SOCIETY

Community Development

Installing Heat Pumps in Factories Could Save $1.5 Trillion and 77,000 Lives

A new report finds that replacing conventional boilers with heat pumps could also avoid 33 million asthma attacks by 2050 thanks to improved air quality.

Matt Simon

September 2, 2025

Voices for Change

What If Crisis Organizations Got Youth Engagement Completely Wrong?

The Trevor Project launched an experiment and discovered something unexpected: Young people trusted them more when they appeared “innovative and forward-thinking” than when they emphasized being “helpful.”

Josh Weaver

August 28, 2025

Community Development

From Commuter Corridor to Green Ribbon: Sustainable Development Pays Off for Arlington

The neighborhoods that makeup what’s now known as National Landing were built with driving to the office in mind. Today, the community is bringing a new vision, focused on people and sustainability, to life.

Mary Riddle

August 26, 2025

Voices for Change

The Fund Working to Diversify American Politics

The New American Leaders Action Fund is building a movement, encouraging immigrants and young people to get involved in politics at every level.

Nicole Froio

August 25, 2025

Community Development

Peace Out, Gross Hospital Food: This Startup Brings Indoor Farming to Health Systems on a Micro Scale

Hospitals in the United States aren't exactly known for their healthy food options, so Babylon is bringing the farm to them.

Riya Anne Polcastro

August 19, 2025

Sustainable Living

Live Nation and KultureCity Are Making Live Entertainment Sensory Inclusive

In the largest partnership of its kind in live entertainment, KultureCity and Live Nation are teaming up to expand sensory inclusive events in North America. With specially-trained staff, the right tools, and clear communication, venues are making live events less overwhelming.

Riya Anne Polcastro

August 11, 2025

Voices for Change

Fighting for America’s Moral Mandate: A Call-to-Action From a Young Climate Leader

In the past six months, the Donald Trump administration has made staff, program, and budget cuts that leave rural, coastal, and frontline communities vulnerable. But communities aren’t giving up on their vision for a cleaner, greener country.

Cameron Oglesby

August 7, 2025

Sustainable Living

The Solutions Effect

Does Climate Fiction Actually Help Us?

The climate fiction genre is gaining momentum across books, films and even video games. As it grabs more of the public’s attention, is it having the desired effect?

Taylor Haelterman

August 5, 2025

Community Development

Climate Adaptation Turns Fisherfolk into Farmers in the Philippines

Fisherfolk in the Philippines face dwindling fisheries and more frequent severe weather. One former fisherman is helping his community find stability through farming.

Riya Anne Polcastro

August 4, 2025

Justice + Equality

There Are Rules Protecting Children in Immigration Detention. Trump’s Tax Law Seeks to Override Them.

The spending bill paves the way for longer periods of detention, which advocates say could weaken established safety standards for children.

Candice Norwood

July 31, 2025

Justice + Equality

People Are Working in 'Digital Sweatshops' to Train AI, But New EU Regulations Could Push Transparency

While AI brings new tools in the fight against modern slavery, it is built on exploitation that reinforces global inequality. The European Union's Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD) could soon push companies to be more transparent about the people and systems behind their tech.

Sarah Walkley

July 25, 2025

Justice + Equality

The Women-Led Nonprofit Defying Educational Bans for Girls in Afghanistan

The Taliban prohibits girls from attending school beyond the sixth grade. That didn't stop Sahar Education from finding a way to create social spaces and learning opportunities for Afghan girls and women.

Nicole Froio

July 24, 2025

Community Development

Early Warning Systems Offer a Climate Lifeline for Rural Communities in the Democratic Republic of the Congo

Rural farmers in the Democratic Republic of the Congo face increasingly erratic weather without access to effective tools to prepare. A remarkably simple early warning system is offering new hope for over 3,000 farmers and displaced people across the region.

Anicet Kimonyo

July 22, 2025

Justice + Equality

Democratizing AI: Why Public Input Matters in the Future of Technology

AI is moving fast. Innovators like The Collective Intelligence Project want to ensure everyday people have their say in how it's created and deployed.

