Ground Truth Weekly Forest News November 22 📰

Canadian Philanthropists Unite for Record $405M Climate Pledge 🌱🇨🇦

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 Canada’s 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. 🌍💡

What do you think of this massive green investment? 🌱✨

👉👉Read our coverage on Ground Truth

Canada’s 2 Billion Trees Program Needs a Boost 🌲🔥

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. 🌍✨

Will Canada meet our target to plant 2 billion trees? 🌱

👉👉Read our coverage on Ground Truth

Carbon Credits in the DRC: Boon or Bust for Communities? 🌍💸

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. 🌿💡

Do you think carbon markets can balance profit and community needs? 🌱

👉👉Read more in Mongabay

MPs Raise Concerns Over Jackson Wijaya's Inheritance of Asia Pulp & Paper🌲💼

Opposition MPs and environmental groups are sounding the alarm after a study revealed deep links between Canada’s 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. 🌍💡

Do you think stricter regulations are needed to protect Canada’s natural resources?

👉👉Read more on CBC

North West Territories Plan Combines Economy and Conservation 🌿✨

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. 🌍🌱

Are.conservation and economic growth mutually exclusive goals? How can we make this a win-win? 💡

👉👉Read our coverage on Ground Truth

Singapore Tops the Urban Forest Challenge with 30% Canopy Cover 🌳✨

A global study testing the “3+30+300 rule” 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. 🌿💡

What’s your city doing to increase urban greenery? 🌱🌏

👉👉Read more in The Conversation

Oregon’s Forests at a Crossroads: Your Voice Needed in Northwest Forest Plan Update 🌲

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. Now’s your chance to shape the future of these iconic forests. 🌍🔥

What changes would you prioritize for Oregon’s forests? 🌱💬

👉👉Read our coverage on Ground Truth

Brazil Fights Droughts and Floods by Planting Forests 🌳💧

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 Paraná demonstrate how reforestation boosts water security, prevents erosion, and captures carbon, but experts call for broader federal support to scale these successes. 🌿🌍

Do you think reforestation can solve Brazil’s climate challenges? 🌱💡

👉👉Read more in Mongabay

Denmark’s Billion-Tree Bet: A Green Blueprint for the Future 🌳✨

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. 🌍💡

Could this ambitious approach inspire other countries to rethink reforestation? 🌱

👉👉Read our coverage on Ground Truth

UN Climate Chief Urges Action as COP29 Enters Final Week 🌍✨

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. 🌱💡

Do you think young voices are being heard enough in global climate talks? 🤔

👉👉Read more on UN News

Study Highlights Community Forests as Leaders in BC Wildfire Management 🌲🔥

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. 🌿💡

Do you think this approach could inspire wildfire strategies in other regions?

👉👉Read more in Canadian Science Publishing