Forests
Ethiopia bids to plant four billion trees in green push
The African country claims to have broken a world record by planting 350 million trees in a day, as part of a collective effort to restore lost forests
EU moots crackdown on deforestation through supply chains
The bloc is considering regulations to address the role of consumer demand for commodities like palm oil, soy and timber in driving forest clearance abroad
Leaked UN science report warns of clash between bioenergy and food
Models suggest large areas of land are needed for forests and biofuel crops to halt climate change, but this risks worsening hunger, draft tells policymakers
Finland’s forestry myth undermines its radical climate ambition
The next EU presidency wants to drive the climate agenda, but its forestry industry is bad for carbon emissions, biodiversity and its indigenous Sámi people
China scrubs its coal projects from ‘world heritage in danger’ decision
Three coal plants that threaten the Sundarbans tiger habitat were removed from a draft text, while Unesco members declined to list the site as ‘in danger’
Yes, we can reforest on a massive scale – but it’s no substitute for slashing emissions
Tree restoration is being touted as the best climate change solution, in a new study, but its results should be interpreted with caution
EU ‘climate leaders’ plans found lacking
Finland, Sweden, Portugal, France and Germany praised for ambitious targets, but NGO analysis raises questions over details
A brutal murder reveals the chaos spreading in Bolsonaro’s Amazon
When Carlos Cabral was killed this month, it seemed history was repeating itself in a corner of the Amazon known for violence. But the real story was more disturbing
Finland to be carbon neutral by 2035. One of the fastest targets ever set
Incoming prime minister Antti Rinne presented the climate goal as part of a package with increased welfare spending on Monday
How can the biodiversity and climate crises be tackled together?
The protection of nature is a major weapon against the climate crisis, but it remains on the periphery of diplomacy and finance. That might be changing
Podcast: Reporting from the Amazon under Bolsonaro
At a special event in London, CHN’s Amazon correspondent Fabiano Maisonnave speaks to Karl Mathiesen about the challenges facing the world’s most important rainforest
EU must back indigenous people against Bolsonaro’s attacks
Brazil’s president has slashed forest and indigenous protections in his first 100 days. As a major importer of soya and beef, the EU should check his power
Brazil: Official who fined Bolsonaro for illegal fishing in 2012 is fired
The $2,500 fine launched a seven year vendetta against José Olímpio Augusto Morelli and the agency that protects the Amazon, from the man who now runs the country
Indonesia says it will ‘mainstream’ low-carbon development
By 2045, Indonesians could be as wealthy as those of the Netherlands or Germany today if green policies are chosen, a government report found
European Commission classifies most palm oil fuels as unsustainable
Deforestation-linked stocks cannot be counted towards renewable targets, commission rules, but green group angered by small farm loophole
EU set to tighten rules on palm oil for biofuels
Indonesia and Malaysia say the EU measure will unfairly disadvantage their crops, while environmentalists worry it won’t be tough enough on deforestation
WTO chief is in denial over climate impact of trade
Roberto Azevêdo says he hasn’t ‘seen one, single credible study’ showing environmental impact of trade. He could start with the WTO’s own work
World’s three biggest rainforests face year of precarious politics
Brazil, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Indonesia all face a year of political flux placing their vast rainforests in peril
Bolsonaro’s Davos speech promised anguish in indigenous lands
Presenting an acceptable Brazil to global investors, the president failed to mention measures he has taken that are already fuelling violence in indigenous lands
Brazil’s natural resources open for business, says Bolsonaro
In first overseas speech, president says he will strike balance between environment and “much-needed economic development”