Abha Malpani Naismith

July 21, 2025

Sponsored

Changing the Game: The Sports and Entertainment Sector Embraces the SDGs

The Most Sustainable Festival Ever? LIDO Breaks Barriers in Live Entertainment

“We wanted to prove that sustainability doesn’t need to compromise the live music experience. In fact, it can improve it,” said Sam Booth, director of sustainability for AEG Europe, organizer of the LIDO Festival in London’s Victoria Park.

Gary E. Frank

July 17, 2025

Voices for Change

Reimagining Home: What California’s Housing Crisis Reveals About Power and Policy

The president of the nonprofit End Poverty in California speaks with Jessica Nowlan of the business incubator Reimagine Freedom about myths and misunderstandings around the housing crisis and why the story of poverty in the United States cannot be told without discussing housing and homelessness.

Devon Gray

July 15, 2025

Community Development

How This Kansas Town Rebuilt Itself as One of the Greenest in the U.S.

Now known as one of the greenest towns in the United States, the Greensburg community made sustainability a core part of the rebuilding process after a devastating tornado swept through the Kansas town in 2007.

Gary E. Frank

July 15, 2025

Sustainable Living

Invasive Carp Are Taking Over the U.S., But Our Pets Could Help

The pet food industry is in need of animal protein to meet demand, the World Wildlife Fund says invasive carp could be the answer.

Riya Anne Polcastro

July 10, 2025

Community Development

What Can We Do To Address the Threat of Fungal Superbugs Tied to Climate Change?

As climate change alters temperatures and ecosystems, more areas are developing the right conditions for fungi that cause infections like Valley Fever to move in and thrive. Scientists are working to set up a line of defense.

Riya Anne Polcastro

July 7, 2025

Community Development

The Solutions Effect

More Cities Are Becoming Bike-Friendly: Is That a Good Thing?

Cities are positioning bike-filled streets as a way to meet their sustainability goals, improve public health and reduce traffic congestion. Many are cruising toward a tipping point on bike infrastructure.

Taylor Haelterman

July 1, 2025

Justice + Equality

Inside the Girl-Led Empowerment Movement Growing in Uganda

The Girl Up Initiative Uganda is breaking down gender stereotypes for women by building safe spaces where young girls can learn life skills and build the confidence to take control over their futures.

Riya Anne Polcastro

June 30, 2025

Community Development

The Petaluma Reusable Cup Project Results Are In, And Organizers Aren’t Done Yet

The Petaluma Reusable Cup Project generated a lot of buzz when it launched in 2024. The results are in, and they show promise for scaling city-wide reuse programs.

Gary E. Frank

June 25, 2025

Community Development

Danone Links Up with the Social Enterprise Sistema.bio to Bring Biodigesters to Smallholder Dairy Farmers

Danone and Sistema.bio are bringing biodigesters to smallholder dairy farms, many with fewer than 20 cows, at no cost. The technology will help improve farmer livelihoods in emerging markets while decarbonizing the sector.

Mary Riddle

June 24, 2025

Sponsored

Force for Good: Giving Back to Communities Nationwide

Subaru and The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Help Nearly 500,000 People Facing Cancer in 10-Year Partnership

Subaru of America is the largest automotive donor of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, and 2025 marks the partnership’s tenth year. Collectively, the automaker and its retailers will have supported nearly 500,000 cancer patients with financial assistance, care packages, comforting blankets and messages of hope by the end of this year.

Gary E. Frank

June 17, 2025

Community Development

How AI is Powering a New Era of Community Health

Tech startups are equipping health workers in underserved regions with artificial intelligence (AI) tools that can diagnose eye conditions and identify mosquitos carrying malaria, bridging access gaps.

Abha Malpani Naismith

June 16, 2025

Sponsored

Changing the Game: The Sports and Entertainment Sector Embraces the SDGs

Rhythms of Change: A More Sustainable Future for Music Festivals

Goldenvoice, the company behind music venues and festivals like Coachella, Stagecoach and Cali Vibes, is working to lighten up festivals’ environmental footprints. That includes donating more than 500,000 pounds of material from 2025 festivals so far.

