Category: FALO & Nature-Based Carbon Removal

Cut Emissions & Remove Carbon:
– Shift Agriculture Practices
– Protect & Manage Ecosystems
– Biomass Carbon Removal & Storage

  • ‘The lake is our life’: Protecting a shared lifeline in Uganda

    Efforts are being made to protect Lake Albert from pollution and environmental degradation, which threaten fish stocks and the livelihoods of local communities. The UN has warned of the decline of freshwater species due to pollution, urging communities to stop dumping waste and support sustainable fishing practices. The government is taking steps to combat pollution and protect the lake's resources, while community involvement, particularly from fishers, is seen as crucial in conservation efforts. Protecting Lake Albert is essential for sustaining the livelihoods of surrounding communities and future generations, with a focus on using environmentally friendly methods and avoiding catching young fish to ensure the lake's resources are preserved for millions of citizens.

    https://news.un.org/en/story/2026/08/1168228

  • Environmental News Network – Specific Cover Crops May Help Attract Insects That Target Harmful Pests

    A recent study from Penn State's College of Agricultural Sciences revealed that different cover crops can influence plant defense mechanisms against pests. Published in Basic and Applied Ecology, the research showed that plants grown in soil previously used by pea cover crops emitted more indole, boosting stress hormones and defensive chemicals, but had lower levels of benzoxazinoid, a natural pesticide. These findings highlight the potential for cover crops to impact plant resilience and pest management strategies, offering valuable insights for climate solutions experts seeking sustainable agricultural practices.

    https://www.enn.com/articles/78293-specific-cover-crops-may-help-attract-insects-that-target-harmful-pests

  • Carbon farming is an opportunity for Australian farmers and regions, not a land grab

    Carbon projects in Australia are creating new opportunities for farmers, regional communities, and land managers by bringing investment into agriculture, diversifying farm income, supporting jobs, and delivering environmental benefits. These projects encompass a variety of practices such as soil carbon management, improved grazing, regeneration, and plantation forestry. A credible and high-integrity ACCU scheme is essential for ensuring genuine, measurable, and lasting climate outcomes. Carbon projects can provide diversified income, improved cash flow, and greater resilience for landholders while complementing traditional food and fibre production. Additionally, these projects contribute to regional economic development, create jobs, and strengthen biodiversity outcomes by restoring vegetation, improving soils, and protecting waterways. Active land management, including controlling pests and invasive species, managing fire risk, and maintaining land according to project commitments, is crucial for restoring Australia's degraded rangelands. Carbon markets can incentivize environmental stewardship by putting a value on carbon projects that deliver climate and biodiversity benefits. Private capital is driving investment in Australian agriculture through carbon farming, with the Safeguard Mechanism creating a market signal for emissions reduction. The Clean Energy Finance Corporation can help de-risk investments and attract private capital for projects that deliver measurable climate and environmental outcomes. Carbon farming is seen as an investment in the future of Australian agriculture and regional economies, rather than a land grab.

    https://carbonmarketinstitute.org/2026/08/28/carbon-farming-opportunity/

  • In Bhutan, a philosophy of happiness guides a push for food self-sufficiency

    Bhutan is committed to achieving full food self-sufficiency by 2029 through sustainable agriculture practices and addressing challenges posed by climate change. The government's 13th five-year plan focuses on supporting smallholder farmers, particularly women, by providing training on climate-smart agriculture and improving access to finance, technology, and markets. Despite challenges such as unpredictable weather and wildlife conflict, Bhutan's unique food system, based on the philosophy of gross national happiness, prioritizes sustainability and the well-being of its citizens. The country's approach to balancing development with environmental and social well-being, guided by the Gross National Happiness philosophy, sets it apart in prioritizing the growth of its people alongside economic growth.

    https://news.mongabay.com/podcast/2026/08/in-bhutan-a-philosophy-of-happiness-guides-a-push-for-food-self-sufficiency/

  • Environmental News Network – WVU AI Research Could Transform How Scientists Monitor Ecosystems

