#Zero deforestation commitment
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"In a bid to slow deforestation in the Amazon, Brazil announced Tuesday [September 5, 2023,] that it will provide financial support to municipalities that have reduced deforestation rates the most.
During the country´s Amazon Day, President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva also signed the creation of two Indigenous territories that total 207,000 hectares (511,000 acres) — over two times the size of New York City — and of a network of conservation areas next to the Yanonami Indigenous Territory to act as a buffer against invaders, mostly illegal gold miners.
“The Amazon is in a hurry to survive the devastation caused by those few people who refuse to see the future, who in a few years cut down, burned, and polluted what nature took millennia to create,” Lula said during a ceremony in Brasilia. “The Amazon is in a hurry to continue doing what it has always done, to be essential for life on Earth.”
The new program will invest up to $120 million in technical assistance. The money will be allocated based on the municipality´s performance in reducing deforestation and fires, as measured by official satellite monitoring. A list of municipalities eligible for the funds will be published annually.
The resources must be invested in land titling, monitoring and control of deforestation and fires, and sustainable production.
The money will come from the Amazon Fund, which has received more than $1.2 billion, mostly from Norway, to help pay for sustainable development of the region. In February, the United States committed to a $50 million donation to the initiative. Two months later, President Joe Biden announced he would ask Congress for an additional $500 million, to be disbursed over five years.
The most critical municipalities are located along the arc of deforestation, a vast region along the southern part of the Amazon. This region is a stronghold of former far-right President Jair Bolsonaro, who favored agribusiness over forest preservation and lost the reelection last year.
“We believe that it’s not enough to just put up a sign saying ‘it’s forbidden to do this or that. We need to be persuasive.” Lula said, in a reference to his relationship with Amazon mayors and state governors.
Lula has promised zero net deforestation by 2030, although his term ends two years earlier. In the first seven months of his third term, there was a 42% drop in deforestation.
[Note: For context, Lula's third term as president started January 1, 2023. It was not continuous with his first two terms, when he was president from 2003 to 2010. Lula's third term has been a historic and desperately needed reversal of the anti-environmental, etc. policies of Bolsonaro, whose term ended at the end of 2022.]
Brazil is the world’s fifth-largest emitter of greenhouse gases, with almost 3% of global emissions, according to Climate Watch, an online platform managed by World Resources Institute. Almost half of these emissions come from deforestation. Under the 2015 Paris Agreement, Brazil committed to reducing carbon emissions by 37% by 2025 and 43% by 2030."
-via AP, September 5, 2023
#brazil#deforestation#lula da silva#amazon#amazon rainforest#environmentalism#fossil fuels#environment#environmental justice#land back#illegal miners#yanonami#indigenous#first nations#greenhouse gasses#conservation#good news#hope
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These are The Best News of Last Week
1. Brazil’s new president Lula vows to halt Deforestation.
For many Brazilians, Bolsonaro’s defeat represents a rejection of the explicit anti-Indigenous, anti-environmental agenda he enacted while in office.
Lula has promised to update Brazil’s climate goals to steer the country back in line with the Paris Agreement. He has also committed to a list of climate proposals put forth by Marina Silva, the most prominent environmental activist in Brazil who served as his former environment minister. In his first speech as president-elect late Sunday night, he reiterated his strong support for zero deforestation in the Amazon. “Brazil is ready to resume its leading role in the fight against the climate crisis”
2. All-terrain wheelchairs arrive at U.S. parks: ‘This is life-changing’
For anyone who has to use a wheelchair, the state says it will soon be easier to be able to enjoy several parks, historic sites and wildlife centers because these locations will provide free all-terrain wheelchairs.
The Georgia Department of Natural Resources said it has partnered with the Aimee Copeland Foundation to provide high-mobility, all-terrain track wheelchairs at 10 different locations across the state. DNR said the initiative “encourages those with mobility impairments to reconnect with nature, explore nature trails, go fishing and attend adaptive hunts.”
3. Electricity-generating windows? Swiss scientists design more efficient transparent solar panels
All that natural light flowing through your windows may one day do much more than brighten your mood. Scientists in Switzerland have reached a new efficiency record for transparent solar cells, paving the way for electricity-generating windows that could help power our homes and devices.
Also known as Grätzel cells, dye-sensitised solar cells (DSCs) are a type of low-cost solar cell that use photosensitised dye attached to the surface of a semiconductor to convert visible light into energy.
4. In France all new large parking lots must now be covered in solar panels starting in july 2023
The new provisions are part of French president Emmanuel Macron’s large-scale plan to heavily invest in renewables, which aims to multiply by 10 the amount of solar energy produced in the country, and to double the power from land-based wind farms.
Starting July 1, 2023, smaller carparks that have between 80 and 400 spaces will have five years to be in compliance with the new measures. Carparks with more than 400 spaces have a shorter timeline: They will need to comply with the new measures within three years of this date, and at least half of the surface area of the parking lot will need to be covered in solar panels.
5. Car horns replace gunfire as Ukraine’s troops return to jubilant Kherson
Ukrainian soldiers swept into the southern city of Kherson on Friday, seizing a major symbolic and strategic prize from the retreating Russian army and dealing a bitter blow to President Vladimir V. Putin.
Just weeks after Mr. Putin declared the Kherson region a part of Russia forever, his troops were forced to abandon its capital city, their third major retreat in the war. The setback further dented the once-formidable reputation of an army that has mismanaged logistics and sent unprepared and unmotivated soldiers into battle.
Jubilant crowds poured into the streets, greeting Ukrainian soldiers and waving flags
6. Lab-grown blood given to people in world-first clinical trial
Tiny amounts — equivalent to a couple of spoonfuls — are being tested to see how it performs inside the body. The bulk of blood transfusions will always rely on people regularly rolling up their sleeve to donate.
But the ultimate goal is to manufacture vital, but ultra-rare, blood groups that are hard to get hold of. These are necessary for people who depend on regular blood transfusions for conditions such as sickle cell anaemia.
7. A pod of dolphins got stuck in the mud at low tide — here’s how a N.S. community saved them
According to the Digby Fire Department, there were 16 Atlantic white-sided dolphins, of various sizes, stranded. People of all ages rushed to the scene in Digby on the afternoon of Nov. 4 after it was discovered that 16 dolphins were stranded in the mudflats of an area known as The Joggins.
