Supporting Open-Source Innovation on OpenClimate.fund

Tobias Augsperger (the mind behind Opensustain.tech) recently introduced OpenClimate.fund, a collaborative initiative with Ecosyste.ms to financially support open-source climate and sustainability projects. OpenClimate.fund empowers contributors to discover and nominate impactful projects, providing financial backing to ensure developers can thrive.

With a unique voting system, supporters decide how funds are allocated: each vote awards €100 to a selected project. In its first round, the fund will distribute €10,000 across 100 projects, setting a benchmark for fostering open innovation in sustainability.  

Which open-source projects have the greatest potential to drive impactful climate and sustainability solutions?

👉👉Read more from OpenClimate.fund

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FAO Reforesting Afghanistan: Progress and Challenges

The UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) reports the reforestation of 2,700 hectares in Afghanistan’s Paktia province, with over 400,000 saplings reportedly planted since 2019. Supported by the Global Environment Facility, this initiative has also established 71 tree nurseries to promote sustainable reforestation and bolster local ecosystems.

Despite these strides, deforestation remains a critical concern, with Afghanistan losing 0.2% of its forest cover annually. In Khost province alone, 278 hectares of forest have been destroyed since 2000. The FAO stresses the importance of ongoing reforestation and conservation efforts to counteract environmental degradation and protect the country’s natural resources. No statistics appear to be avaialble on the exact breakdown of the trees, or where they were planted.

How can local communities be empowered to lead sustainable reforestation and conservation in Afghanistan?

👉👉 Read more from FAO Forestry on X

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This Week in Forest Finance: Reforestation Across the Globe  

From Manitoba to Congo, forestry initiatives are advancing reforestation and sustainability efforts worldwide. Tree Canada’s Operation Releaf is funding Indigenous-led efforts to restore boreal forests in Manitoba, planting millions of seedlings. In Canada’s prairies, AWES leverages $16M from the Two Billion Trees program to support sustainable forest management, while New Zealand’s Motutapu project has planted 500,000 trees to restore native biodiversity.  

Elsewhere, Ireland’s Teagasc forestry grants set a high bar for transparency by mapping reforestation efforts, and the World Bank’s $225M Amazon Outcome Bond funds large-scale carbon sequestration. Similarly, agroforestry in Northern Congo tackles deforestation while boosting rural livelihoods. 

Can financial transparency ensure the success of these global reforestation efforts?

👉👉 Read our coverage on Ground Truth

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China’s Great Green Wall: Planting Concludes in Taklamakan Desert Project

China is leading the world’s largest reforestation project to combat desertification, transforming over 3 kilometers of the Taklamakan Desert into thriving forests. Known as the “Great Green Wall,” this initiative began in 1978 and aims to plant 100 billion trees by 2050 to halt the spread of deserts like the Taklamakan and Gobi. The reforestation reduces sandstorms, protects farmland, and stabilizes soil, showcasing the potential of ecological engineering on a massive scale.  

Despite its progress, questions remain about the use of non-native species and their long-term impact on fragile ecosystems. We were unable to find a breakdown of the species planted on this project, but it appears that many were exotic—it would be interesting to see the impetus for this.

What role does transparency in species selection play in ensuring the ecological success of large-scale afforestation projects?

👉👉 Read more on Click Petróleo e Gás

Hayden Christensen on the Anakin Skywalker 'I hate sand' memes

"I understand Anakin's contempt for sand ... I don't mind it"

(via @TheRocketBeans) pic.twitter.com/4W8oJv8gSP

— ScreenTime (@screentime) May 25, 2022

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AI and Mangroves: Mapping a Future for Asir's Coastal Revival Using Machine Learning

In Saudi Arabia’s Asir region, a Generalized Additive Model (GAM) is revolutionizing mangrove restoration by pinpointing areas ideal for replanting with 91% predictive accuracy. Using three decades of Landsat satellite data, the study analyzed vegetation health, water availability, and temperature trends to create a suitability map that guides targeted reforestation. The findings highlight Group E as a key zone for restoration, though hydrological challenges like stagnant water conditions must be addressed to sustain plantings.

Can AI and machine learning reshape their perception from world-enders to world-savers in the fight against climate change?

👉👉 Read our coverage on Ground Truth

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Climate Tech Faces Cooling Investment as AI Heats Up  

Hey, speaking of AI - funding for climate tech startups is set to fall by 50% in 2024, with much of the capital shifting to artificial intelligence ventures. While climate tech solutions like carbon capture, green hydrogen, and renewable energy face high costs and long development timelines, AI's rapid returns have drawn investors’ attention. This pivot comes despite AI's significant energy demands, raising concerns about its impact on the climate.  

As policy uncertainties loom and competition for capital intensifies, the climate tech sector must scale quickly to meet urgent environmental challenges. 

Can AI’s rise coexist with—and even support—climate innovation, or is it sidelining solutions we need most?

👉👉 Read more on Marketplace

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Building Seeds with Biology With Foray Bioscience  

Foray Bioscience, led by Dr. Ashley Beckwith at MIT's The Engine, is pioneering biomanufacturing to tackle one of reforestation's biggest hurdles: the global seed shortage. Current methods meet only a fraction of demand, and biodiversity loss compounds the challenge. By using plant cells to create biodiverse, site-adapted seeds, Foray aims to accelerate reforestation efforts without relying solely on traditional seed harvests.  

With predictive modeling and genomic insights, Foray’s process aims to ensure that the right seeds reach the right places for optimal restoration. 

Could biomanufactured seeds and AI-driven insights break the barriers holding back large-scale reforestation?

👉👉 Read more in Forbes

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India’s Expanding Green Cover: Progress and Challenges  

India has made notable progress in increasing its forest and tree cover, according to a recent report. Efforts to restore degraded landscapes and promote afforestation have contributed to this growth. However, sustaining this momentum requires addressing challenges like biodiversity loss, deforestation, and climate pressures.  

Indian afforestation projects can be viewed on E-green Watch.

What strategies can India adopt to balance development with long-term forest conservation goals?  

👉👉 Read more in The Times of India

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280 Million Trees: B.C.’s Focus on Fire-Damaged Forests

British Columbia planted over 280 million trees in 2024, prioritizing fire-damaged areas to restore ecosystems and enhance climate resilience. Featuring 13 native species, the effort reinforces B.C.’s role as the Canadian leader in sustainable forestry.

Since 2017, over 2 billion trees have been planted, supported by local jobs through B.C. Timber Sales and small business contracts. However, planting volume is expected to be much lower in 2025 as a result of market trends.

Can large-scale reforestation efforts like this set a global standard for post-disaster forest recovery?

👉👉 Read more in the Canadian Press

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Landscape Restoration Dilemma

A new study highlights a significant challenge in global net-zero pledges: the over-reliance on land for carbon dioxide removal (CDR). Current commitments demand nearly 1 billion hectares of land, with over 40% earmarked for land-use conversion to forests or energy crops. This approach risks biodiversity loss, food insecurity, and displacement of vulnerable communities while potentially undermining long-term mitigation goals.  

To balance ambitions with reality, the study calls for increased transparency and prioritization of degraded land restoration over new land-use changes.

Can governments achieve net-zero without compromising ecosystems and livelihoods?  

👉👉 Read more in Nature

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