As 2024 comes to an end, it’s important to reflect on the year’s most successful eco-friendly achievements, aka the green wins. From corporations to countries and steadfast grassroots groups, here are some of the top environmental initiatives carrying you, and the rest of the world, into a greener tomorrow.

Top Green Wins Worldwide

There’s no greater win for the environment than entire nations pulling together to create positive change. These three countries made impressive progress for the planet in 2024.

Renewable Energy in the United States

This year, the U.S. has made historic strides in its transition to clean, renewable energy. In April, the Department of the Interior announced it had permitted over 25 gigawatts of renewable projects to power over 12 million households nationwide. This surpassed the goals set for 2025 and included solar, wind and geothermal projects.

The impact will be significant in the long term. Clean energy promises a decrease in carbon emissions, improved air quality, electricity independence and a more sustainable future.

Afforestation in India 

Earlier in the year, India launched a campaign to fight deforestation by planting 1 billion trees by 2024. It aimed to revive habitats for enhanced biodiversity and mitigate climate change effects through carbon capture.

By November 2024, Bhupender Yadav — the Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change — said the country had planted 1,000,123,605 saplings in under six months. This campaign is set to exceed its goal of 1.4 billion trees by 2025. 

Electric Vehicles in Norway

Norway made excellent strides in transitioning to electric vehicles (EVs) in 2024. After committing to stopping new fossil fuel car sales by 2025 — a decade ahead of the European Union’s timeline — the nation is on its way toward achieving its benchmarks.

As of September 2024, there were 754,303 EVs registered in Norway — more than the 753,905 gas-powered vehicles registered. There are still more EV registrations to come, which sets it up for reaching its goal next year. 

Top Sustainability Achievements for Businesses

Businesses also contributed to creating green wins and a more sustainable planet in 2024. With consumers demanding they pledge to environmental responsibility, these three larger corporations followed through on their commitments.

Walmart

Walmart significantly expanded its clean power portfolio in 2024, investing in 1 gigawatt of renewable projects nationwide. Among the projects, two community solar installations are expected to generate about 160,000 megawatt-hours of clean electricity annually, with enough energy for 13,000 households. This will amount to $8 million in annual savings for residential utility costs.

In October, the brand also announced additional community solar projects in Maryland and Illinois. The commercial rooftop solar installation will create about 43 MW of direct current — enough for over 3,600 houses. Nearly 50% of the portfolio will focus on low- to moderate-income households.

Amazon

If you’ve been worried about the effects of consumerism on the environment, you can rest assured Amazon is making significant changes to its packaging. After impressive achievements in 2023 — like avoiding 446,000 metric tons of packaging, decreasing plastic weight by 9% for each shipment and shipping 12% of its orders packaging-free — Amazon continued to reduce waste in 2024.

The organization developed its “Ships in Product Packaging” program to allow third-party seller participation in North America and Europe. By October 2024, Amazon removed all plastic air pillows from packaged shipments and replaced them with 100% recycled paper filler.

IKEA Canada

IKEA has long been recognized for its commitment to sustainability. In 2024, IKEA Canada invested $300,000 over three years to relieve furniture poverty in the country. Partnering with Furniture Bank, it facilitated secondhand use of 25,000 returned mattresses and 10,000 essentials.

As a result, the business helped furnish homes for 11,680 families and individuals, as well as divert furniture waste from overflowing landfills. The mattress donations amounted to $4 million in worth and avoided 1,734 metric tons of carbon emissions.

Most Heartwarming Eco-Friendly Success Stories 

Of course, you can’t forget about the grassroots efforts spearheading eco-friendly progress this year. These are three of the most heartwarming success stories you’ll hear from 2024.

Reducing Food Waste in Kenya

In the U.S., people throw away 92 billion pounds of food annually. However, less-developed countries feel the effects of food waste even more. Keep IT Cool (KIC) is an Earthshot Prize 2024 winner, delivering solar-powered refrigeration and distribution for smaller farmers and fishing cooperatives in Kenya and Uganda.

These efforts help extend produce’s shelf life, preventing spoilage and helping citizens save money. The organization has saved 25% of the would-be wasted catch, enabling a 15% income increase for 3,600 anglers. KIC has also achieved a 98% reduction in post-harvest losses for 1.5 million kilograms of food since 2022.

Freeing Trees in Mexico City

The Tree Army of Mexico City is freeing trees from concrete throughout urban neighborhoods. Its goal is to expand green spaces, provide cleaner air and boost biodiversity. Volunteers break up pavement so trees can flourish, helping reduce the urban heat island effect.

The nonprofit comprises only five or six people, including residents, arborists and eco-activists. However, the group has successfully encouraged bystanders to assist as they work. 

Fighting Food Insecurity in Detroit, Michigan

Detroit is no stranger to urban farming, with about 1,400 community gardens and farms throughout the city. In 2024, the Michigan Urban Farming Initiative took things a step further with the city’s first urban agrihood — an agricultural neighborhood.

The initiative uses regenerative agriculture to address food insecurity within the community and encourages participation. In contrast to traditional urban gardens, agrihoods transform entire neighborhoods into sustainable food hubs.

You Can Make a Difference in the Year Ahead

This year was just a glimpse at even more remarkable environmental progress in 2025. Countries and businesses will continue to make a difference with sustainability initiatives, while nonprofits dedicate themselves to critical local projects. Of course, you can participate in environmental efforts in your community in the year ahead.