“We are happy to report that all 16 dolphins eventually were ushered into the water,” the department posted on its Facebook page late in the afternoon. “We are hopeful once the tide keeps rising, they will safely make their way back out to sea.”
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Mark Wootton and his wife, Eve Kantor, were the carbon-neutral pioneers of Australia’s red meat industry.
Years before the Paris agreement to keep global heating below 1.5C, and a decade before the Australian government committed to reaching net zero emissions, their family farm in south-western Victoria was declared carbon-neutral.
“In the early 2010s we were pretty cocky that we had conquered this thing,” Wootton says. “We thought we’d cracked the formula.”
Jigsaw Farms, a mosaic of lush pastures, eucalypt plantations, wildlife corridors and wetlands about 250km west of Melbourne, near the town of Hamilton, was the envy of the industry. It was lionised by the media, a favoured photo opportunity by politicians and held up by the red meat sector as a vision of the future.
The farm’s carbon-rich soils, 20% of which were forested, sequestered enough CO2 to offset its annual emissions from wool, lamb and beef production.
Or at least it did. The latest report tracking Jigsaw’s emissions, which is now undergoing peer review, confirmed that since about 2017 – the same year the industry body Meat and Livestock Australia (MLA) announced a target of net zero emissions by 2030 – Jigsaw Farms has been emitting more greenhouse gases than it could sequester.
“Cows and sheep are still there producing the same amount of methane [every year], but the trees grow up and carbon sequestration slows down,” says the report author, Prof Richard Eckard.
Eckard is an agricultural economist and the director of the school of agriculture, food and ecosystem sciences at the University of Melbourne. He became involved in measuring Jigsaw’s emissions a decade ago.
The 3,378-hectare farm spans six titles, bought by Wootton and Kantor between 1996 and 2003. Hardwood timber plantations cover 295 hectares, 24 hectares is remnant forest and a further 268 hectares are set aside for biodiversity. It hosts a fine wool merino operation with about 20,000 ewes, and 550 head of cattle.
Initially, the hundreds and thousands of trees they planted, combined with a switch to perennial grasses, significantly increased the amount of carbon sequestered on the property.
But those trees have now matured and passed peak sequestration, meaning they absorb less C02 year-on-year, and the soil is so carbon rich it can’t sequester any additional C02 from the atmosphere.
“Ten years later it all slows down because carbon saturation,” Eckard says. “It’s just the law of diminishing returns.”
The latest Jigsaw study estimated that in 2021, the farm sequestered 70.3% to 83.2% of its annual emissions. By 2031, as the farm’s forests grow older, models predict it will absorb just over half of what it did when carbon sequestration peaked in 2012.
The dilemma Jigsaw now faces reflects the broader challenge of decarbonising Australia’s red meat industry, Eckard says.
The industry claims it has reduced its emissions by 65% compared with 2005 levels, but this reduction relies on recorded decreases in deforestation and increases in forest regrowth, which some analysis suggests is overstated.
“Carbon sequestration through forestry is a short-term buy out of trouble,” Eckard says. “You can plant your way out of trouble and, like Jigsaw, get seven years of net zero, but ultimately, unless you do something about the methane, you’re not going to stay net zero.”
Climate neutrality v the ‘seaweed solution’
Other efforts to reduce the industry’s carbon footprint have focused on attempting to reduce the amount of methane expelled from the rumen, which accounts for 80% of the sector’s emissions. MLA has put more than $180m towards the problem, with no solution forthcoming. The results from the longest running commercial trial of a seaweed cow-feed, which aimed to cut methane by more than 80%, were lacklustre.
Selective breeding and dietary changes can help, says Eckard, but it’s slow going.
“It took the animal 50m years to evolve to produce meat and eat grass the way it does,” he says. “That can’t be overcome in three-year funding rounds.”
But he says that if producers adopt current best practices that will reduce their emissions intensity per kilogram of meat produced while research finds the “seaweed solution”.
On Jigsaw Farms, high reproductive rates, fast-growing livestock due to genetic selection and ample feed, and grazing stock at double the density of other farms in the district helps reduce the emissions that go into producing each animal.
“If that lamb or calf grows faster, so it gets to market quicker, so it grows faster, so, to be brutal, it can die and be eaten – your carbon intensity is dropping,” Wootton says.
This allows Jigsaw to sell its wool, lamb and beef at a premium in a market that is increasingly looking for farmers who can demonstrate strong environmental credentials.
This is particularly important for the export-focused Australian market, Eckard says. Seventy per cent of Australian-grown beef is sold into global supply chains ruled by international corporations, all of whom have net zero targets.
That’s the impetus behind the MLA’s “world leading” net zero target. This month Guardian Australia reported that the industry body described the target as “aligning the industry” towards improvement and said it did not need to be met, though it remains committed to the goal. Environmental scientists say reporting on the goal is based on unreliable land clearing data.
David Jochinke, the president of the National Farmers Federation, says the target is about the “aspiration” towards decarbonisation.
“We’ve always said at the NFF, we’re not going to reduce production in an attempt to get to net zero,” he says. “Will we make it? I’m not really sure, but we are going to give it a red hot go.”
A 2023 CSIRO report found the industry would fall short of the net zero goal and recommended a “climate-neutral” target be adopted instead, which would theoretically be achieved by reaching a point where the sector no longer causes any additional warming to the planet.
Australia’s peak cattle body, Cattle Australia, has also called for a shift to climate neutrality. But both Eckard and Wootton say the industry shouldn’t change course.
“I fear that if the industry fiddled with the metric what they would be effectively saying is ‘methane is no longer an issue so we don’t have to worry about it’,” Eckard says.
The director of the Australian National University Institute for Climate, Energy and Disaster Solutions, Mark Howden, says that unachievable or “false [climate] targets” are ineffective and can alienate both industries and the public.
He says the red meat sector’s goal is “in a sense the wrong target”. “We do need to go net zero in terms of C02, but in the case of methane we need to reduce it by about two-thirds in the long term to effectively meet the Paris agreement,” he says.