Ruscena Wiederholt

June 13, 2025

Justice + Equality

Philadelphia's POWER Act Could Set National Precedent for Worker Rights

Philadelphia passed the POWER Act last month, strengthening protections for non-unionized and non-traditional employees. It's the result of collective effort by local organizations, worker centers, and formal labor unions, but the work isn't over yet.

Elyse Hauser

June 13, 2025

Community Development

Turning Kenya’s Water Hyacinth Crisis into an Eco-Friendly Opportunity

Kenya-based HyaPak found a way to turn the waterway-choking aquatic weed water hyacinth into seedling wrappers and plastic bag alternatives. "We’re showing that innovation can come from where the problem is,” said Joseph Nguthiru, the startup's founder.

Brenda Holo

June 5, 2025

Justice + Equality

This Tool Captures Supply Chain Worker Feedback in Real Time to Stamp Out Labor Abuses

The complexity of supply chains can allow social abuses to go unnoticed. Ulula and EcoVadis created a fast, cost-effective tool that allows workers to speak out about labor and human rights conditions without fear of repercussions.

Nithin Coca

June 2, 2025

Voices for Change

The Solutions Effect

Do Sustainability Conversations Have to Be Divisive?

There's been a notable shift in social impact and sustainability communications in the United States, but that doesn't mean the conversation has ceased. Here's how people are opening up new dialogues about the issues we face right now.

Taylor Haelterman

May 30, 2025

Justice + Equality

Landmark Gender Justice Agreement for Indonesian Garment Workers Shows the Power of Research and Campaigning

Last year, two garment factories in Indonesia signed a gender justice agreement aimed at eliminating gender-based violence with a union-led program. Now, the organizers behind it want to see the model spread across the country.

Nithin Coca

May 29, 2025

Justice + Equality

Mapping the Unseen: How AI is Bridging Infrastructure Gaps in Rural Africa

It's difficult to build a bridge when you don't know where rivers and waterways are located, just like it's difficult to find a bridge to cross when it doesn't show up on the map. Bridges to Prosperity uses artificial intelligence to map waterways and estimate travel times to build bridges that improve access to crucial infrastructure in rural Africa.

Abha Malpani Naismith

May 22, 2025

Community Development

G Adventures and Planeterra Team Up For Tourism That Supports Climate Resilience

The partners plant one tree for every day a traveler spends on a G Adventures trip through the aptly named Trees for Days initiative, but they don't just drop saplings and move on. They work with communities to plant the right trees in the right places for lasting impact.

Riya Anne Polcastro

May 20, 2025

Voices for Change

Corporate Sustainability Isn't Backing Down, But Was It Really Bold Enough in the First Place?

Regardless of what's happening on the federal level, corporate sustainability remains a business advantage, and companies are still largely progressing toward their climate goals. But there's room for bigger commitments that prompt more action.

Aiyana Bodi

May 15, 2025

Community Development

Brands Taking Stands

In Chicago, a New Food Waste Solution Combines Renewable Energy and Urban Farming

At the Green Era Campus, a nine-acre remediated brownfields site on Chicago’s South Side, a newly opened anaerobic digester will process local food waste into renewable natural gas and support urban farms with nutrient-rich compost.

Tina Casey

May 7, 2025

Community Development

Welcome a New Generation of Boomtowns: Climate-Ready Cities

As families and businesses relocate from areas prone to climate disasters, cities in milder climates that are thoughtfully preparing for an influx of new residents stand to benefit the most. In new research, Climate Resilience Consulting identifies the American cities with the promise to become future boomtowns.

Joyce Coffee

April 29, 2025

Community Development

A Community-Based Approach to Forest Conservation is Taking Off in Mexico

Over 43 ejidos across Mexico are working with the California-based nonprofit Cool Effect to generate income from restoring the forest around them instead of relying on extractive practices like logging. 

