India has unveiled new climate goals to cut carbon intensity, expand clean electricity capacity, and increase carbon sinks. The targets include reducing greenhouse gas emissions per unit of GDP by 47% by 2035, increasing non-fossil fuel sources to 60% of electricity generation capacity by 2035, and setting goals for carbon sinks. Analysts have mixed reactions, with some saying the targets are too easy to meet while others praise India's efforts. The country aims to achieve these targets through its booming clean energy industry and the growth of renewable energy sources like wind and solar power. India aims to increase its carbon sink through trees and forests by 3.5-4 billion tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent by 2035 from 2005 levels, with experts highlighting the country's commitment to nature-based solutions and existing forest-growing programs. India's success in meeting climate goals is seen as a signal of integrity and commitment, with potential for further acceleration if adequate climate finance is provided by developed nations.
Category: FALO & Nature-Based Carbon Removal
Cut Emissions & Remove Carbon:
– Shift Agriculture Practices
– Protect & Manage Ecosystems
– Biomass Carbon Removal & Storage
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What We’re Reading: Lessons From the ‘Grandmother Cacao’
In India's Western Ghats, a 65-year-old cacao tree is thriving thanks to successful agroforestry and "bio-control" techniques developed by a microbiologist couple. By using beneficial microbes to prevent the growth of pathogens, the farm is able to maintain soil health and produce organic cocoa. With increasing heat and rainfall threatening cacao trees with fungal and bacterial infestations, these innovative solutions are crucial for sustainable agriculture. This success story highlights the importance of climate-resilient practices in the face of changing environmental conditions.
https://reasonstobecheerful.world/what-were-reading-lessons-from-grandmother-cacao/
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Saint Louis University’s Vasit Sagan and Derek Tesser on mapping cattle emissions
Vasit Sagan and Derek S. Tesser from Saint Louis University's Remote Sensing Lab are leading the Climate TRACE coalition's efforts to map cattle operations globally and track methane and nitrous oxide emissions from pastures and feedlots. Livestock emissions are a significant contributor to global greenhouse gas emissions, but also offer potential for emissions reductions and carbon sequestration. The use of technology and modeling is being combined to map cattle emissions, with a focus on detecting and mapping concentrated animal feeding operations and manure lagoons. The Climate TRACE project is prioritizing high-emission regions for mapping cattle production to understand the climate impact, using remote sensing, geospatial models, and AI to fill data gaps and achieve environmental integrity, economic viability, and equity across regions and communities.
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MAGA Influencers Love Solar Power, And So Does Elon Musk
Right wing pundits Katie Miller and KellyAnne Conway, along with Tesla CEO Elon Musk, have shown support for solar power. The US Department of Agriculture plays a significant role in administering grants and loan guarantees for farmers to save on energy costs through solar projects, with the REAP initiative providing opportunities for wind and solar power since 2002. However, under the Trump administration, there was a freeze on REAP disbursements, leading to a loss of over $1 billion in funds, and new restrictions imposed by Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins limited opportunities for farmers. Tennessee has lost 9% of its farmland over a 20-year period, primarily due to real estate development, not solar industry growth, prompting the establishment of a $25 million fund to buy conservation easements from farmers. Trump has approved large solar projects in Nevada, with a push for solar power by conservative influencers and stakeholders in the AI industry, while Elon Musk plans to add 100 gigawatts of solar to the US grid and boost domestic solar manufacturing.
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Unlocking Nature for Disaster Resilience: A Policy Guide to Enable Nature-Based Solutions
Nature-based solutions (NBS) offer countries a way to tackle climate challenges through resilience and disaster risk reduction (DRR), with traditional conservation and restoration practices falling under this umbrella if they prioritize human well-being. NBS can serve as a cost-effective alternative to gray infrastructure, offering multiple benefits and job opportunities. To successfully implement NBS, supportive policy frameworks are crucial, emphasizing ecosystem-based approaches that align with broader development objectives.
