeybees.
A genetically engineered yeast known as “Yarrowia lipolytica” by using CRISPR to produce six vital sterol compounds found in natural, native pollen. This incredible “superfood” serves as a complete pollen substitute for honeybees and provides them with essential nutrients. Unlike natural pollen, the “superfood” results in colonies producing up to 15 times more larvae.
This creation sustains and enhances brood production, which is currently threatened by inadequate diets, parasites, pathogens, pesticides, and habitat loss. Unfortunately, bees are crucial to combating climate change, which has reduced pollen availability and, in turn, the honeybee population.
This significant scientific breakthrough will aid not only honeybee food security but also human food security. This invention, alongside ongoing research, will help combat declining bee populations and raise awareness of the importance of pollinators.
References
CDFW News: CDFW releases Beavers into the wild for first time in nearly 75 years. CDFW. (2023, December 13). https://wildlife.ca.gov/News/Archive/cdfw-releases-beavers-into-the-wild-for-first-time-in-nearly-75-years
Giant Panda no longer endangered but iconic species still at risk. Trabajo de Conservación en Centroamérica. (n.d.). https://www.wwfca.org/en/panda_no_longer_endangered/
Guynup, S. (2025, September 23). Beavers restored to tribal lands in California benefit ecosystems. Conservation news. https://news.mongabay.com/2025/09/beavers-restored-to-tribal-lands-in-california-benefit-ecosystems/
Mock-Bunting, L. (2025, March 20). Thriving antarctic ecosystems found in wake of recently detached iceberg. Schmidt Ocean Institute. https://schmidtocean.org/thriving-antarctic-ecosystems-found-in-wake-of-recently-detached-iceberg/
Muhumuza, J. (2025, August 21). Bee “superfood” breakthrough could boost colony health and protect pollinators. Natural Resources Institute. https://nri.org/latest/news/2025/bee-superfood-breakthrough-could-boost-colony-health-and-protect-pollinators
Santi, A. de. (2024, December 30). The Amazon in 2025: Challenges and hopes as the Rainforest Takes Center Stage. Conservation news. https://news.mongabay.com/2024/12/the-amazon-in-2025-challenges-and-hopes-as-the-rainforest-takes-center-stage/