From rare birds taking flight again to ground-breaking clean energy in Bavaria, the last few months have been full of inspiring stories showing what’s possible when people and nature work together. Here’s our latest update from the campaign.
You can catch up with details of the stories we shared at the start of the year in this blog post.
May
Taking flight toward hope
The critically endangered Northern Bald Ibis, once extinct in much of Europe for centuries, is returning to the skies thanks to a remarkable rewilding project in Austria. Young birds are taught to migrate by following microlight aircraft piloted by their human “foster parents” — proving that with creativity, commitment, and community-driven conservation, even the most fragile species can be given a second chance. Read more.
From wastewater to clean shipping fuel
In Mannheim, start-up ICODOS is turning industrial wastewater into renewable methanol for the shipping industry by combining CO₂ from sewage treatment with green hydrogen. With tens of thousands of treatment plants across Europe, this circular economy approach could transform both waste and carbon emissions into clean fuel for an industry that urgently needs to decarbonise. Visit their website.
June
Peatlands: nature’s climate guardians
Peatlands store twice as much carbon as all the world’s forests, yet in Germany over 95% have been drained. Innovative projects are restoring these vital ecosystems, including solar panels installed on rewetted peatlands, which generate green power while locking away carbon — a smart, integrated solution to climate and biodiversity loss. Check out Mission to Marsh.
The choughs return to Kent
After more than 200 years, red-billed choughs have returned to the White Cliffs of Dover thanks to a collaboration between Kent Wildlife Trust, Wildwood Trust, and Paradise Park. This milestone reintroduction restores not just a species, but cultural heritage, biodiversity, and a sense of wildness to Britain’s coast. Find out more.
July
From beer to building panels
Munich-based start-up onmatter is giving brewery waste a second life, turning leftover hops into acoustic panels, insulation, and boards. This clever innovation cuts emissions from traditional building materials and runs on a return-and-recycle system, showing how local solutions can tackle both waste and carbon. Read more.
Plastic Fischer hits 1,000 tonnes removed
Using floating barriers called TrashBooms, Plastic Fischer has stopped over 1,000 tonnes of plastic from reaching the ocean in rivers across India and Indonesia. Alongside cleanup, they’ve created stable local jobs and improved waste infrastructure, proving that smart, community-led action can tackle pollution at its source. Read more.
August
Circular Valley: building a circular future
Based in North Rhine-Westphalia, Circular Valley supports start-ups worldwide working on solutions from plastic recovery to bio-based materials. Their accelerator links innovators with investors, researchers, and major companies, turning ideas into impact and showing that a regenerative economy is already taking shape. Read more.
Germany’s first deep rock geothermal plant
In Geretsried, Bavaria, the world’s first commercial deep rock geothermal plant is providing renewable heat and power for around 36,000 homes. Developed by Eavor, the technology drills into hot rock and circulates water in closed loops — no fracking, no emissions — offering huge potential for clean energy across Europe. Read more.
From rewilding rare birds to redefining what “waste” means, these stories remind us that solutions to the climate and nature crises are already here — and gaining strength. They are powered by creativity, collaboration, and the belief that change is not only possible but already in motion.
We’ll be back at the end of the year with more Tackle the Crisis highlights, sharing the next round of inspiring projects and innovations making a difference for people and planet. Until then, let’s keep supporting and celebrating those turning ideas into action.
Follow #TackleTheCrisis on LinkedIn for more monthly updates and feel free to share your own stories of positive impact.
