Key climate-related points from the section include Brazil's announcement of an 11% drop in deforestation in the Brazilian Amazon, Malaysia and Indonesia updating their climate targets ahead of COP30, and the failure of UN biodiversity negotiations to agree on recommendations for the next major round of discussions. Additionally, Hurricane Melissa caused damage to crops in the Caribbean, while Cyclone Montha affected the agricultural sector in India, leading to significant losses for farmers. Around 1.7 billion people worldwide are living in places where human-driven land degradation is leading to falling crop yields, posing a threat to agricultural productivity and food security. Nigeria approved a new national carbon market framework to unlock up to $3bn annually in carbon finance, reinstated funding for climate change initiatives, and committed to mainstreaming climate action into national development. American pop star Billie Eilish announced a donation of $11.5m from her upcoming tour proceeds to causes dedicated to food equity, climate justice, and reducing carbon pollution. Eel trafficking in Europe, combined with habitat loss, pollution, and the climate crisis, is driving the slippery fish towards extinction. The COP30 UN climate talks in Brazil are focusing on the Tropical Forest Forever Facility (TFFF) as a new funding mechanism to protect tropical forests. However, concerns have been raised about the fund's design and effectiveness in preserving forests. Brazil is also pushing for increased use of sustainable fuels and the development of biodiversity offsets and carbon credit markets. Despite a deadline for new climate pledges, only a third of countries have submitted them so far. Climate finance experts are concerned that the focus on private sector involvement is weakening official funds for climate solutions at COP30. They argue that addressing root drivers of tropical forest loss, such as changing diets and shifting harmful subsidies, would unlock serious grant money for countries. New science highlights the impact of expanding irrigation on water depletion and the potential climate implications of ammonia emissions from farming. The article also includes information on greenwashing in agriculture, wildlife trafficking, rainforest threats in Nigeria, and life in Sulawesi island.
https://www.carbonbrief.org/cropped-5-november-2025-nature-finance-at-cop30-storms-devastate-crops-brazilian-deforestation-decline/