Amid rising emissions and ongoing nature loss, 2025 delivered several quiet climate and conservation gains worldwide, including renewable energy growth, wildlife recoveries, and legal shifts.
The global environmental picture remains under pressure this year. Emissions continued climbing across many economies. Ecosystems faced sustained stress and degradation. Yet scientists and policymakers recorded notable progress areas. These advances emerged quietly beyond daily headlines. Seven such milestones from 2025, highlighting targeted action that produced measurable outcomes, were reported by the BBC.
Renewable energy growth reshapes global power systems
Renewable energy sources surpassed coal in global electricity generation. Wind and solar led this transition worldwide. China drove much of the expansion through massive investments. It dominated exports of clean energy technologies. China also deployed typhoon-resistant offshore wind farms.
In the UK, wind became the largest electricity source. A 2025 review showed wind met about one-third demand. Coal use nearly vanished from power generation. Britain also began building the largest liquid air battery. This facility aims to store excess renewable energy. Globally, renewable capacity growth accelerated across more than 80% countries. The International Energy Agency projects capacity doubling by 2030.
China’s clean energy push reduced carbon emissions. Analysis for Carbon Brief showed emissions declined year-on-year. This occurred during the 12 months until May 2025. A second Carbon Brief analysis suggested the trend continued later. Analysts said China’s emissions may be nearing a peak. Ember reported these changes could enable global fossil fuel decline. However, experts warned progress remains insufficient for climate targets.
Ocean protection and forest conservation see progress
A major high seas protection agreement entered force in 2025. The treaty was ratified after decades of negotiations. It aims to protect 30% of international waters. Currently, only about 1% is protected. These waters cover nearly two-thirds of global oceans.
National waters also gained new protections this year. The world’s largest marine protected area was created. It spans 1,100,000 square kilometres in French Polynesia. The area is known as Tainui Atea.
Forests also featured prominently at COP30 in Brazil. The summit was held in Belém within the Amazon region. Brazil proposed a roadmap to end deforestation by 2030. Over 90 countries supported the initiative. Brazil also launched the Tropical Forests Forever Facility. The fund targets $125bn to reward forest preservation. Pledges currently stand at $6.7bn.
Brazil’s official data showed Amazon deforestation fell 11%. This was the lowest rate in 11 years. Clearing also declined in the Cerrado ecosystem. NGO Imazon reported forest loss dropped 43% year-on-year in October. A 2025 UN report found global deforestation fell 38% since 1990. Still, 10.9 million hectares are cleared annually worldwide.
Wildlife recoveries, indigenous rights and legal shifts
Several endangered species recorded notable recoveries in 2025. Green turtles were reclassified as least concern. This followed decades of global conservation efforts. Florida recorded more than 2,000 leatherback turtle nests. India now hosts 75% of the world’s tigers. Its population exceeds 3,600 animals nationwide. Conservation efforts reduced poaching and habitat loss. Scientists said India’s model offers global lessons.
The International Court of Justice issued a significant climate opinion. It allows countries to pursue climate-related legal action. Though non-binding, experts said it carries major influence. Joie Chowdhury of the Centre for International Environmental Law welcomed the ruling.
Indigenous peoples gained formal recognition at UN level. COP16 established a permanent committee for indigenous voices. COP30 saw the largest indigenous delegation ever recorded. Around 2,500 indigenous representatives attended. Brazil created 10 new indigenous territories. However, activists warned implementation remains uncertain.
In the United States, ecological restoration brought swift results. Salmon returned to California’s Klamath River. This followed removal of four hydroelectric dams in 2024. Tribal-led campaigns restored river flow. Officials said salmon returned faster than expected. The event marked a milestone for ecosystem recovery.
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