Wootton says the benefits of their regenerative approach to farming persist even if the farm’s carbon accounts are now in the red.
They did not initially set out to be carbon-neutral. The timber plantations were established on Jigsaw Farms to offer an alternative source of income. They planted permanent native vegetation to encourage biodiversity and shelter belts to protect livestock, and dug deep dams so they would always have a secure water supply.
A bird survey in 1996 found 46 bird species on the land. Today, there are 174. The land is healthier – that is, ironically, why carbon sequestration has stabilised.
“People come to us and go, shit, if they can’t go carbon-neutral, what does that mean for us,” Wootton says.
“It means you’ll have to do some of what we’ve done, do things differently from what we’ve done, and do some other things that we don’t even know we can do yet.
“There’s no silver bullet here, but there’s some silver buckshot, hopefully.”
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Brazil Lacks a Clear Plan for Energy Transition
Deadlines for reducing the use of fossil fuels remain undefined
Brazil lacks planning and goals to phase out fossil fuels, responsible for global warming and the third-largest source of greenhouse gas emissions in the country—deforestation and agriculture being the first.
The Lula government (PT) committed to the UN to zero emissions by 2050, and Minister Alexandre Silveira (Ministry of Mines and Energy) said that oil will still be important for the next 20 to 30 years, but the country has not set intermediate deadlines for reducing the use of these energy sources.
Furthermore, the plan to guide actions to combat the climate crisis has never been updated. Launched in 2008, it foresaw actions until 2017.
Continue reading.
#brazil#brazilian politics#politics#environmentalism#economy#mod nise da silveira#image description in alt
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Geo News
July 1, 2023
Leonardo DiCaprio and Jeff Bezos have recently decided to help launch hefty fund to protect the vital areas of the Amazon rainforest.
According to Variety, the two non-profit organisations, DiCaprio’s Re:Wild conservation and Bezos's Nature Solutions, have donated $200 million into the Protect Our Planet (POP) Challenge.
The outlet reported that this donation will “support the expansion and management of Brazil's protected areas and Indigenous territories”.
In a statement issued by Titanic star on June 30, DiCaprio said, “We are inspired by Brazil's ambitious goals for protecting the Amazon, one of the most important places for wildlife on the planet.”
“Also, thrilled to be able to support these efforts through the Protecting Our Planet Challenge,” he added.
Meanwhile, Cristián Samper, managing director and leader of Nature Solutions of the Bezos Earth Fund, explained, “The Amazon is critical for the future of global biodiversity and climate, and we welcome the commitment from President Lula and the Government of Brazil to protect it.”
“We are pleased to support the designation and management of protected areas and Indigenous territories as a key part of the strategy to reduce deforestation, along with new economic models of development based on the conservation and sustainable use of the forest,” stated Samper.
It is pertinent to mention that the donation will be used over the next four years to help Brazil achieve zero deforestation in the Amazon as well as fight both deforestation in protected Indigenous lands and cutting down forests for cattle.
#amazon rainforest#deforestation#leonardo dicaprio#jeff bezos#Re:Wild#Nature Solutions#climate change
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Major brands like Zara and H&M sell garments produced with cotton from Brazilian farms. These have been linked to deforestation and land grabbing, according to a new investigation.
-Before they reach the display windows of fashion giants like Zara and H&M, cotton pants, shorts, shirts and socks leave behind a trail of deforestation, land grabbing and human rights violations in Brazil. Though many of them carry a sustainable production label, a yearlong investigation by UK-based NGO Earthsight detailed the connection between crops in Brazil, the world's fourth largest cotton producer, and European brands. Earthsight analyzed satellite images, shipping records, public archives and visited producing regions to track the journey taken by 816,000 tons of cotton.
According to the report, this raw material was produced specifically for eight Asian companies which, between 2014 and 2023, manufactured around 250 million retail items. Many of them, the investigation claims, supplied brands such as H&M and Zara, among others.
"It's shocking to see these links between very recognizable global brands that apparently don't make enough effort to have control over these supply chains. To know where the cotton comes from and what kind of impact it causes," Rubens Carvalho, head of deforestation research at Earthsight, told DW.
The problem lies at the source: Cotton for export is mainly produced in the western part of Brazil's Bahia state, a region immersed in a tropical and extremely biodiverse savanna called the Cerrado.
Vegetation in the Cerrado is often razed illegally to make space for crops and cultivation. Deforestation there has doubled in the last five years, according to Brazil's National Institute for Space Research.
Deforestation and land grabbing
Among the cases analyzed in the report is the SLC Agricola group, which claims to be responsible for 11% of Brazil's cotton exports. The Earthsight report estimates that in the last 12 years, Cerrado land equivalent to 40,000 football fields has been destroyed within SLC's farms.
And in 2020, the company, which also grows soybeans, was named the biggest deforester in the biome, according to the American think tank Chain Reaction Research.
In 2021, SLC committed to a zero-deforestation policy with its suppliers. A year later, a report by the nonprofit consultancy Aidenvironment found that 1,365 hectares of the Cerrado had been razed within properties that grow cotton. And almost half of this was within a legal reserve.
When questioned about these allegations, the group told DW that "all of SLC's conversions of native vegetation occurred within the limits established by law."
continue reading
#brazil#indonesia#bangladesh#pakistan#brazilian cotton exports#deforestation#european fast fashion#environment#climate crisis
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Today, President Andrés Manuel López Obrador, President Joseph R. Biden, and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau met in Mexico City for the 10th North American Leaders’ Summit (NALS). The leaders are determined to fortify our region’s security, prosperity, sustainability and inclusiveness through commitments across six pillars: 1) diversity, equity, and inclusion; 2) climate change and the environment; 3) competitiveness; 4) migration and development; 5) health; and 6) regional security.
North America shares a unique history and culture that emphasizes innovation, equitable development, and mutually beneficial trade to create inclusive economic opportunities for the benefit of our people. We are not just neighbors and partners. Our people share bonds of family and friendship and value – above all else – freedom, justice, human rights, equality, and democracy. This is the North American DNA.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Diversity, equity, and inclusion is foundational to the strength, vibrancy, and resilience of our countries. We focus on providing marginalized communities opportunities for their full, equal, and meaningful participation in our democracies and economies. To advance these objectives, President López Obrador, President Biden, and Prime Minister Trudeau reiterated their joint commitment to protect civil rights, promote racial justice, expand protections for LGBTQI+ individuals and deliver more equitable outcomes to all.
