In early 2024, Michael Fedoroff led a project to plant rivercane, a native bamboo plant, along Tuckabum Creek in Alabama to restore eroded wetlands. Rivercane used to be abundant in the Southeast but has declined due to European settlement. The project showed that rivercane is crucial for preventing erosion and damage from floods, as seen during Hurricane Helene. A network of scientists, volunteers, and Native stakeholders are working to bring back rivercane and restore its benefits in the face of climate-fueled disasters. The Rivercane Restoration Alliance (RRA) and its allies are working to replant rivercane in the Southeast, emphasizing its benefits for waterways, native species, and water filtration. Large restoration projects involve collaboration with stakeholders like land management companies, government agencies, and Native American tribes. Rivercane holds cultural significance for tribes, who historically used it for crafts. Challenges to restoration efforts include education, as rivercane is often mistaken for invasive bamboo, and the cost and availability of plants. Innovative methods, like the "cane train," are being used to propagate rivercane and overcome these challenges. Researchers are working on sequencing rivercane genomes to choose the best varieties for different locations due to the plant's specific needs. Despite imperfections, rivercane propagation is seen as a cheap and easy method for restoration projects. In Yancey County, North Carolina, a rivercane restoration project led by the county government and local groups involved volunteers in planting thousands of shoots to stabilize stream banks. This project demonstrates the power of planting rivercane as an actionable solution for ordinary landowners and volunteers to contribute to healing the landscape in the face of climate change.
Category: FALO & Nature-Based Carbon Removal
Cut Emissions & Remove Carbon:
– Shift Agriculture Practices
– Protect & Manage Ecosystems
– Biomass Carbon Removal & Storage
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Five climate trailblazers: UNEP’S 2025 Champions of the Earth
The UN Environment Programme has named five new climate visionaries as its 2025 Champions of the Earth, recognizing their work on climate justice, sustainable cooling, forest protection, and methane emissions reductions. The laureates, including Pacific Islands Students Fighting Climate Change, Supriya Sahu from Tamil Nadu, Mariam Issoufou Architects, and Imazon from Brazil, are driving real change for people and the planet with their innovative leadership in areas such as climate law, sustainable cooling, resilient buildings, and deforestation prediction models. Imazon's non-profit research institute, using science and AI-driven geospatial tools, is curbing deforestation in the Amazon and supporting legal cases. Cynthia Houniuhi is honored for pioneering forest monitoring systems, while Manfredi Caltagirone, posthumously awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award, dedicated his career to addressing climate challenges, particularly methane emissions, and shaping global energy policy through his work at UNEP's International Methane Emissions Observatory.
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Landmark philanthropic support for coastal communities and small-scale fishers
Blue Ventures has received a significant donation of USD 62 million from MacKenzie Scott to support small-scale fishers and coastal communities in the tropics. The funding will help strengthen locally led efforts to protect marine ecosystems, sustain livelihoods, and build resilience in the face of climate and ocean crises. The gift recognizes the leadership of coastal communities and aims to scale effective community-led initiatives to address environmental and economic pressures. Blue Ventures will use the funding to implement their 2030 Strategy, focusing on community leadership and supporting frontline partners to drive their own priorities for conservation and stewardship of marine resources. The organization emphasizes the importance of community-led conservation in protecting coastal seas and ensuring equity in climate solutions. Blue Ventures will lead fisheries management, marine conservation, and improve food security for 5 million people, bringing 200,000 km2 of carbon-rich seas under local stewardship and supporting communities with skills, data, and advocacy. Working with partners and councils, the organization will prioritize funding for local solutions to address the climate crisis, enabling communities to adapt and scale effective approaches for healthy oceans and sustainable livelihoods.
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Strengthening urban resilience through collaboration: lessons from India, Kenya, Myanmar and the Philippines | International Institute for Environment and Development
Various organizations in India, Kenya, Myanmar, and the Philippines are implementing nature-based strategies to improve water and green resource management, address flood risks, and empower vulnerable communities in urban areas. The focus is on community leadership and collaboration to build inclusive, climate-resilient cities rooted in local priorities. These efforts will be showcased at the Resilient Cities Forum, aiming to encourage collaborations among funders, city governments, researchers, practitioners, and private-sector organizations. The Urban Resilience Strategic Exchange (URSE) platform, co-chaired by UK FCDO's CLARE program and the Adaptation Research Alliance, brings together funders, research institutions, and city partners to align strategies for inclusive, locally-led urban resilience. The videos highlight the importance of locally-led adaptation and community expertise in building climate-resilient cities, with a focus on empowering marginalized groups to shape policies and investments affecting their lives.
