In 2021, deforestation affected 5,800 hectares of land in Indonesia's easternmost province on the border with Papua New Guinea. Photo: Frans Huby Attribution 3.0 Unported (CC BY 3.0)Frans Huby Attribution 3.0 Unported (CC BY 3.0)

Paper and palm oil industry boost deforestation in Papua-Indonesia, NGOs say

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In the province of Papua, Indonesia, almost 6 thousand hectares of forests were destroyed in 2021, says the NGO Pusaka. A report accuses the subsidiary of a Korean company (which denies any wrongdoing) and two local operators of the palm oil industry
Between 1980 and 2000, the world lost more than a third of its mangroves. Photo: Pat Josse CC0 1.0 Universal (CC0 1.0) Public Domain DedicationPat Josse CC0 1.0 Universal (CC0 1.0) Public Domain Dedication

Young Kenyans take care of the planet by restoring local mangroves

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Mangroves are a valuable resource for climate mitigation and biodiversity protection. After losing a third of their stock in two decades, the world is called to regenerate these precious aquatic forests
Urban forests grow faster and release less CO2 than their inland peers. Photo: Monika M. Wahi Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported (CC BY-SA 3.0)Monika M. Wahi Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported (CC BY-SA 3.0)

The paradox of urban forests: more polluted but even more useful for climate mitigation

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Two Boston University studies show surprising results: forests grow faster in "dirty" areas on city borders. Where they store carbon more efficiently
The solution to the climate emergency lies in sustainable soil management. Photo: Pixabay License Free for commercial use Attribution not requiredPixabay License Free for commercial use Attribution not required

World Economic Forum sets out three soil strategies

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We must treat soil as an asset class to mitigate climate change, says the Swiss organization. In addition, we need fair remuneration for farmers and transparency on the impact of products to encourage consumer choice.
A forest stretch in Kenya Photo: Ninara Attribution 2.0 Generic (CC BY 2.0)Ninara Attribution 2.0 Generic (CC BY 2.0)

The power of community brings a Kenian forest back to life

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Behind the rebirth of the Mirema forest is a community initiative that is now recognized as a best practice for the country. But also as a new sign of Africa's growing commitment to protecting its natural resources
The effects of a flood in Valkenburg in the Netherlands. In the last 40 years, extreme weather events in Europe have caused half a trillion euros damage. Photo: Romaine CC0 1.0 Universal (CC0 1.0) Public Domain DedicationPhoto: Romaine CC0 1.0 Universal (CC0 1.0) Public Domain Dedication

In Europe extreme weather events resulted in €500 billion losses since 1980

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Since 1980, extreme weather events have caused half a trillion euros losses and 145,000 deaths in Europe, EEA has found. Climate change remains the main threat. Today, the insurance coverage is still too low
According to German broadcaster DW, the two Koreas could launch a joint effort to fight deforestation. Photo: Jensowagner Attribution 2.0 Generic (CC BY 2.0)Jensowagner Attribution 2.0 Generic (CC BY 2.0)

Koreas can get closer by standing together against deforestation

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Seoul calls on Pyongyang to cooperate in the fight against deforestation, beyond the 38th parallel. As World Forestry Congress approaches, says German broadcaster Deutsche Welle, something is changing in the countries bilateral relations
In EU, annual per capita expenditure on organic products has reached 102 euros. Photo: Myfruit.it Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 2.0 Generic (CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)Myfruit.it Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 2.0 Generic (CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)

European organic farming keeps growing as market sets record high

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Organic land in Europe covers more than 17 million hectares, with a 5.3% increase year on year. But the biggest surge comes from consumers: in the midst of the pandemic, sales mark the highest growth of the decade.
La Ue ha sviluppato degli strumenti partecipativi per permettere alle diverse associazioni comunitarie di dare il proprio contributo in vista di una legge europea a tutela della salute del suolo.

European law on soil, full of proposals for the EU call

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Almost 200 responses came from the various souls of European civil society to the consultation launched by the EU Commission in view of the future law to protect the soil. Among them, the suggestions and proposals of the Re Soil Foundation
According to a Chinese-British research, the low presence of some elements in the soil seems to be correlated to a higher mortality rate in Covid-19 cases. Photo: pxhere CC0 Public Domain Free for personal and commercial use No attribution requiredpxhere CC0 Public Domain Free for personal and commercial use No attribution required

Soil health and Covid-19 immune response could be linked, scientists say

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A Chinese-British research identifies a statistical correlation between the concentration of zinc, iron, copper and selenium in soil and the outcome of Covid-19 cases: the lower the concentration, the higher the fatality rate. The investigation suggests a link between the two events. But further studies will be needed