In partnership with Indigenous Peoples, we will promote innovative and sustainable solutions that honor traditional knowledge, foster Indigenous-led growth and drive job creation. We will continue our cooperation to build societies where Indigenous women and girls can live, learn, and lead without fear through the Trilateral Working Group on Violence Against Indigenous Women and Girls. Indigenous women from all three countries will convene in the coming weeks to facilitate discussions about priorities and best practices including in areas of political, economic, and social development. The three countries also reaffirm our commitment to gender equality and empowerment of women and girls, in all their diversity by aiming to improve financial and political support for women’s and girl’s rights.
Climate Change and Environment
Mexico, the United States, and Canada recognize the critical nature of taking rapid and coordinated measures to tackle the climate crisis and respond to its consequences. This includes achieving our respective 2030 nationally determined contributions under the Paris Agreement, and working together and with other countries to keep a 1.5-degree C temperature limit within reach. To promote buy-in for ambitious cuts to emissions, we will come together to align approaches on estimating the social cost of greenhouse gas emissions.
We will continue to implement and build on commitments from the 2021 North American Leaders’ Summit on climate mitigation, adaptation, and resilience, while renewing our focus on reducing methane emissions from all sources, with a new focus on waste methane. We will explore standards to develop hydrogen as a regional source of clean energy. We will move swiftly to accelerate the energy transition by deploying clean energy solutions, increasing the production and adoption of zero-emission vehicles in North America and transitioning to cleaner fuels. In partnership with Indigenous Peoples, we reiterate our pledge to protect biodiversity, to work toward ending deforestation, and doing our part to conserve 30 percent of the world’s land and waters by 2030.
Competitiveness
We seek to deepen our regional capacity to attract high quality investment, spur innovation, and strengthen the resilience of our economies, recognizing the benefits brought by the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement. To boost regional competitiveness, the three countries will seek to forge stronger regional supply chains, as well as promote targeted investment, in key industries of the future such as semiconductors and electric vehicle batteries, which will be critical to advance electric vehicle development and infrastructure. We will convene public-private dialogues and map out supply chains to address common challenges and opportunities.
Critical minerals are an essential component to accelerating North America’s clean energy transition. Each country will review and map out existing and potential reserves of critical mineral resources in the region, while taking care of the environment, respecting local communities, and adhering to high ethical standards.
To support innovation, job creation, and workforce development, the three governments commit to working with the private sector, civil society, labor and academia across North America to foster high-tech entrepreneurship, promote small and medium-sized enterprises, and strengthen technical education. We will also consider trilateral approaches to promote sustainable, inclusive jobs and develop the workforce to meet our climate commitments.
Migration and Development
Today marks the six-month anniversary of the Los Angeles Declaration on Migration and Protection, a bold new framework for regional responsibility-sharing that 21 leaders endorsed on the margins of the Ninth Summit of the Americas. The three countries of North America each made ambitious commitments under the Los Angeles Declaration, including working together to advance labor mobility in North America, particularly regarding regular pathways, and have been delivering on these commitments.
Since June, Mexico, the United States and Canada have collectively welcomed record numbers of migrants and refugees from the Western Hemisphere under new and expanded labor and humanitarian programs. Today, we affirm our joint commitment to safe, orderly, and humane migration under the Los Angeles Declaration and other relevant multilateral frameworks. This includes assisting host communities and promoting migrant and refugee integration; providing protection to refugees, asylum seekers, and vulnerable migrants; strengthening asylum capacity in the region; expanding and promoting regular pathways for migration and protection; addressing the root causes and impacts of irregular migration and forced displacement; and collaborating to counter xenophobia and discrimination against migrants and refugees.
Now more than ever, we need to identify and address the root causes of irregular migration and forced displacement. Mexico, the United States, and Canada commit to supporting countries across the Western Hemisphere to create the conditions to improve quality of life, especially in marginalized communities that are vulnerable to both forced internal and regional migration and displacement. To that end, we will continue to work together and with our respective private sectors to promote responsible business practices, implement obligations under the USMCA and international labor conventions, and cooperate to eradicate the use of forced and child labor in our supply chains.
Health
Trilateral health cooperation will focus on launching an updated North American Plan for Animal and Pandemic Influenza (NAPAPI) to improve prevention, preparedness, agility, and to provide rapid response to health emergencies in North America. The North American Health Security Working Group will develop and launch a new, revised NAPAPI as a flexible, scalable, and cross-sectoral platform to strengthen regional prevention, preparedness and response to a broader range of health security threats that include influenza and beyond. As we emerge from the acute phase of the COVID-19 pandemic, we also recognize that resilient health systems, including a strong health workforce, are the foundation upon which effective pandemic preparedness and response will be built. We will continue efforts to build stronger and more resilient health systems that meet the broad range of health needs in our countries.
Regional Security
Mexico, the United States, and Canada will focus on strategies to bolster our shared continental security against domestic, regional, and global threats, including cyber threats. Security cooperation will continue to abide by our common understanding that respect for human rights and the rule of law contribute to a more secure North America. Our security cooperation includes actions to disrupt criminal actors and associated crimes across our shared borders, including money laundering, child sexual exploitation, firearms and human trafficking. We also are taking a consistent approach to the collection, use, processing, retention, and protection of Passenger Name Record (PNR) data to strengthen our shared security perimeter and the safety of our citizens, including advocating for the global adoption of standards and recommended practices of the International Civil Aviation Organization on PNR data.
We will continue our North American Drug Dialogue and further advance our cooperative international efforts to address the growing global synthetic drug threat as the United States takes the chair in 2023. We will enhance trilateral work to address the use of precursor chemicals in the production of illegal substances in North America and to disrupt drug trafficking, as well as strengthen public health approaches to prevention, harm reduction, treatment, and recovery.
