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Half a billion people need reading glasses. Why can't they get them?

Adrian Ma, Sylvie Douglas

October 09, 2025 |

NPR |

Radio |

5-15 Minutes

Response Location: Mexico, Zacatecas

RestoringVision addresses the global shortage of reading glasses by tackling supply and demand challenges. On the demand side, they partner with local NGOs and governments to provide vision screenings and free initial glasses, particularly for those in regions who either don’t know reading glasses are an option or don’t realize they’re losing their vision. On the supply side, they work to build retail networks and educate employers about productivity benefits, as workers receiving glasses show productivity increases up to 32%.

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This city is exploring an unconventional solution to water scarcity: sewage

David Condos, Ryan Kellman

June 09, 2025 |

NPR |

Radio |

3-5 Minutes

Response Location: United States, St. George, Utah

St. George, Utah, is building wastewater recycling plants to convert sewage into usable irrigation and drinking water, a solution already proven effective in communities like Las Vegas in conserving water resources and supporting sustainable urban growth.

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USAID enabled 208 Afghan women to defy the Taliban ban on college — until now

Ruchi Kumar

April 08, 2025 |

NPR |

Text |

800-1500 Words

Response Location: Afghanistan

A scholarship endowment from the U.S. Agency of International Development supports the American University of Afghanistan, which provides courses to Afghan women who are not allowed to pursue education in their home country. In all, 208 scholarships have been awarded, including funds for 120 women to relocate and attend college in person, but the future of the program is uncertain due to federal cuts to USAID’s programs.

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With no running water, Asheville finds other ways to flush thousands of toilets

Joel Rose, Ronaldo Arrieta

October 13, 2024 |

NPR |

Radio |

3-5 Minutes

Response Location: United States, Asheville, North Carolina

Volunteers with BeLoved Asheville are bringing Asheville residents water so they can flush toilets, wash their hands and shower amid the water scarcity caused by Hurricane Helene. These improvised distribution systems have become crucial to ensure residents can maintain their hygiene and prevent illness until their normal water access is restored.

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California farmers turn to agave amid drought conditions and climate change

Manola Secaira

September 09, 2024 |

NPR |

Radio |

3-5 Minutes

Response Location: United States, California

Farmers and distilleries in California are building a market for agave, a drought-resistant crop used to make tequila and mezcal, in light of the state’s increasingly hotter and drier climate. Agave could help farmers sustain their livelihood as thirstier crops like almonds or avocados become less viable.

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Babies don't come with instructions. But in Oregon, they now come with a nurse

Cory Turner

July 23, 2024 |

NPR |

Multi-Media |

1500-3000 Words

Response Location: United States, Madras, Oregon

Family Connects offers free home visits from trained nurses for families with newborns in an effort to increase access to care and reduce infant and new mother mortality rates. The nurses conduct a medical exam and then provide support, guidance and answer any questions the new parents may have. Family Connects found that mothers who participated in the program were 30% less likely to experience postpartum depression or anxiety.

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In Lakota Nation, people are asking: Who does a language belong to?

Christina Cala, B.A. Parker

March 27, 2024 |

NPR |

Podcast |

Over 15 Minutes

Response Location: Lakota Nation, United States

Nonprofits, schools, and individuals are working to revitalize the Lakota language by making it more accessible in a variety of ways, including classes, dictionaries, podcasts, and passing on knowledge from elders.

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Getting off fossil fuels is hard, but this city is doing it — building by building

Jeff Brady

March 04, 2024 |

NPR |

Text |

1500-3000 Words

Response Location: United States, Ithaca, New York

The town of Ithaca is working with its local gas utility and area homeowners to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by removing gas pipes from homes and businesses by switching them over to electricity, primarily from renewable sources. While the transition is a long process, the town expects to achieve about a 30% reduction in emissions in the next year.

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Wildfires are killing California's ancient giants. Can seedlings save the species?

Lauren Sommer, Ryan Kellman

February 26, 2024 |

NPR |

Radio |

5-15 Minutes

Response Location: United States, California

The United States National Park Service is planting giant sequoia tree seedlings in groves that were decimated by extreme wildfires in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks. The effort aims to preserve the endangered species as the organization doesn’t believe the trees in these areas will regenerate on their own.

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Mt. Everest is plagued by garbage. These Nepali women are transforming it into crafts

Tanka Dhakal

February 25, 2024 |

NPR |

Text |

800-1500 Words

Response Location: Tharu community, Nepal, Kathmandu

A coalition of local businesses in Kathmandu, Nepal, is sorting non-recyclable waste collected from mountaineering activities in the Himalayan mountains. Once it is sorted, skilled Indigenous craftswomen make it into new products, like placemats and jewelry boxes, to earn a living.

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