Mary Riddle

April 25, 2025

Sustainable Living

Aloha’s New Taro Bar Supports Local Farms and Empowers Youth in Hawai’i

The newest addition to the plant-based nutrition brand Aloha's lineup of special edition Hawai‘i protein bars, the taro bar, aims to connect consumers with sustainable agriculture in Hawai'i while supporting local family farms and communities.

Mary Riddle

April 21, 2025

Justice + Equality

Menopause-Friendly Workplace Accreditation Expands to the U.S.

Menopause is slowly becoming a less taboo topic in the United States, but a stigma remains in the workplace. MiDOViA is working to change that, expanding on a successful menopause friendly workplace program from the United Kingdom.

Megan Amrich

April 17, 2025

Community Development

This Nonprofit is Helping Families Rebuild Their Lives After the Los Angeles Wildfires

When the Los Angles wildfires began, A Sense of Home sprung into action, using its expertise to launch an initiative that's helping survivors who lost everything fill their new homes with essentials.

Gary E. Frank

April 15, 2025

Sustainable Living

Consumers Want Sustainable Solutions More Than You’d Expect

New research shows price isn't everything when it comes to consumers' desire for sustainable products. The sharp focus on shoppers' willingness to pay more for sustainable options is obscuring pent-up demand.

Diane Osgood

April 11, 2025

Community Development

A New Approach to Rare Disease Clinical Trials

Most rare disease clinical trials fail, and that's usually not due to issues with the potential treatments in testing. The pharmaceutical startup Uncommon Cures is changing the way these trials operate — eliminating inefficiencies, recruitment difficulties and logistical barriers that typically lead to failure.

Mary Riddle

April 10, 2025

Community Development

An Asbestos Exposure Registry Could Combat Mesothelioma Misdiagnosis in Veterans

United States veterans are diagnosed with mesothelioma at alarming rates. An asbestos exposure registry could prevent misdiagnosis, allowing for earlier, more effective treatment.

Jonathan Sharp

April 10, 2025

Community Development

Brands Taking Stands

From Tariff Woes to Construction Worker Shortages, Can 3D-Printed Homes Solve Our Problems?

The notion of 3D printing homes has quickly grown from a high-tech curiosity to a potential means of constructing more affordable housing, a remedy for worker shortages and tariff disruptions, and a strategy for reducing carbon emissions in the construction industry.

Tina Casey

April 9, 2025

Voices for Change

What the Trust?: What It Takes To Earn — and Keep — Public Trust Today

Beyond politics, getting back to business basics can help leaders with a mind toward making a positive impact on communities and the environment find their way through murky waters to regain and maintain public trust, said John Harper and Noa Gafni of FSG.

Mary Mazzoni

April 2, 2025

Justice + Equality

Stories From the Frontline: Climate Activists Making a Difference

Inside the Community Land Trust Fighting Climate Gentrification in Florida

The nonprofit Struggle for Miami’s Affordable and Sustainable Housing (SMASH) is taking on climate gentrification in Miami's low-income, high-elevation neighborhoods with a community land trust model.

Riya Anne Polcastro

April 1, 2025

Community Development

Stories From the Frontline: Climate Activists Making a Difference

The Climate Leader With a Big Vision for Detroit’s Future

Jeffrey Jones is working to turn Detroit's Hope Village into a healthier, more sustainable neighborhood. As executive director of Hope Village Revitalization, Jones emphasizes expanding access to sustainable home upgrades and fresh, local food across the community.

Riya Anne Polcastro

March 25, 2025

Justice + Equality

Harnessing AI for Social Good Starts With Inclusive Data

Depending on the data it learns from, artificial intelligence (AI) can produce biased responses and outcomes. Ensuring AI models are trained on inclusive data from the start mitigates harm, allowing the tech to be used to create a positive social impact.

Riya Anne Polcastro

March 21, 2025

Justice + Equality

Stories From the Frontline: Climate Activists Making a Difference

Local Organizations Lead the Fight Against Industrial Air Pollution in Detroit

As the interim executive director of Detroiters Working for Environmental Justice, Sandra Turner-Handy is among the environmental justice leaders on the frontlines of a local effort to hold polluters accountable and improve air quality, environmental and health standards in Detroit.