As both natural and human-induced hazards and disasters increase risks to vulnerable populations, we will continue to work together to share training and best practices to keep our people safe and address emergencies including natural and other disasters. Recognizing the differentiated impact disasters have on women and girls, we aim to integrate a gender perspective in these efforts.
Looking forward
The commitments made during this summit are rooted in a shared vision for a more equitable, just, inclusive, resilient, secure, and prosperous North America and a shared responsibility to achieve more equitable outcomes responsive to the needs and aspirations of our citizens. As we work to implement these commitments in the upcoming year, we seek to model a democratic and sustainable path based on trust to promote inclusive prosperity and security. Mexico, the United States, and Canada look forward to building on this progress at the eleventh NALS (NALS XI), to be hosted by Canada.
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A third of the companies most linked to the destruction of tropical rainforests have not set a single policy on deforestation, a report reveals.
Research by Global Canopy has found that 31% of the companies with the greatest influence on tropical deforestation risk through their supply chains do not have a single deforestation commitment for any of the commodities to which they are exposed.
Many of those who have set policies are not monitoring them correctly, meaning deforestation to produce their commodities could still be taking place. Of the 100 companies with a deforestation commitment for every commodity to which they are exposed, only 50% are monitoring their suppliers or sourcing regions in line with their deforestation commitments for every commodity.
Global Canopy’s Forest 500 report states: “We are three years past the 2020 deadline that many organisations set themselves to halt deforestation, and just two years away from the UN’s deadline of 2025 for companies and financial institutions to eliminate commodity-driven deforestation, conversion and the associated human rights abuses. This target date is essential to meeting our global net zero targets and averting catastrophic climate change.”
At Cop26 in 2021, world leaders agreed to remove deforestation from supply chains. Land-clearing by humans accounts for almost a quarter of greenhouse gas emissions, largely deriving from the destruction of the world’s forests for agricultural products such as palm oil, soy and beef.
Financial institutions have a poor record on deforestation, according to the report. Those identified provide US$6.1tn in finance to companies in forest-risk supply chains, but according to the report “only a small proportion of financial institutions most exposed to deforestation are addressing deforestation as a systemic risk”.
Ninety-two (61%) of the financial institutions that are most exposed to deforestation do not have a deforestation policy covering their lending and investments, and only 48 (32%) financial institutions have publicly recognised deforestation as a business risk.
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Navigating the Dynamics of the Global Soybean Market: Trends, Challenges, and Opportunities
The soybean market refers to the global economic ecosystem surrounding the production, trade, and consumption of soybeans, one of the most significant agricultural commodities worldwide. Soybeans, scientifically known as Glycine max, are a leguminous crop primarily cultivated for their high protein content and versatile applications in food, feed, and industrial processes. The soybean market plays a pivotal role in various sectors, including agriculture, food processing, livestock farming, biofuel production, and international trade.
Overview of Soybean Production
Soybeans are predominantly grown in regions with temperate climates, with the United States, Brazil, Argentina, and China being the leading producers. The cultivation of soybeans involves extensive agricultural practices, including land preparation, planting, cultivation, and harvesting. The crop's adaptability to different soil types and its nitrogen-fixing abilities make it a favored choice for crop rotation systems, contributing to sustainable farming practices.
Factors Influencing the Soybean Market
Several factors influence the dynamics of the soybean market, including:
Weather Conditions: Weather patterns, such as droughts, floods, or adverse climatic events, can significantly impact soybean yields, leading to fluctuations in supply and prices.
Demand from China: China stands as the largest importer of soybeans globally, primarily using them for livestock feed and oil extraction. Changes in Chinese consumption patterns and trade policies can have profound effects on global soybean prices.
Biofuel Production: The growing demand for biodiesel has increased the utilization of soybean oil as a feedstock, affecting the demand and prices of soybeans.
Trade Policies and Tariffs: Trade agreements, tariffs, and geopolitical tensions among major soybean-producing and consuming countries influence international soybean trade flows and market dynamics.
Genetic Innovations: Advancements in biotechnology have led to the development of genetically modified (GM) soybean varieties with traits such as herbicide resistance and enhanced yields, impacting production efficiency and market competitiveness.
Global Trade and Consumption Patterns
The soybean market is highly globalized, with significant volumes of soybeans and soybean products traded internationally each year. The United States, Brazil, and Argentina are the major exporters, while China, the European Union, and Southeast Asian countries are prominent importers.
Soybeans are processed into various products, including soybean meal, soybean oil, and soy-based food products. Soybean meal is a vital component of animal feed, particularly for poultry, swine, and cattle. Soybean oil is used for cooking, food processing, and industrial applications, including biodiesel production.
Environmental and Sustainability Considerations
The expansion of soybean cultivation has raised concerns about its environmental impact, including deforestation, habitat destruction, and biodiversity loss, primarily in regions like the Amazon rainforest and the Cerrado biome in Brazil. Sustainable soybean production practices, such as zero-deforestation commitments, conservation agriculture, and certification schemes (e.g., Roundtable on Sustainable Soy), are being adopted to address these challenges and promote environmental stewardship in the soybean industry.
Market Trends and Innovations
The soybean market is witnessing several notable trends and innovations that are reshaping its landscape:
Rise of Plant-Based Proteins: Growing awareness of health, environmental, and ethical concerns has fueled the demand for plant-based proteins, including soy-based alternatives to meat and dairy products. This trend is driven by consumers seeking healthier and more sustainable dietary options, contributing to the expansion of the soy-based food industry.
Functional Food Applications: Soybeans are recognized for their nutritional benefits, being rich sources of protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. As a result, soy-based ingredients are increasingly used in the formulation of functional foods and dietary supplements targeting specific health benefits, such as heart health, bone health, and weight management.
Technological Advancements in Processing: Innovations in processing technologies have enabled the extraction and refinement of soybean components with improved efficiency and quality. These advancements have led to the development of value-added products like high-protein soy isolates, soy protein concentrates, and specialty soy ingredients tailored to meet diverse consumer needs and preferences.
Expansion of Non-Food Applications: Beyond traditional food and feed uses, soybeans are finding applications in various non-food sectors, including cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and industrial materials. Soy-derived compounds such as soy lecithin, soy wax, and soy-based polymers are valued for their functional properties and renewable nature, driving their adoption in a range of products.
