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.
Category: Food, Agriculture, Land & Ocean (FALO)
Cut Emissions:
– Curb Growing Demands
– Restore & Manage Ecosystems
– Shift Agriculture Practices
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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.
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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/
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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.
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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.
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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.
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“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.
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New renewables pilot seeks to generate power, and financial returns, for First Nations communities
A new federal grant of $10 million will support First Nations clean energy projects, focusing on mid-size community renewables initiatives with the goal of helping up to two projects sized at 1 MW or higher move towards financial close. The pilot grant program is designed to support projects with First Nations leadership and potential for long-term financial returns, addressing challenges and creating more established processes for grid connection in community energy projects. The urgent need for climate solutions is emphasized to mitigate health and environmental risks, including the impact of rising global temperatures on the spread of diseases and frequency of extreme weather events, highlighting the importance of protecting vulnerable populations and ecosystems.
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“Prices have doubled”: Farmers turn to wind and solar to make fertiliser, and change dialogue about renewables
Australian farmers are considering green energy options like wind and solar in response to global market impacts caused by Trump's actions. The Australian Renewables in Agriculture Conference highlighted the benefits of transitioning to renewables, with farmers looking to host wind and solar farms and produce green hydrogen and ammonia locally. Projects like the GEGHA pilot project in the Gwydir Valley are seen as a lifeline for rural communities. Additionally, initiatives like Morona's commercial scale plant to produce NH3 aim to reduce emissions in agriculture and promote the use of green hydrogen. The renewable energy project in Moree, focusing on minimal water usage, is seen as a game changer for the local community, providing opportunities to benefit from energy produced in the south-west Renewable Energy Zone (REZ) and driving down costs further. Overall, these projects represent a step towards utilizing clean energy to benefit local communities and address climate change.
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Filipino Cacao Growers Learn to Live With a Hotter Climate
Climate change poses serious challenges to cacao farmers in the Philippines, particularly in the Davao region, where extreme weather events have become more frequent. Despite these challenges, farmers are implementing climate mitigation strategies such as intercropping, producing fertilizers from agricultural waste, and using innovative irrigation systems to adapt to changing conditions. Filmmaker Breech Asher Harani documents the resilience and sustainable farming techniques of cacao farmers in Davao, highlighting their readiness to face the battle against climate change. The film aims to elevate the importance of farmers and motivate viewers to take action against climate change, which is already impacting food production.
https://e360.yale.edu/features/2026-film-contest-first-place-philippines-chocolates