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India has witnessed an increasing trend of plastic use in agriculture, although the phenomenon is relatively recent. Photo: P. Casier (CGIAR) Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 2.0 Generic (CC BY-NC-SA 2.0) P. Casier (CGIAR) Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 2.0 Generic (CC BY-NC-SA 2.0)

Mulch films under fire in India as microplastics pollution gets worrysome

A study finds the high presence of microplastics in fields where films are used most. The disposal problem in the Asian country remains significant. Concerns over heavy metal contamination
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

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
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

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
Cassava is a key component in the diets of hundreds of millions of people in Asia, Africa and Latin America. Photo: Tadekwiki Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International (CC BY-SA 4.0)Tadekwiki Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International (CC BY-SA 4.0)

Phosphorus and liming benefit cassava and ensure food security, researchers say

Actions to reduce soil acidity and increase phosphorus availability boost cassava crop yields, one of the basic food components for hundreds of millions of people
In Africa, deforestation rates in areas managed by indigenous communities are lower than those recorded in protected areas under government control. Photo: maxpixel.net CC0 Public Domain Free for commercial use Link referral required https://www.maxpixel.net/Group-Women-Girls-Indigenous-Masai-Women-Maasai-6719908maxpixel.net CC0 Public Domain Free for commercial use Link referral required https://www.maxpixel.net/Group-Women-Girls-Indigenous-Masai-Women-Maasai-6719908

“Indigenous communities are the most effective shield against deforestation”

In native populations lands deforestation rates may be 26% lower compared to other areas, British researchers say. In Africa, they also perform better than protected areas.
Tea is produced in 25 different countries. Cultivating it in an agro-ecological manner provides new opportunities for ecosystem conservation. Photo: kitbinan Pixabay License Free for commercial use Attribution not requiredkitbinan Pixabay License Free for commercial use Attribution not required

How agroecology supports biodiversity conservation in tea plantations

The adoption of good agricultural practices in tea plantations is crucial to the conservation of biodiversity. Indian researchers send a message to the market involving 25 countries
Contamination and plastic pollution in soils are even greater than those affecting the seas and oceans.

Pollution, there is more plastic in agricultural land than in the oceans

FAO produced the first report on the use of plastics in agri-food systems. Pollution is pervasive, especially in Asia. The solutions revolve around the "6Rs": reject, redesign, reduce, reuse, recycle and recover. It is essential to invest in the search for alternative products
A National Guard soldier in LaPlace, Louisiana: Hurricane Ida was the costliest natural disaster of 2021 with its $65 billion in damage. Photo: Louisiana National Guard Attribution 2.0 Generic (CC BY 2.0)Louisiana National Guard Attribution 2.0 Generic (CC BY 2.0)

The climate bill: 2021’s Top 10 natural disasters caused $170 bn damage

Total damage caused by extreme climate events, however, would rise up to $250 bn. Deforestation-related CO2 emissions have been the crucial factor.
Deforestation in the Berau area of eastern Indonesia is contributing to rising temperatures and increased heat-related deaths. Photo: Erin Myers Madeira/CIFOR Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 2.0 Generic (CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)Erin Myers Madeira/CIFOR Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 2.0 Generic (CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)

Deforestation-related deaths are rising in Indonesia

Rising temperatures driven by deforestation are creating increasingly dangerous working conditions and raising mortality rates in Indonesia, study finds
Congo's forests are one of the largest global sinks of irrecoverable carbon. Photo: Marie Frechon. Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 2.0 Generic (CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)Photo: Marie Frechon. Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 2.0 Generic (CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)

“Irrecoverable carbon released from forests is driving climate change”

The world stores at least 139 billion tons of carbon that once dispersed cannot be offset in time. Protection of endangered areas and indigenous communities is essential

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