Future Outlook
The soybean market is expected to continue evolving in response to changing global demographics, dietary preferences, technological innovations, and environmental concerns. Key trends shaping the future of the soybean market include the increasing demand for plant-based proteins, advancements in biotechnology, sustainable sourcing practices, and shifts in trade dynamics.
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Reversing progress, Indonesia pulp & paper drives up deforestation rates again – Stigmatis News
Reversing years of progress, deforestation caused by Indonesia’s pulp and paper industry is on the rise, increasing fivefold between 2017 and 2022, according to a new analysis.
The increase in deforestation follows dramatic declines that occurred after major wood pulp and paper companies adopted zero-deforestation commitments due to public pressure.
In addition to deforestation, the pulp and…
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Aviation Flying High on Alternative Sources of Power - Technology Org
New Post has been published on https://thedigitalinsider.com/aviation-flying-high-on-alternative-sources-of-power-technology-org/
Aviation Flying High on Alternative Sources of Power - Technology Org
As the aviation industry moves toward net zero emissions by 2050, sustainable aviation fuel is one of the many alternatives being developed.
A flying airplane. Image credit: Willy Wo via Unsplash, free license
November 28, 2023, was a landmark day for the international airline industry. It marked the first time a jet airliner powered by 100 percent sustainable aviation fuel flew from London to New York.
The Virgin Atlantic flight, which carried no paying passengers but did have an airline executive, a politician and Virgin founder Sir Richard Branson onboard, flew using a fuel made up mostly of waste fats and plant sugars.
Sustainable aviation fuel is one of the many alternative fuels and propulsion technologies being developed as the aviation industry moves toward net zero emissions by 2050.
After electricity and heat, transport is the sector with the highest carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. Aviation counts for 2 percent of Co2 emissions globally.
Aviation is crucial not only for global passenger movement but also global supply chains. While civil aviation nearly disappeared during the COVID-19 pandemic, cargo flights distributed much-needed disease controlling equipment and vaccines. The impact of fewer passenger flights was felt across supply chains as a lot of regular cargo is transported as belly capacity in passenger flights.
Aviation bodies such as the International Air Transport Association and International Civil Aviation Organization have committed to decarbonising the industry by 2050.
There are many ways to tackle aviation emissions.
New aircraft designs to reduce noise and pollution have been developed for decades. In recent years, however, new technologies for decarbonising aircraft have been emerging and accelerating.
Sustainable aviation fuels to electric and hydrogen flight, as well as hybrids, are all being researched, designed, tested and commercialised.
Airlines prefer sustainable fuel currently as it can be used in existing aircraft without alterations. But it is not the only long term solution as questions linger over emissions during its production, challenging supply chains, competition for sustainable produced feedstock and worries about deforestation for cultivating feedstock for sustainable fuels.
Sustainable fuels alone will not decarbonise aviation. Other solutions for a more sustainable way of flying are aircraft powered by electricity and hydrogen.
Electric flying
Electric flying has made significant progress with, for example, Pipistrel certifying the first fully electric aircraft, the Velis Electro in 2020. Drones for cargo, and in the future passenger transport, have been betting on electric propulsion as well. Volocopter, a fully electric powered drone for passenger transport, received approval for a production line in 2023.The main challenge for electric aircraft is range due to the limited capacity of batteries.
Electric aircraft can be a solution for short-haul but will not decarbonise medium to long-haul flights. Other important factors to consider with electric aircraft are the production of renewable energies at scale and upgrades of the distribution grid especially in regional and remote areas.
Lifecycle analyses are also needed to consider emissions for the whole life of an electric aircraft, which includes battery production and battery life to determine how much emissions can be reduced in comparison to traditional flight.
Acknowledging the challenges around the short range of electric flight, numerous start-ups are moving to a hybrid model using hydrogen and electricity. Examples include Dovetail Electric Aviation supported by regional airline Rex, and ZeroAvia supported by big names such as Airbus.
Others are looking at an all-hydrogen solution such as Stralis by retrofitting existing aircraft but also designing a new aircraft that would cater for the medium-haul sector with an estimated entry into service in 2030 with a range of 3,000km. In the passenger drone sector, companies such as AMSL Aero are also moving to a hybrid solution with ranges of up to 1,000km.
Hydrogen
An all-hydrogen solution is promising as a long-term long-haul solution for civil aviation but has its own challenges. One is the increase of the size of fuel tanks due to hydrogen’s properties. This not only changes the aircraft designs but also comes with challenges at airports with limited space. Questions about supply chains and possible negative climate effects of contrails are other obstacles.
It is not only the start-ups that are active in sustainable aviation. Manufacturers such as Airbus and Rolls Royce are also working towards more sustainable solutions. Airbus plans to have the first commercial hydrogen-powered aircraft ready by 2035 and Rolls Royce is actively working with partners such as budget carrier easyJet on hydrogen and hybrid propulsion.
Commercial airlines such as easyJet, Air New Zealand and Rex have all made some headway into the market. Rex is an investor in Dovetail Electric Aviation, easyJet is working with Rolls Royce, and Air New Zealand recently bought its first all-electric aircraft. Meanwhile, Emirates and Qantas have established climate funds.
Some of the main challenges with net zero aviation are the sustainable production of the fuel, understanding the lifecycle of emissions, understanding the effect on the climate of other emissions than Co2 and contrails, the limited ranges of electric powered flights, longer aircraft design due to large size hydrogen fuel tanks, infrastructure and sustainable supply chains of electricity and hydrogen especially to more regional and remote areas, high costs of new technology, and skilling up the workforce to work in these emerging fields.
However, with aviation bodies, manufacturers, airlines and entrepreneurs working together on keeping the world moving, one may hope that flying on significantly reduced emissions will be a reality sooner than later.
Source: UNSW
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Brazil's Lula picks Amazon defender for environment minister
Amazon activist Marina Silva has announced that she has been appointed as environment minister of Brazil by President-elect Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. Silva announced her appointment Thursday in a message to supporters. Lula scheduled a news conference for later Thursday to announce the appointments. The announcement indicates the new administration will prioritize cracking down on illegal deforestation in the forest even if it means running afoul of powerful agribusiness interests.
