Abandoned coal mines are becoming batteries
Hundreds of thousands of abandoned mines pose economic, environmental and safety risks. One solution? Repurposing old mine shafts as “gravity batteries” — a promising new model for energy storage that combines modern technology with remnants of our industrial past.
Abandoned Coal Mines Are Becoming the Batteries of the Future
By: Natasha Khullar Relph
By: Natasha Khullar Relph
“Gravity batteries” give former mines a second life — while offering an economic and environmental boost to communities once reliant on coal.
In Green Hydrogen, Experts See an Exit Ramp From Fossil Fuels
By: Xander Peters
By: Xander Peters
Across the globe, clean hydrogen production is on the rise. For former coal towns like Vernon, Texas, it could provide a lifeline.
Reasons to be Cheerful has grown a lot, and that growth needs to be sustained with new sources of revenue. That’s why we’ve decided to begin accepting advertising in this newsletter.
Letting ads cover some of our costs means that our readers’ contributions can be better spent on nonprofit journalism. And because we’re a mission-driven magazine, we’ll never accept ads that go against our values.
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How Stockholm Is Sprouting Healthy Trees From Concrete
By: Peter Yeung
By: Peter Yeung
The “Stockholm tree pit” method was created to help trees thrive in paved-over urban spaces. Now, it’s taking root across Europe.
With training from staff therapists, high school peer mentors in Great Falls are helping students across the district.
Sowing Seeds of Wildfire Recovery in L.A.
See what stories caught our attention this week, from a seed library in Altadena to life-saving drone deliveries in London.
In Case You Missed It
Dozens of the region’s fisheries have vowed to start using the entirety of every fish they catch by the end of 2025.
Vienna’s Refugee-Run Hotel Is Thriving
By: Kaja Šeruga
By: Kaja Šeruga
Since 2015, Magdas Hotel has helped refugees access jobs — while proving that a social business doesn’t have to sacrifice its bottom line.