Riya Anne Polcastro

March 20, 2025

Voices for Change

Brands Taking Stands

Gen Z is Looking for Purpose at Work: Will They Find It?

We explored these questions and more with Net Impact CEO Karen Johns in the latest edition of "What the...?," a new video series co-hosted by TriplePundit and our parent company 3BL to dive into the big questions on business leaders' minds as the incoming U.S. administration throws shakeups across the impact space.

Mary Mazzoni

March 19, 2025

Community Development

The Puerto Rican Community Taking Energy Resilience Into Its Own Hands

After years of living with an unreliable electricity supply, a new community-driven plan is setting Castañer, Puerto Rico, on the path to energy resilience.

Gary E. Frank

March 18, 2025

Community Development

Computer Models That Consider Human Behavior Could Prevent Chaos During Evacuations

Researchers at Boise State University are developing computer models that more accurately predict how people will respond to a disaster and how effective evacuation strategies are, helping communities plan ahead and respond quickly.

Gary E. Frank

March 17, 2025

Voices for Change

AI for Good: How Dataminr is Transforming Humanitarian Assistance

Dataminr's AI for Good program helps social impact organizations and UN agencies use artificial intelligence to strengthen humanitarian efforts and stay ahead of crises. In some cases, that means creating custom AI tools.

Abha Malpani Naismith

March 14, 2025

Voices for Change

'People Need to Know You Exist:' Supporting Nonprofits With Airtime

NBCUniversal takes a different approach to helping nonprofits build financial stability. The media company's Creative Impact Lab helps organizations create content that showcases their impact to air on platforms like Telemundo and Peacock.

Rasha Rehman

March 11, 2025

Voices for Change

Brands Taking Stands

What the World Needs Now is Climate Optimism, Says This Lifelong Advocate

Even as the Donald Trump administration moves to roll back U.S. climate policies, Daniel Blackman and Renaissance94 look to gather unlikely allies around "the rational middle" — where ideological differences and political disputes are put to the side to identify areas of mutual opportunity around issues like climate resilience and community development.

Mary Mazzoni

March 5, 2025

Voices for Change

'Climate Reality Check' Challenges Representation of Climate Change in Hollywood

Only one film nominated for an Oscar this year references climate change and deals with it appropriately, according to a new report that uses a riff on the Bechdel test to evaluate how the issue is represented on screen.

Nicole Froio

February 28, 2025

Community Development

The Solutions Effect

Progress Is All Around Us, If You Know Where to Look

For many Americans, the news is feeding fatigue and frustration. But beyond the trending headlines are stories of individuals, communities, cities and states making progress on sustainability and social issues. If you're searching for stories like that, read on.

Taylor Haelterman

February 28, 2025

Justice + Equality

Stories From the Frontline: Climate Activists Making a Difference

Training the Next Generation of Energy Sovereignty Warriors and Warriorettes

Amid its weatherization and sustainable building projects, Red Cloud Renewable helps bring energy sovereignty to tribal nations through renewable energy workforce development. Students from as far away as Alaska turn to the organization to become roof-ready solar installers.

Riya Anne Polcastro

February 27, 2025

Justice + Equality

Stories From the Frontline: Climate Activists Making a Difference

Bringing Solar to the Northern Cheyenne Indian Reservation One Win at a Time

Donica Brady is at the forefront of educating her community on the Northern Cheyenne Indian Reservation about solar energy. The work positions her as a leader in the effort to build energy sovereignty. Now, she's training others to do the same.

Riya Anne Polcastro

February 21, 2025

Justice + Equality

The Silent CEO: Why Corporate Leaders Need to Keep Talking

In today's political climate, leaders willing to take bold stands for society or the planet may be rare. But the importance of communicating has never been greater.