Both attended the recent U.N. climate conference in Egypt, where Lula promised cheering crowds “zero deforestation” in the Amazon, the world's largest rainforest and a key to fighting climate change, by 2030. “There will be no climate security if the Amazon isn't protected,” he said.
His choice of Silva underscores that commitment — but the contentious pick may undermine his prospects for governability, given many agribusiness players and associated lawmakers resent her. The resentment stems from her time as environment minister during most of Lula's last presidency, from 2003 to 2010.
Continue reading.
#brazil#politics#brazilian politics#environmentalism#environmental justice#luiz inacio lula da silva#marina silva#mod nise da silveira#image description in alt
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Mondelēz International Advances Toward Net Zero Emissions
Key Takeaways
Net Zero Ambition: Mondelēz International aims for net zero greenhouse gas emissions across its value chain by 2050.
SBTi Commitment: The company has submitted a detailed plan in line with the Science Based Targets Initiative and the 1.5°C protocol.
Sustainable Sourcing: Focus on deforestation-free supply chains and regenerative agriculture in cocoa, wheat, and dairy.
Operations…
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UK Commits £1.6B for Climate Action
Prime Minister Prioritizes Ambitious Solutions at COP28
Funding Boost for Deforestation and Renewable Energy Projects
On the inaugural day of the World Leaders Summit at COP28 in the United Arab Emirates, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak is poised to underscore the urgent need to address rising global temperatures. His emphasis will be on propelling ambitious, innovative, and pragmatic climate action to effectively tackle the pressing challenge at hand.
Pledging £1.6 Billion for Climate Projects
Private Sector's Role Amplified
During the COP28 Summit, the Prime Minister will unveil a substantial £1.6 billion funding commitment from the UK for international climate finance (ICF) projects. This financial injection aligns with the UK's dedication to spending £11.6 billion on ICF over five years. Emphasizing the role of the private sector, Sunak aims to leverage the UK's position as a global hub for green finance.
Building on the UK's Record in Climate Action
Fastest Decarbonization and Record Investments
Today's announcements build upon the UK's remarkable domestic achievements, boasting the fastest decarbonization in the G7 and record-breaking investments in renewables. This steadfast commitment aims to propel the nation toward achieving the Paris Agreement goal of limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees.
Addressing Middle East Crisis
Talks on Gaza and Wider Middle East De-escalation
In addition to climate priorities, the Prime Minister will use his visit to engage in high-level talks addressing the crisis in Gaza and wider Middle East de-escalation. Discussions with key regional and international leaders will focus on humanitarian efforts, the release of hostages, and concrete proposals for aid delivery to foster lasting peace in the region.
Sunak's Call to Action
Transitioning from Pledges to Action
Ahead of COP28, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak emphasized the need for action over pledges. Sunak highlighted existing technologies, such as offshore wind farms and solar energy, as tools to protect the planet. The transition to net zero, he stressed, should enhance global safety and prosperity while benefiting ordinary families.
UK's Nature-Centric Approach
Furthering Commitment to Deforestation Halt
Building on the nature-centric approach initiated at COP26, the UK successfully secured the 'Glasgow Leaders' Declaration on Forests and Land Use.' With commitments from over 140 countries to halt and reverse deforestation by 2030, the UK is now taking a step further by announcing significant new funding. This includes a substantial £500 million allocation for the 'Investment in Forests and Sustainable Land Use' program and an additional £30 million for the REDD Early Movers program.
Energizing Global Transition to Renewables
£316 Million for Energy Innovation Projects Worldwide
The UK's commitment further extends to energizing the global transition to renewables through a substantial £316 million investment. This includes allocating up to £185 million for a Climate Innovation Pull Facility and earmarking £40 million for implementing 64 clean energy projects across Africa, South Asia, and the Indo-Pacific.
British International Investment's Climate Contributions
£44 Million Investment in Africa and Asia
British International Investment, the UK's development finance institution, is set to invest £44 million in climate projects across Africa and Asia. Initiatives like Planet Solar in Sierra Leone and Sun Culture in Kenya will strategically utilize solar power to enhance power supply, benefiting smallholder farms.
Addressing Loss and Damage from Climate Change
£60 Million for Loss and Damage Fund
The UK pledges up to £60 million for loss and damage, notably allocating £40 million for a new fund announced by the COP Presidency. This funding robustly addresses the real and growing impact of climate change on developing and small island states.
Continued Commitment Throughout COP28
UK Ministers to Announce Further Commitments
Further announcements by UK ministers during COP28 will bring the total UK ICF commitment to over £1.6 billion, with £887.8 million in new funding. Prime Minister Sunak is expected to attend key events, including the Opening Ceremony and bilateral meetings with world leaders.
Sources: THX News & Prime Minister's Office, 10 Downing Street.
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A Practical Approach for Sustainability in Your Organization
"The time to act is now. We must commit to sustainability and take the necessary steps to protect our planet." - Al Gore.
We see this quote as an alarm waking us up to protect our planet and our future. And it is not only the responsibility of leaders and government; it is the duty of every human being.
As an organization, no matter how small or big, it is also your responsibility to grow economically without negatively impacting nature.
Today, every organization, including us and you, is at that point where adopting sustainability is not a choice anymore; it has become a necessity. The obvious reasons are climate change, deforestation, pollution, loss of biodiversity, bad water quality, and so on and on and on.
Therefore, as an ethical organization, it should be your core goal to achieve Net Zero and ESG to save the future of your future generation.
But how will you achieve your sustainability goal?
In this blog, we will discuss some environmental, social, and governance approaches to achieve sustainability.
Let's get started.
The Environmental Approach- A Roadmap to Achieve Net Zero
Here, we will outline 5 must-execute approaches to achieving Net Zero-
1 . Shift to Remote Work Model
If achieving Net Zero is your goal, then shifting to remote work should be your first step in the process. You should encourage your employees to work remotely and provide them with the proper facilities for it.
Road transportation emissions are the highest contributor to transportation pollution.
So, think if your employees don't commute every day, they contribute to reducing pollution from transportation.
