Solomon Islands Ditches Diesel for First Solar Farm
A Pacific island nation that relies on diesel for 98% of its power is building its first major solar farm. The Solomon Islands is betting on sunshine to escape fuel shortages and price swings.
Search
Find uplifting stories about heroes, innovations, and solutions
1836 results for "farne islands"
Solomon Islands Shifts Direction, Bans Dolphin Trade
The Solomon Islands just elected a new prime minister who brings a fresh approach to foreign relations and animal welfare. In his first major move, he's ending the controversial dolphin trade.
%2Fhttps%3A%2F%2Ftf-cmsv2-smithsonianmag-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Ffiler_public%2F22%2Fd1%2F22d1d559-2c1f-4580-a3d7-eb3872519fc5%2Fhospital.jpg)
Ellis Island Hospital Restoration Preserves Immigration Stories
A nonprofit is working to preserve Ellis Island's abandoned 29-building hospital complex, where immigrant families faced medical challenges 75 years ago. The restoration will reveal intimate stories of resilience and hope that shaped America.
Mauritius Launches Solar Marketplace for Island Nations
Mauritius just unveiled a groundbreaking digital platform that helps small island nations attract funding for solar projects, starting with 220 MW of its own renewable energy. The World Bank-backed marketplace could transform how vulnerable island states access clean energy investments.
Australia Keeps Cocos Islands Home After Community Wins
The Australian government reversed plans to relocate 600 residents from the remote Cocos Islands after passionate community pushback. Now islanders will help shape their own climate future.
Fiji Island Made Entirely of Ancient Shellfish Waste
Scientists discovered a small Fiji island built completely from shellfish discarded by human settlers over 1,000 years ago. The unique "midden island" reveals how ancient communities shaped their landscape in ways still visible today.
Mexico Scientists Race to Protect Island's Rare Wildlife
When researchers spotted an endangered ocelot on Cozumel Island in 2016, they faced an unexpected challenge: the wildcat threatened species found nowhere else on Earth. Scientists are now working to protect the island's unique animals while monitoring this beautiful but risky newcomer.
Island Declared Ferret Free in World-First Conservation Win
Rathlin Island off Northern Ireland's coast just became the first inhabited island in the world to successfully eliminate invasive ferrets, saving 250,000 seabirds from extinction. Puffins, razorbills, and other species are already showing signs of recovery after decades of devastating predator attacks.
Rhode Island Bill Puts Librarians in Every Public School
Rhode Island lawmakers are backing legislation to put certified librarians in every public school after research showed they boost reading scores and student success. The Save Our Rhode Island School Libraries Act would ensure every student gets daily library access and professional support.
50+ Volunteers Rebuild Storm-Hit Island House in One Day
When 95mph winds tore the roof off Lihou Island's only house, over 50 volunteers raced across the causeway to help rebuild it in a single weekend. The tiny Guernsey island, cherished by generations of schoolchildren and families, is back in business thanks to neighbors who couldn't stand to see it damaged.
UK Commits £14M to Help Pacific Islands Fight Climate Crisis
The UK is investing £14 million to help Pacific Island nations build resilience against rising seas and extreme storms. The funding supports locally led solutions in Fiji, Tonga, Tuvalu, and other vulnerable island communities.
Pacific Islands Cut Fish Microplastic Rates to Just 5%
While one-third of Pacific fish contain microplastics, new research reveals some island nations have cracked the code on keeping their waters clean. Vanuatu's fish show just 5% contamination, proving remote islands can protect their ocean food supply.
Vietnam's Phu Quoc Island Hits 300K Visitors in Two Months
Vietnam's Phu Quoc Island welcomed over 300,000 international tourists in early 2026, marking a 55% surge in arrivals as the tropical paradise becomes Asia's hottest new destination. The island's blend of pristine beaches, eco-friendly resorts, and authentic culture is transforming Vietnam's tourism industry.
Japan's 'Cat Island' Caretaker Dedicates Life to Felines
On a tiny Japanese island where cats outnumber people 27 to 1, a 70-year-old woman ensures every feline lives with dignity and care. Naoko Kamimoto feeds 80 cats twice daily, administers medicine, and shows the world what compassionate animal stewardship looks like.
Easter Island Thrived Through Century-Long Drought
New evidence reveals that when a 100-year drought hit Easter Island in 1550, communities didn't collapse. They adapted, creating new traditions and power structures that helped them survive.
Scottish Island Closes Sundays After Tourism Boom
A tiny Scottish island with just 16 residents is taking Sundays off this summer after a BBC show sparked an overwhelming wave of visitors. Ulva's community is choosing sustainable tourism over burnout.
Volunteers Gather to Clean Historic Johnson's Island
Community members are rolling up their sleeves this Saturday to preserve a Civil War historic site. The cleanup event at Johnson's Island continues a tradition of caring for this meaningful landmark.
%2Fhttps%3A%2F%2Ftf-cmsv2-smithsonianmag-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Ffiler_public%2F5c%2Fda%2F5cdab59c-f032-49e7-8b5c-07bccfd83800%2Fthe_adventure_of_wrangel_island_p_316.jpg)
Real Castaways Who Survived Years on Deserted Islands
From a Scottish sailor who lived four years alone to a Portuguese soldier who chose exile over shame, real-life island survivors endured isolation that makes fictional stories pale in comparison. Their tales of resilience reveal what humans can accomplish when stripped of everything but the will to live.
Pacific Islands Unite in Recovery After Historic Typhoon
More than a month after Typhoon Sinlaku battered the Western Pacific, communities across the Mariana Islands and Micronesia are showing remarkable resilience as relief pours in from around the world. The deadliest storm to hit the region in over two decades has sparked an unprecedented global response.
Spain's Islands Cap Tourism to Protect Locals and Nature
Spain's Balearic Islands are introducing visitor limits after 19 million tourists overwhelmed housing, roads, and beaches in 2025. The move shows destinations choosing sustainability over endless growth.
Showing 20 of 1836