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Mobilizing Mangrove-Positive Action for the World’s Coasts
Mangrove forests play a vital role in combating climate change and biodiversity loss through carbon storage and shoreline protection, but are disappearing due to various industries. The concept of "mangrove-positive action" is gaining momentum, with businesses recognizing the benefits of healthy mangrove ecosystems. Initiatives in Southeast Maluku, Indonesia, and Belize showcase successful community-led approaches to sustainable management and conservation. By scaling solutions and fostering partnerships, investments, and policies, businesses can contribute to halting mangrove loss and building resilient coastal economies for a sustainable future.
https://www.mangrovealliance.org/news/mobilizing-mangrove-positive-action-for-the-worlds-coasts
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Forests are more than a resource: How Belarus protects its vital ecosystem
The UNDP, in collaboration with the Ministry of Forestry in Belarus, is implementing projects supported by China and Russia to address threats facing forest ecosystems in Belarus. These projects focus on developing ecotourism, protecting forests, and strengthening preparedness for fire prevention and response. Efforts include introducing modern approaches to forest management, utilizing digital technologies, creating new sources of income for local communities, and raising environmental awareness among young people. By prioritizing innovation, partnerships, and community engagement, these initiatives aim to safeguard Belarus' forests and the benefits they provide for climate change mitigation, biodiversity preservation, and economic development.
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Solar-to-X could redefine Iran’s energy future
Iran has the potential to transition to a fully renewable energy system by 2050, with solar PV playing a key role. A recent study by LUT University shows that such a transition is technically possible and economically attractive. Solar PV could become the backbone of Iran's energy system, driving change across power, heat, transport, industry, and desalination sectors. In the most ambitious scenario, solar PV would dominate the power sector, accounting for 81% of installed capacity and 93% of electricity generation by 2050. Solar PV electricity is becoming the central energy platform in Iran, with direct electrification and heat pumps meeting 80% of heat demand by 2050. In transport, direct electrification is preferred, while Solar-to-X fuels are used for aviation and shipping. The industrial sector in Iran could benefit from transitioning to renewable electricity, hydrogen, and Power-to-X products. Solar PV can support cleaner production in energy-intensive industries and help address water scarcity issues by avoiding water consumption in thermal power plants. System integration of renewable energy can also support defossilisation and water security in the country. The section discusses the importance of storage in Iran's energy transition, with a focus on renewable energy sources like solar PV. By 2050, electricity storage output and capacity are expected to increase significantly. The transition to renewables is not just about reducing greenhouse gas emissions, but also about creating a cost-effective and efficient energy system. Iran has the opportunity to use its energy strengths to build a sustainable future, including the export of e-fuels and e-materials. The country can follow Norway's example of transitioning from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources to shape its long-term economic model. Research at LUT University focuses on power-to-X technologies, including solar energy, as a key aspect of their work in various sectors such as power, heat, transport, industry, desalination, and carbon dioxide removal. This article highlights the importance of connecting renewable electricity with industrial strategy, export potential, energy security, and water solutions in a single framework for Iran's future energy development.
https://www.pv-magazine.com/2026/03/18/solar-to-x-could-redefine-irans-energy-future/
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GM Pivots Tennessee Battery Plant to Tap Energy Storage Boom
The article highlights key climate solutions experts need to know, including the importance of renewable energy sources, carbon sequestration technologies, and sustainable agriculture practices. It emphasizes the urgent need for global cooperation and policy changes to address climate change effectively. Additionally, the article discusses the role of innovation and investment in developing new technologies to combat climate change. Overall, the focus is on actionable solutions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate the impacts of climate change on a global scale.
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The Native Seed Farm Safeguarding California’s Future
Heritage Growers, in partnership with the Yurok Tribe and others, is contributing native plants and seeds to help restore damaged ecosystems along the Klamath River. They work with government agencies to ensure enough of the right seeds are available for restoration projects, sharing knowledge on native seed production and collaborating with tribal communities to integrate traditional ecological knowledge into restoration planning. These efforts are helping California progress towards its 30×30 conservation goal, one seed at a time.
https://reasonstobecheerful.world/heritage-growers-california-future/