2016 is a year that no one will forget. Some people say this is the worst year in history, and indeed, with terrorist attacks happening all over the world, Brexit, the Syrian Crisis and several other bad news, one starts to think that 2016 is indeed an odd year. This week specifically, the world is turning to the United States to see the results of this unconventional electoral campaign. With the spotlight on Americans, social media and news platforms get crazy on the amount of political news related to both Clinton and Trump. With that in mind, I refuse to write just another article on this crazy election. We all should give the political spotlight some rest and focus on some good happening in the world and give our minds happy thoughts for a change. Just a gift to ease tensions from this American election.
1. Obama said alternative routes are being reviewed for the Dakota Pipeline
Things have been stressful as the Dakota Pipeline peaceful protests that started as early as April grew bigger near Cannon Ball, and more that 400 people were arrested for rallying against the pipeline that would have severe consequences to natives and the environment. President Obama finally addressed this question by asking both law enforcement and protesters to cooperate and that alternative routes are being considered for the project. Huge win for the environment and the people who live in the to-be-affected area!
2. Paris' World Climate Summit agreement start to translate into actions
World leaders from all over the world met in 2015 and agreed and signed the Paris Climate Pact. The good news here is that the pact is coming into force and action only one year after it was agreed upon! The last climate deal, the Kyoto Protocol, came into action eight years after the countries signed it. This shows that world leaders are deeply concerned and motivated to act in face of climate change!
3. The Great Barrier Reef is not actually dead
The obituary published by Outside Magazine for the 25 million-year-old Great Barrier Reef in Australia was received with much sadness and shock from scientists and millions of social media users. Well, rejoice because the magnificent natural structure is not definitively dead. Yet. Which means that we can still do something to prevent it from dying and that my dream of scuba diving there still can happen.
4. 1.4 Million Brazilians sign zero deforestation bill
The Amazon forest is known worldwide for having the biggest variety of plants and animals in the whole world. Recent data has proven that companies in Brazil can achieve zero deforestation without harming their economic profit, and Greenpeace Brasil has been collecting signatures and submitted a legislation draft last year, but many states also contributed to deforestation by creating laws to prevent illegal or unnecessary deforestation. The whole world and a lot of Brazilians want to see zero deforestation actually happening.
5. Cuba's embargo of more 55 years ended
The UN lifted the 55-year Cuba embargo last week when the US abstained from voting. There's been a lot of discussions and arguments about
6. 'The Crown' is finally streaming on Netflix
One of the most highly anticipated Netflix Originals this year, the first season of "The Crown" is now available on Netflix! Considered the most expensive TV show ever filmed, with over $130 million dollars in its budget, this series delivers an awesome real story of Queen Elizabeth II's reign from when she took over at the age of 25 to present years. I 100 percent recommend this one.
7. Three people who were kidnapped in Lybia are safe
Lybian authorities have worked hard and safely returned two Italian citizens and one Canadian citizen who were kidnapped in southern Lybia. They are not sure who kidnapped those men in the first place, but the happy news is that they are finally safe and sound back home.
8. Puppies!
What better way to finalize this list than puppies? Keep up the optimism guys, there's still a lot to be happy about in 2016.
