Ground Truth Weekly Forest News November 22 ๐ฐ
Jackson Wijaya's inheritance, Oregon's forests, Dennmark's one billion tree bet, PRT's take on planting two billion trees and much more.
Canadian Philanthropists Unite for Record $405M Climate Pledge ๐ฑ๐จ๐ฆ
Nine leading Canadian families and foundations have pledged a record-breaking $405 million over the next decade through the Climate Champions initiative. Spearheaded by groups like the Trottier Family Foundation, this funding will supercharge Canadaโs transition to a low-carbon economy, focusing on clean energy and sustainable projects. It's a bold step to align philanthropy with urgent climate action. ๐๐ก
What do you think of this massive green investment? ๐ฑโจ
๐๐Read our coverage on Ground Truth
Canadaโs 2 Billion Trees Program Needs a Boost ๐ฒ๐ฅ
Randy Fournier urged the Canadian Senate to expand the 2 Billion Trees program, prioritizing post-wildfire reforestation to combat record-breaking damage. He emphasized the need for full funding, faster land access, and private investment to speed up recovery. Without decisive action, burned areas risk becoming grasslands instead of thriving forests. ๐โจ
Will Canada meet our target to plant 2 billion trees? ๐ฑ
๐๐Read our coverage on Ground Truth
Carbon Credits in the DRC: Boon or Bust for Communities? ๐๐ธ
In the Democratic Republic of Congo, carbon credit projects are under scrutiny as some developers allegedly provide vague promises with little tangible benefit for local communities. While initiatives like CFCLs show potential for sustainable forest management, many projects appear focused on profit rather than real development, leaving communities with empty promises and few results. ๐ฟ๐ก
Do you think carbon markets can balance profit and community needs? ๐ฑ
๐๐Read more in Mongabay
MPs Raise Concerns Over Jackson Wijaya's Inheritance of Asia Pulp & Paper๐ฒ๐ผ
Opposition MPs and environmental groups are sounding the alarm after a study revealed deep links between Canadaโs largest private forest manager, Paper Excellence, and the controversial Asia Pulp & Paper (APP). Critics say the connections, long denied by Paper Excellence, allowed APP to bypass Canadian investment laws. With Paper Excellence managing over 22 million hectares of forest, concerns about transparency and environmental accountability loom large. ๐๐ก
Do you think stricter regulations are needed to protect Canadaโs natural resources?
๐๐Read more on CBC
North West Territories Plan Combines Economy and Conservation ๐ฟโจ
The Northwest Territories' new $375 million initiative, "NWT: Our Land for the Future," is led by over 20 Indigenous governments to protect 30% of the land while creating sustainable jobs. This visionary plan proves that conservation and economic growth can coexist, redefining development with environmental stewardship at its heart. ๐๐ฑ
Are.conservation and economic growth mutually exclusive goals? How can we make this a win-win? ๐ก
๐๐Read our coverage on Ground Truth
Singapore Tops the Urban Forest Challenge with 30% Canopy Cover ๐ณโจ
A global study testing the โ3+30+300 ruleโ for healthier cities revealed that Singapore is the only city achieving at least 30% tree canopy cover, with others like Melbourne and New York falling short. Sparse planting, small trees, and tough urban conditions hinder progress elsewhere, emphasizing the urgent need for better urban forestry policies to combat climate change. ๐ฟ๐ก
Whatโs your city doing to increase urban greenery? ๐ฑ๐
๐๐Read more in The Conversation
Oregonโs Forests at a Crossroads: Your Voice Needed in Northwest Forest Plan Update ๐ฒ
The U.S. Forest Service is inviting public input on a major update to the Northwest Forest Plan, which oversees 24.5 million acres across Oregon, Washington, and Northern California. This plan tackles urgent challenges like wildfire resilience, climate change, and tribal partnerships while balancing conservation and timber needs. Nowโs your chance to shape the future of these iconic forests. ๐๐ฅ
What changes would you prioritize for Oregonโs forests? ๐ฑ๐ฌ
๐๐Read our coverage on Ground Truth
Brazil Fights Droughts and Floods by Planting Forests ๐ณ๐ง
Across Brazil, organizations are restoring forests along rivers and degraded areas to tackle climate-induced droughts and floods. Efforts like SPVS's water reserves in Paranรก demonstrate how reforestation boosts water security, prevents erosion, and captures carbon, but experts call for broader federal support to scale these successes. ๐ฟ๐
Do you think reforestation can solve Brazilโs climate challenges? ๐ฑ๐ก
๐๐Read more in Mongabay
Denmarkโs Billion-Tree Bet: A Green Blueprint for the Future ๐ณโจ
Denmark is launching a bold billion-tree initiative to convert 10% of farmland into forests and habitats, aiming to slash emissions, boost biodiversity, and adapt to climate change. This $6.1 billion plan, part of the Green Tripartite Plan, showcases how agriculture, conservation, and climate action can work hand in hand. ๐๐ก
Could this ambitious approach inspire other countries to rethink reforestation? ๐ฑ
๐๐Read our coverage on Ground Truth
UN Climate Chief Urges Action as COP29 Enters Final Week ๐โจ
With COP29 negotiations in Baku reaching a critical stage, UN Climate Chief Simon Stiell called on nations to set aside political theatrics and focus on solutions, emphasizing the need for a robust climate finance deal. Meanwhile, youth activists, including UNICEF-backed children, demanded a greater say in climate decisions, urging leaders to act now for a livable future. ๐ฑ๐ก
Do you think young voices are being heard enough in global climate talks? ๐ค
๐๐Read more on UN News
Study Highlights Community Forests as Leaders in BC Wildfire Management ๐ฒ๐ฅ
A new study reveals how Community Forests in British Columbia are advancing wildfire management by shifting from reactive suppression to proactive, locally driven strategies. Researchers found that trust, relationships, and financial capacity enable these initiatives to manage risks effectively at community and landscape levels, offering a model for tackling increasing wildfire threats. ๐ฟ๐ก
Do you think this approach could inspire wildfire strategies in other regions?
๐๐Read more in Canadian Science Publishing