The Happy Warrior

Need some good news this week?  Let’s talk about happy warriors.  A "happy warrior" is described as someone who remains optimistic and upbeat in the face of challenges and adversity. The term is sometimes ascribed to a politician or activist who remains positive during trying times. The term originates from a poem by William Wordsworth titled "Character of the Happy Warrior” and describes an individual who is both virtuous and persevering in their support of a noble cause.

It is clear that our times call for environmentalists to be happy warriors in support of their noble cause, to face difficulties cheerfully, to be objective in their actions, and to persevere, but in doing so to continue with a positive attitude and care for each other. ACES believes with optimism that we will win out in the end and rescue our earth’s environment.  But where can we find evidence of progress on climate and pollution issues to prop up our spirits? As our current DC administration backtracks on climate advocacy in support of fossil fuel apologists, we need to see examples of where we can take some joy in the progress of caring for the earth.

Here are some positive but often under-reported international news headlines that often appear in large print but maybe not on the front page. There are good things happening in the climate battle that should give us heart.

England has a bright idea: require solar on every new home that is built. Starting in 2027, nearly every new home built in England will include solar panels. The mandate, which U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer says will be launched soon, is projected to save homeowners more than $1,300 a year in energy costs. Why not in Massachusetts you ask, at least as a pilot program somewhere in the state to show that it works?

Or consider this quote in “Vital Signs” the Environmental Defense Fund newsletter made by Ed Wickstrom, the director of technology at the Roman Catholic Church of Saint Dominic in Oyster Bay, New York, “This is an easier way into becoming part of sustainability.”  He is referring to The Church of Saint Dominic which now saves about $7,500 a year since Wickstrom found out about and signed up for community solar.  Then the Environmental Defense Fund newsletter helped spread the word some more.

Closer to home, local news of plans for oysters being deployed to clean up the Merrimack River is exciting. Not only do oysters filter the water of contaminants but oyster shells are formed using CO2 from the air and water to make CaCO3, the ingredient that is captured in oyster shells, as well as in pearls. Viewed at a larger scale, this sequestration of CO2 is an important long-term benefit to our atmosphere. And what’s more, small oyster reefs can protect us by buffering storm waves hitting our shores.

Then there were reports about China at the end of May indicating that for the first time, there’s been a shift: China’s greenhouse gas emissions have fallen year over year even as their energy demands went up. They have been investing big time in clean energy sources like solar and wind power and starting to replace fossil fuel in their energy mix.  Using more energy but producing less CO2.

There are tidbits of good news out there and we need to feed on those tidbits to keep us motivated. Just ask Google for other examples of good environmental news. We think what you read may lift your spirits.

ACES team members are not naive about the problems Earth faces but if we’re all going to keep working on helping improve climate and the environment, we need a positive attitude and mindset. Accordingly, we choose the path of the poet Wordsworth. Please join ACES in becoming “happy warriors“ in the fight for our children’s futures. Drop us a note with your concerns, ideas, and suggestions.

ACES team members believe everyone can make a BIG difference together. Team members invite you to stay updated on environmental matters by subscribing to our monthly newsletter via the “Subscribe to Updates” link on ACES’ website – https://www.aces-alliance.org/. Please consider joining our community of stewards committed to Make Every Day Earth Day by contacting acesnewburyport@gmail.com.

This educational column was originally published by The Daily News of Newburyport on August 29, 2025.