Kellie Cummings

February 18, 2025

Justice + Equality

Stories From the Frontline: Climate Activists Making a Difference

Forging the Way for Indigenous Women in Solar Installation

As one of the relatively few female solar installers in the field, Charlee Rising Sun is helping forge the way for other Indigenous women through job training and community outreach.

Riya Anne Polcastro

February 14, 2025

Justice + Equality

Stories From the Frontline: Climate Activists Making a Difference

The Nonprofit Bringing Tribal Nations Together to Develop Energy Sovereignty

Fighting against the Dakota Access Pipeline in the mid-2010s inspired Cody Two Bears to found the nonprofit Indigenized Energy. This time, he's using the strength of tribal nations working together to fight for energy sovereignty.

Riya Anne Polcastro

February 10, 2025

Community Development

Drought Can Hit Almost Anywhere: How 5 Cities That Nearly Ran Dry Got Water Use Under Control

Water scarcity can occur just about anywhere in the United States, and global temperature rise makes hotter, drier conditions more likely. Communities can learn from the cities that already confronted major water supply crises to avoid the worst impacts of future droughts.

Sara Hughes and Michael Wilson

February 7, 2025

Justice + Equality

Stories From the Frontline: Climate Activists Making a Difference

Neighbors Come Together to Tackle Air Pollution and Climate Action in Detroit

From launching an anti-idling campaign to joining city-wide decarbonization efforts, Southwest Detroit Environmental Vision is dedicated to creating a healthier city — and it all comes back to collaboration among local residents and businesses.

Riya Anne Polcastro

February 3, 2025

Community Development

The Solutions Effect

Net-Zero Cities: Local Approaches to a Global Problem

Cities around the world are heading toward net zero. Many plan to reach the milestone between 2030 and 2050. That might seem far away, but the projects that will make it possible are happening now.

Taylor Haelterman

January 31, 2025

Voices for Change

Brands Taking Stands

Do People Still Want to Read About Sustainability?

With audiences already drained by the incessant drumbeat of the 24-hour news cycle, we can't help but wonder: Do people still want to read about sustainability? 

Mary Mazzoni

January 22, 2025

Justice + Equality

Branching Out: The Digital Tool Promoting Tree Equity in Houston

Houston, Texas, has some of the most intense urban heat islands in the United States. Trees can help, but not everyone has access to these crucial plants. The Houston Tree Equity Score Analyzer aims to help the city solve that problem with maps and detailed data.

Ruscena Wiederholt

January 17, 2025

Voices for Change

Stories From the Frontline: Climate Activists Making a Difference

Faces of the Frontline: New Photojournalism Campaign Makes Climate Action Real

Dream.Org's new Make It Real series uses the power of storytelling to bridge the gap between the enormousness of the climate crisis and the real people who dedicate their lives to solutions. Doing so helps secure much-needed funding for climate equity work.

Riya Anne Polcastro

January 10, 2025

Sustainable Living

Brands Taking Stands

Easy Things You Can Do To Be More Sustainable in 2025

If you resolved to lighten your impact on the environment this year, the good news is that it doesn't have to be time consuming or expensive — and you may find these low-lift shifts are also helpful for your wallet and your mental health. 

Mary Mazzoni

January 8, 2025

Justice + Equality

Brands Taking Stands

DEI is Not Dying, It’s Becoming

The rise in anti-DEI activism has impacted corporate diversity programs. But rather than closing the door on the goals of DEI, the backlash can motivate more businesses to adopt a more holistic, productive approach to employee hiring and retention in an increasingly diverse society.

Tina Casey

January 8, 2025

Community Development

African Healthcare Innovation: Local Solutions Driving Change Amidst Funding Challenges

African entrepreneurs are plugging gaps in the existing healthcare system. Their companies are poised for growth, but it will require financial support and access to public-private partnerships, according to a new report.

Gladstone H Taylor

January 3, 2025

Voices for Change

How Hip Hop Caucus Strengthens Its Activism Through Storytelling

Hip Hop Caucus builds on the tradition of artists using storytelling bridge the gap between data and engagement, creating community and promoting activism along the way.

Riya Anne Polcastro

January 2, 2025