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At the City of Joy, Women Learn to Farm, Heal, and Lead
The City of Joy in Bukavu, DRC, provides a safe space for women who have experienced violence to heal and become leaders in their communities. The program includes education, therapy, and practical skills like farming, with a focus on integrating climate change into its curriculum due to the region's extreme weather events. Graduates are reintegrated into their communities with ongoing support and guidance, emphasizing a healthy relationship with the earth and sustainability. Despite facing severe impacts from climate change, the DRC contributes very little to global carbon dioxide emissions, with efforts like planting trees and employing graduates on the farm contributing to environmental conservation.
https://www.sierraclub.org/sierra/2025-4-winter/feature/city-joy-women-learn-farm-heal-and-lead
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Depleted Tennessee Farmland Is Now Teeming With Wildlife
The restoration and development of Middle Fork Bottoms State Park in Tennessee, funded by various sources including a grant from Toyota, serves as a successful model for addressing environmental challenges and showcasing the benefits of floodplains for flood control, water quality, and groundwater recharge. The park, a collaboration between conservation groups and the WTRBA, has become a popular recreational space attracting 15,000 visitors monthly and serving as a site for education. Governor Bill Lee's administration's support for new state parks in Tennessee highlights the importance of waterways, with future projects focusing on designing land to encourage flooding naturally. The project at Middle Fork Bottoms sets a precedent for similar work in neighboring states and demonstrates the potential for positive impact through sustainable practices in climate solutions.
https://reasonstobecheerful.world/tennessee-middle-fork-bottoms-state-park-depleted-farmland/
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US added 2 GW of solar in September, putting 2025 ahead of 2024 for new solar generation
As climate solutions experts, it is crucial to stay informed on the latest developments in the field. One recent article highlighted the importance of renewable energy sources in combating climate change, emphasizing the need for a transition away from fossil fuels. Additionally, the article discussed the role of sustainable agriculture practices in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and promoting carbon sequestration. It also touched on the significance of investing in green infrastructure and technology to support a more sustainable future. Overall, the key takeaway is the urgent need for comprehensive and innovative solutions to address the climate crisis.
https://www.utilitydive.com/news/solar-gas-nuclear-ferc-infrastructure-report/807053/
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Loma Santa marks first Indigenous protected area in the Bolivian Amazon
The Loma Santa Indigenous Conservation Area in the Bolivian Amazon, established through collaboration between Indigenous communities, NGOs, and the government, showcases self-governance and participatory conservation. Spanning 198,778 hectares, the area is home to a diverse range of bird species, including vulnerable ones like the harpy eagle and gray tinamou. Indigenous communities have set up monitoring posts with advanced technology to prevent illegal activities and monitor regional weather, demonstrating a model of collaboration for conservation efforts. The initiative, led by the Multiethnic Indigenous Territory, highlights the harmonious integration of nature and culture, driven by the active participation of local Indigenous groups and aiming to preserve the land for future generations.
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How do Local Communities use data to protect the rainforest?
Donations to Cool Earth this December will be doubled, supporting initiatives like the Rainforest Lab in Papua New Guinea, where Indigenous students like Liddie are trained to monitor and protect their rainforest from threats like illegal logging and climate change impacts. The lab empowers young people to become rainforest protectors and defend important carbon stores, strengthening the front line of rainforest protection. Matched donations will help more students in Wabumari find a path into conservation, enabling them to take an active role in protecting their territories and combating climate change. This initiative not only supports local communities but also contributes to the global effort to preserve vital ecosystems for future generations.
https://www.coolearth.org/news/how-do-local-communities-use-data-to-protect-the-rainforest/
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ENCORE: Small Dollar, Big Impact
Premal Shah discusses effective altruism and the importance of investing in reforestation efforts, system change, and renewable energy to combat climate change. He emphasizes the need to focus on solutions with the highest impact per dollar, such as building solar in markets with dirtier grids. Shah argues that changing the rules of capitalism and making strategic investments are essential in addressing the climate crisis effectively.
https://www.climateone.org/audio/encore-small-dollar-big-impact