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.
Category: Food, Agriculture, Land & Ocean (FALO)
Cut Emissions:
– Curb Growing Demands
– Restore & Manage Ecosystems
– Shift Agriculture Practices
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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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From commitment to reality: how Chinese cities are delivering on climate goals
Chinese cities like Zhenjiang, Qingdao, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen are leading the way in implementing climate solutions at the city level. Initiatives include reducing food waste, developing zero-waste cities, managing energy and carbon emissions, and promoting green industries. Shenzhen has become a world-class 'supercharging city' with a high market penetration of EVs and plans to pilot vehicle-to-grid interaction. Dalian is increasing its renewable energy capacity and developing clean energy industries, including hydrogen-based energy. Wuhan has completed a sponge city pilot project to improve flood control and ecological functions, while also focusing on green, low-carbon development. Municipal leaders in these cities are emphasizing the importance of environmental protection and sustainable development, showcasing practical blueprints for international climate action and the importance of local solutions in achieving global net-zero pathways.
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Environmental News Network – Breakthrough Could Lead to Plants That Use Water More Efficiently
Cornell researchers have found a new method plants use to regulate water under the leaf's surface, in addition to stomata on the leaf's surface. This discovery could potentially result in the breeding of more drought-tolerant crops. The study utilized AquaDust, a nanoscale sensor created by Cornell, to measure water levels inside leaves. This breakthrough in understanding plant water regulation could be crucial in developing climate-resilient agriculture practices and addressing water scarcity challenges in the face of climate change.
https://www.enn.com/articles/77469-breakthrough-could-lead-to-plants-that-use-water-more-efficiently
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The Symbiosis Of Food And Climate Arise At COP30
COP30 focused on addressing the unequal distribution of climate impacts, with a focus on food and climate solutions. Initiatives were announced to promote healthy food and climate exchanges, including reducing food waste and methane emissions. Brazil, Japan, and the UK supported goals for resilient agriculture and reducing environmental impacts. The Gates Foundation added funds for smallholder farmer climate adaptation. The Zero Hunger Private Sector Pledge continues to mobilize investments to end hunger and malnutrition, with a focus on smallholder farmers and regenerative agriculture. The section also emphasizes the need for more media coverage on the impact of animal agriculture on climate change, the importance of finance in addressing climate-related issues in agriculture, and the updated Planetary Health Diet endorsing a plant-rich diet with reduced meat consumption to combat climate change.
https://cleantechnica.com/2025/11/25/the-symbiosis-of-food-and-climate-arise-at-cop30/
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Rights to millions of hectares of Indigenous & local communities’ lands restored by ‘barefoot lawyers’
Nonette Royo, executive director of the Tenure Facility, emphasizes the importance of utilizing the legal system to secure land rights for Indigenous and local communities in various countries. The organization aims to achieve land rights and governance for 60 million hectares of forested land by 2027, currently at roughly half that goal. They have made significant progress in securing land rights through legal, formal, and social means, with a focus on community-government alliances and trust-based community-led social mapping. The Tenure Facility has secured funding totaling $150 million, allowing them to scale operations and work towards accreditation with the Green Climate Fund. The conversation also touches on the importance of listening to diverse voices to foster collaboration and find sustainable solutions to climate-related challenges.