Biodiversity
REDD+ should value forests as more than “carbon warehouses”
New report calls on policymakers to better understand the biodiversity and livelihood benefits of forests to ensure the success of REDD+.
Poverty and prosperity are the two greatest polluters, says Indian NGO
Manoj Kumar, CEO of the Naandi Foundation in India tells RTCC that conservation efforts must help lift people out of poverty to be successful.
How alien snakes left Guam infested with spiders
In four decades, the brown treesnake, has wiped out Guam’s bird species, and caused a fortyfold increase in the Pacific Island’s spider population.
Mistrust and confusion holds back REDD+ finance
Global Canopy Programme’s Andrew Mitchell says breaking down complex language of REDD+ vital to ensure the scheme succeeds
Pavan Sukhdev: Biodiversity not a luxury for the rich but a necessity for the poor
Pavan Sukhdev calls for the value of biodiversity to the poor to be considered when assessing the economic impact of the loss of nature.
Conservation or carbon sinks: Can the UN see the forest for the trees?
Forests play a key role for the UN’s climate change and biodiversity agencies. Melati Kaye investigates whether they can they serve the goals of both simultaneously.
Fight club: Who wins when climate change takes on biodiversity?
Biodiversity and climate change are described as two sides of the same coin, so why does climate change appear to receive so much more attention worldwide?
UN climate talks a miserable experience says negotiator
Seychelles’ climate change ambassador Ronny Jumeau says he does not expect to leave the impending UN climate change talks in Doha with a smile on his face.
UN biodiversity talks end with finance deal as countries double funding to $10bn
Developed countries increase financial support to the developing world, but conservation groups say this falls far short of what is needed to protect biodiversity and combat climate change.
Hyderabad biodiversity talks: day 11 diary
CBD COP11: Finance crucial on final day or talks, criticism over participation numbers in Hyderabad and national tiger database announced.
UN agreement urges caution over geoengineering tests
CBD COP11: Small scale experiments with scientific value can continue, but funds must not be directed away from climate change mitigation efforts
Environmental degradation holds back growth, says World Bank
CBD COP11: Group’s sustainable development chief says investment in nature is crucial for poverty eradication and greener growth.
Hyderabad biodiversity talks: day 10 diary
CBD COP11: African group given busy bee award for finance work, high-level segment opens with plea from CBD chief and text agreed on marine protection and invasive species.
Madagascar close to losing 83% of palm trees in next decade – IUCN
CBD COP11: Warning that vast carbon sink in Madagascar on verge of destruction in 5-10 years unless urgent action taken by international community
UNEP chief Steiner says finance deal at COP11 still possible
CBD COP11: Achim Steiner says talks on funding UN biodiversity targets are on course for successful resolution despite signs of deadlock
UNEP: Eight steps to feed a growing world
CBD COP11: A new report from UNEP warns that safeguarding the environmental foundations of the world’s food system will be crucial.
India pledges $50 million to environment
CBD COP11: India Prime Minister calls on all parties to follow his lead and pledge money and support to biodiversity efforts
Hyderabad biodiversity talks: day 9 diary
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh’s visit meets controversy, forest finance guide published and there are calls to keep geoengineering experiments in the lab
Welcome to the UN’s secret climate adaptation summit
CBD COP11: UN biodiversity conference in Hyderabad highlights level of planning needed to cope with effects of anthropogenic climate change
Hyderabad biodiversity talks: day 8 diary
CBD COP11: PM Singh to visit the HICC, finance continues to divide parties and progress on marine protected areas.