2 . Save Energy
If you are not able to shift to a remote work model, then you can still achieve Net Zero with energy saving.
Large companies often waste energy by leaving computers on overnight. A small change, such as shutting them down at the end of the day, can save a lot of energy when applied company-wide.
Similarly, adjusting the thermostat or lowering air conditioning power, if possible, helps save energy without compromising comfort. These small initiatives not only cut costs but also lower your company's environmental footprint.
3 . Enable Sustainable Transportation
Promoting sustainable transportation is a key step in making your firm more eco-friendly. Travel, especially by cars and two-wheelers, releases harmful pollutants that affect people, plants, and animals.
To be more sustainable, reduce employee travel, especially by car or two-wheelers. Provide carpooling for those coming to the office and offer incentives for biking or walking to work.
These small changes help cut down pollution and make a positive impact on our environment.
4 . Boost Waste management
A green mindset is a must for your organization to be more sustainable, and it all starts with enhancing waste management.
Reduce, Reuse, Recycle
Make recycling easy, so your stuff gets recycled, not dumped in landfills. Encourage everyone to be mindful, using just what they need, whether it's water or electricity.
Start reusing things instead of tossing them. Small acts, big impact!
By practicing this, you will do your part for a cleaner, happier Earth.
5 . Measure the Carbon Footprint
Regular carbon audits help you understand and improve your carbon footprint. Be open about what you are doing – share your efforts and progress in reducing carbon emissions through sustainability reports.
Transparency is key! By measuring and reporting, you will be taking steps toward a more sustainable organization.
It's about being responsible, making positive changes, and letting everyone know you are committed to a healthier planet.
The Social Approach
Like environmental factors, this factor is equally vital for your organization's ethics. It mainly focuses on the sustainability of your work culture. This aspect focuses on social equity, justice, and well-being.
You can make your workplace better for everyone! How you treat your employees matters in every aspect of work.
So, start by creating fair wages, diverse teams, and good working conditions. Also, listen to employees' ideas and make sure everyone feels included.
Moreover, invest in their health and ensure they are physically and mentally healthy.
Your organization should provide opportunities for every employee's education and skill development so they can grow.
In this way, your employees will know that you care about their well-being, and ultimately, they will be more productive and more loyal to your company.
The Governance Approach
This factor shows what ethical norms direct the organization's decision-making processes. Let's discuss them.
It is critical to follow a cautious and planned strategy for your governance approach to sustainability in your organization.
Begin with getting leadership support for good corporate governance practices that are in line with the principles of your organization.
Also, do an in-depth audit to identify critical issues and create clear policies and processes.
You also need to make sure the board is diverse and competent and includes ethical ideas in the organization's culture.
Most importantly, protect shareholder rights, such as risk management practices, and increase openness in governance reporting.
Because a well-governed organization not only builds trust but is also more prepared for long-term success and good contributions to sustainability in general.
How BugendaiTech Approaches Sustainability Since Day 1?
Our dedication to sustainability has been built into every aspect of our organization since day one, and believe it; we've been doing everything remotely for over five years!
Working from home isn't just about our convenience; it's a vital part of our green approach. By staying remote, we're slashing our carbon footprint and reducing the energy used in traditional offices.
But it's not just about where we work; it's about how we work. We're big fans of the ESG approach—focusing on Environmental, Social, and Governance factors.
We put our employees on top and make sure they have what they need to learn and grow. We provide all the facilities they require for their work.
Likewise, our Governance strategy ensures rights and openness in our leadership. We value honesty and make decisions that benefit everyone in our organization. Sticking to these values improves our internal operations and develops stakeholder confidence.
Overall, working on sustainability is the principle of our organization, and we are proud of it.
Conclusion
Our world is changing fast. Climate shifts, fewer resources, and higher demands on energy and food are shaking up how we do business. To stay strong, you as a company need to rethink how you work. Becoming a sustainable business means being ready for surprises and doing things in a way that takes care of your planet and your work culture. Let's be smart, flexible, and responsible to keep succeeding in this ever-changing world and ensure our nature and work environment stay healthy.
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CBiBank Research Department: In Europe, Lula asserts that affluent nations bear responsibility for climate change and should accordingly fund environmental protection efforts.
By William Thompson
During Lula’s third visit to Europe since assuming office in January, President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has intensified his rhetoric, attributing the blame for climate change to wealthier nations. He advocated that the world’s leading economies should finance environmental protection measures.
"It's not the African people or the Latin American people who are polluting the world. Indeed, those who have polluted the planet for the last 200 years are the ones who initiated the Industrial Revolution. Consequently, they have a historical debt to the planet that they must settle," Lula asserted last Thursday in Paris.
The president delivered these remarks at the conclusion of Power Our Planet, a gathering aiming to bolster efforts to assist poor and developing nations in addressing climate change. Lula was invited to speak at the event by Chris Martin, the lead singer of the British band Coldplay.
Lula also reiterated his commitment to halt deforestation in the Amazon by 2030, stating, “Upon taking office, I embraced the obligation to achieve zero deforestation in the Amazon by 2030. While the Amazon is Brazilian sovereign territory, it also belongs to all of humanity. Consequently, we will exert every effort to preserve the forest.”
Following his participation in Power Our Planet, Lula engaged in discussions with the French President, Emmanuel Macron, focusing on the trade agreement between Mercosur and the European Union and deliberating on the terms to finalize negotiations between the blocs.
Lula once more elevated his tone, expressing criticism towards the new conditions imposed by the European Union for signing the agreement, including the imposition of fines for failure to adhere to environmental commitments. The president perceives the stipulations presented by the European bloc as a form of “threat” to Mercosur members.
“The supplementary document drafted by the European Union precludes reaching an agreement. We are formulating a response and will convey it, but discussions need to commence. It’s untenable to have a strategic partnership while receiving threats through an additional document from a strategic partner,” he declared.
Sanctioned in 2019, following two decades of negotiations, the agreement between Mercosur and the EU still requires ratification by the parliaments of all member countries of both blocs to become effective. The negotiations encompass 31 countries, making it highly intricate. Nonetheless, Lula is optimistic that a resolution can be achieved by year’s end.
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