In a month of some truly depressing news about the environment and climate change, a bright spot appeared. But first, here are two illustrations of the trouble we are in.

In early April, we read that the Arctic may be completely free of summer-time sea ice within a decade, as this graphic cleverly illustrates:

The reason for the Artic Sea Ice Death Spiral is apparent when you look at the continuing upwards march of atmospheric carbon dioxide levels, as reported in early May by Andrew Revkin.

Truly depressing news, eh? Is anybody listening? Are we all doomed? It’s time for some good news, something that gives a little bit of hope.

Apparently, young people don’t drive as much, anymore; the bloom is off American’s love affair with cars and this can only be a good thing. Researchers believe this is a stable, long-term reduction in miles driven that started in 2005, before the beginning of the Great Recession.  People age 16 – 34 have reduced average miles driven by 23% from the 2005 peak.  Even higher income young people are driving less, evidence that this is a behavioral choice unrelated to the cost of gas.

We can only hope for more good news as the world changes.