Jordon Brown 2 minute read # This month’s good climate news Fighting for the planet isn’t easy. These wins prove it’s worth it. Published: June 4, 2026 ## All’s well that builds wells A village in Ghana’s cocoa belt is one of many [reaping the rewards](https://vitalsigns.edf.org/story/these-villages-protected-their-forests-now-theyre-seeing-financial-benefits-climate-action) of cleaning up the climate. ![A woman holdin a bowl on her head as it is filled with water](/sites/default/files/styles/1440px_width_scale/public/2026-05/138%281%29.jpg?itok=LG4QjjIt) New wells have improved health and made daily life easier for rural Ghanaians, especially women and children. (*Forestry Commission of Ghana*) Tropical forests like Ghana’s are vital to the climate fight — they [lock down carbon in trees and soil](https://blogs.edf.org/climate411/2025/01/29/ecuador-announces-milestone-halting-tropical-deforestation/), keeping it out of the atmosphere — but they’re disappearing. A decade ago, residents of the village of Awisa began reversing the effects of deforestation by planting new shade trees and protecting the nearby forests. When their work was measured and verified, the village was able to unlock additional funding, which they used to install a well and hand pump. Now, Awisa’s residents have healthier forests and fresh, clean water — where before animals and humans shared the same water supply. As of 2024, Ghana has received $20 million through the Forest Carbon Partnership Facility, an international finance program that helps countries earn money for keeping climate-protecting forests standing. Other tropical forest finance programs have helped expand farms in Vietnam and install solar mini-grids in Guyana to help light schools and clinics. ## Largest U.S. renewable project comes online ![A worker on top of a huge windmill](/sites/default/files/styles/1440px_width_scale/public/2026-06/Image-1-SunZia-Wind-Project%20%281%29.jpg?itok=mn-zlRRa) The SunZia wind turbines will provide enough electricity for 3 million people. (*Rich Crowder*/*GE Vernov*) Wind turbines at the [largest renewable energy project](https://www.eenews.net/articles/largest-us-renewable-project-begins-generating-electricity/) in U.S. history have started generating electricity. The 916 wind turbines at SunZia Wind in New Mexico are being tested in preparation for commercial operations, expected to begin in the next few months. When the plant comes online, SunZia will be able to generate enough electricity for 3 million people across California and Arizona. This massive energy boost is coming despite the [Trump administration's repeated attempts to block and delay](https://vitalsigns.edf.org/story/clean-energy-could-lower-electricity-costs-if-trump-administration-would-stop-blocking-it) new clean energy projects. The 3.5-gigawatt wind project will generate more than three times the current capacity leader, Great Prairie Wind in Texas. ## Orangutan crosses bridge when he comes to it An open-air canopy bridge spanning a busy roadway in Sumatra is no match for the [world’s bravest orangutan](https://www.nbcnews.com/world/asia/camera-shows-sumatra-orangutan-using-canopy-bridge-road-indonesia-rcna342433). ![An orangutan holding onto a rope bridge looking back at the camera](/sites/default/files/styles/1440px_width_scale/public/2026-06/AP26119385143878crop.jpg?itok=IXzv_epK) After two years, an orangutan finally crossed the road using this canopy bridge. (*AP*) Two years ago, a road divided important orangutan habitat into two isolated areas. Sumatran orangutans are critically endangered, and conservationists feared the habitat disruption and isolation could lead to species collapse. The solution? A rope bridge to replace the lost treetop canopy, allowing wildlife to cross the road safely. Cameras positioned at the bridge show smaller animals frequently using the bridge, but only recently did an orangutan brave the crossing — the first ever documented case of an orangutan using a canopy bridge. Video from the Sumatran Orangutan Society shows the trepidatious ape proceeding carefully, then pausing midway to reflect on his journey, or perhaps marveling at the majesty of bridge engineering, or maybe wondering what the heck he had gotten himself into, before continuing safely to the other side. 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