    West Virginia University researchers, led by assistant professor Steve Kannenberg, are using artificial intelligence to rapidly access critical data on ecosystem health, allowing for swift responses to events like droughts and wildfires. With support from the National Science Foundation, AI is being integrated into local monitoring sensors to track ecosystem health in near real time. Given the constant exchange of carbon, water, and energy between ecosystems and the atmosphere globally, monitoring their responses to events such as rain, drought, or fire is crucial for effective climate solutions.

    https://www.enn.com/articles/78276-wvu-ai-research-could-transform-how-scientists-monitor-ecosystems

  • Can restoring land create jobs? These young entrepreneurs are proving it

    In Senegal, Féro combines high-productivity greenhouses with agroforestry systems to balance production with restoration, while Green Eden Farms developed ScareGrow, a solar-powered precision agriculture system. Pacchar Biochar in Ecuador turns agricultural waste into biochar to improve soil health, inspired by ancient Amazonian terra preta soils. The key to successful restoration projects is offering tangible benefits to farmers and responding to market demand. The Youth Ecopreneur Programme supports young entrepreneurs in developing environmental businesses focused on land restoration, aiming to create a restoration economy that generates livelihoods and market opportunities while shifting away from reliance on public projects or donations.

    https://news.un.org/en/story/2026/08/1168194

  • Environmental News Network – Natural Restoration Is Key to Reviving Threatened Tropical Rainforests

    Research from The University of Queensland and the University of Newcastle has shown that natural forest regeneration is a cost-effective and viable solution for restoring ecosystems and combating climate change. The study found that natural regeneration can provide significant carbon and biodiversity benefits, and be up to 96% cheaper than traditional tree-planting programs. By creating an interactive global map, researchers have highlighted the benefits of letting nature take the lead in restoration efforts. School of the Environment PhD candidate Jiaqi Li emphasized the importance of embracing natural regeneration as a key strategy for addressing climate change.

    https://www.enn.com/articles/78272-natural-restoration-is-key-to-reviving-threatened-tropical-rainforests

  • Horizontal Levees Are Spreading Across the Bay Area

    The Palo Alto Baylands Nature Preserve is home to a unique horizontal levee project that blends into the natural scenery and mimics the functions of a natural estuary. Designed to interact with Bay waters like natural estuaries, the project uses treated wastewater to irrigate plants that remove nitrogen before it filters into the Bay. This green infrastructure initiative provides conditions for native species to thrive, including the salt-marsh harvest mouse, while also serving as a flood break. With sea levels projected to rise significantly by 2100, the levee and similar projects are crucial for protecting Bay Area residents from future flooding events and restoring habitat for endangered wildlife.

    https://reasonstobecheerful.world/bay-area-living-levees/

  • Florida builds to adapt amid threats of sea level rise and worsening storms

    Architects, researchers, and companies in Florida are leading the way in developing climate resilient infrastructure to adapt to rising sea levels and more frequent storms. Projects like 3D-printed living seawalls, affordable senior housing designed to withstand storm surges, and transformed public spaces that double as flood infrastructure are being implemented. Future Vision Studios has proposed a regional resilience master plan called The Coastline to protect Southern Florida, while the University of Miami's Center for Urban and Community Design is working to make climate resilient projects more accessible to lower-income communities. Initiatives in South Florida are incorporating multiple services into road construction and creating "sponge parks" to manage stormwater, with the hope that these solutions can be replicated in other states facing similar climate challenges.

    https://apnews.com/article/sea-level-rise-miami-hurricanes-climate-change-5a96158c5188a0f51ff64a516fe22683

  • “It’s not a big deal:” How these wind turbine hosts manage decommissioning and maintenance issues

    Tom Gunthorpe, a farmer hosting a wind farm, emphasizes the importance of negotiating as a group to ensure fair agreements with developers. The creation of an escrow fund for quick access to funds for any issues that may arise from the wind project operation is highlighted. Gunthorpe is not concerned about decommissioning costs due to lease agreements and the likelihood of turbine refurbishment. The escrow fund, managed by an independent organization, provides off-farm income for farmers and ensures the farm can be passed down for generations despite droughts and economic challenges, ultimately securing the future for farming families.

    https://reneweconomy.com.au/its-not-a-big-deal-how-these-wind-turbine-hosts-manage-decommissioning-and-maintenance-issues/