It’s easy to get mired in doom and gloom these days. That’s why we are focusing this edition of IFC Insights on solutions, especially when it comes to climate change.

In Uzbekistan, a surprise sandstorm inspired the government to intensify its plans to confront climate change. It also inspired our colleague, Kymbat Ybyshova, to learn how Uzbekistan’s private sector is responding to environmental challenges—and what it needs to adapt to the quickly changing landscape.

Balancing economic growth with environmental protections isn’t just an issue in Uzbekistan. All countries face this challenge. Northwestern University economics professor Seema Jayachandran, interviewed by Christina Nelson, details some “win-win opportunities” for developing nations to promote growth and safeguard the planet.

Such opportunities are bountiful in Africa. Gary Seidman’s piece examines how the continent is drawing upon the history of industrialization to chart a manufacturing future focused on low-carbon and high-value production.

These stories acknowledge that solutions won’t come easily. But they also highlight people who are undeterred in trying to find them. And that should give us all hope.

– Jay Pulizzi