Climate Change Solutions Update

Category: Nature-Based Carbon Removal

Remove Carbon:
– Restore & Manage Ecosystems
– Shift Agriculture Practices
– Use Degraded Land
– Manipulate Biogeochemical Cycles

  • Heirloom Blog – Carbon removal is entering the compliance era

    The European Union is proposing a plan to purchase 250 million tonnes of permanent carbon removals between 2031 and 2040 through its Emissions Trading System (ETS), making it the largest government demand signal for durable removals ever proposed. Discussions are also underway for international carbon removals and pathway-specific support for industries to decarbonize, aiming to achieve and sustain carbon-neutrality through a global approach to carbon removal technology and market mechanisms. Additionally, Europe is working on a framework to support the deployment of Direct Air Capture (DAC) at scale, with negotiations ongoing to shape policy that meets the needs of project investors and attracts industry-creating capital. This initiative could benefit Heirloom's projects in North America and potentially expand their operations to the EU, amplifying Europe's leadership in climate solutions and bringing DAC technology to more regions.

    https://www.heirloomcarbon.com/news/carbon-removal-is-entering-the-compliance-era

  • Where solar meets the soil: The multi-benefit potential of ecovoltaics and agrivoltaics

    The energy industry is experiencing a surge in demand from data centers, crypto mining, and electric vehicles, while the federal government continues to prioritize fossil fuels. However, photovoltaic solar technology has become more efficient and cost-effective, offering a promising alternative energy source. Emerging methods like ecovoltaics and agrivoltaics are promoting biodiversity and ecosystem health by using PV solar panels to cultivate native plant growth. Studies have shown that ecovoltaic sites support more biodiversity, attract pollinators, and have positive impacts on soil health compared to traditional solar energy farms. Agrivoltaics, the integration of solar and agricultural production, can benefit habitat biodiversity, support native species, and provide mutual benefits for energy and food production, especially in states with limited land for both renewable energy and agriculture. Countries like Japan have already seen success with agrivoltaics, including projects that integrate livestock grazing under solar panels. Projects like the Cornucopia Hybrid Solar Project in California demonstrate the potential for agrivoltaics to deliver renewable energy, promote agricultural uses, and conserve groundwater while reducing fire risks and the need for vegetation maintenance.

    https://www.pv-magazine.com/2026/07/16/where-solar-meets-the-soil-the-multi-benefit-potential-of-ecovoltaics-and-agrivoltaics/

  • Consultation: Major Revision to Biochar Methodology (VM0044)

    Project Reignite, a climate action initiative by Together for Restoration, focuses on converting farm waste into sustainable solutions certified by Verra Project 4679. The project aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by turning agricultural waste into biochar, improving soil health and fertility in the process. By demonstrating a practical and effective approach to addressing climate challenges in the agricultural sector, Project Reignite showcases the potential for utilizing farm waste to mitigate climate change.

    https://verra.org/consultation-major-revision-to-biochar-methodology-vm0044/

  • As Human-Wildlife Conflict Rises, Zimbabwean Communities Find New Ways to Coexist

    Wildlife Conservation Action in Zimbabwe is addressing human-wildlife conflicts by empowering local communities with non-lethal solutions such as predator-proof cattle bomas and elephant deterrent fences. By integrating local knowledge with technology, they promote coexistence through conflict mitigation, land restoration, and sustainable livelihoods. These efforts have led to a significant decrease in human-wildlife conflicts, with incidents falling by as much as 98 percent in some districts. Challenges such as the short lifespan of the bomas and high initial construction costs remain, but overall, the organization's approach has brought hope to villagers facing losses due to predator attacks.

    https://triplepundit.com/2026/human-wildlife-conflict-zimbabwe-coexistence-elephants-lions/

  • Returning to Dry Tortugas to Restore Remote Coral Reefs

    In May 2026, Coral Restoration Foundation, Shedd Aquarium, and partners continued their collaborative effort to restore Florida's remote reef systems in Dry Tortugas National Park. The expedition focused on monitoring previously outplanted corals, expanding restoration efforts to new sites, and increasing genetic diversity. Results showed that over 90% of outplanted corals survived their first eight months on the reef, including the introduction of new coral genotypes and studying corals with different thermal tolerances. This research aims to build a deeper understanding of coral survival in the region, guiding restoration efforts in Dry Tortugas and across Florida's Coral Reef for a more resilient future.

    https://coralrestoration.org/returning-to-dry-tortugas-to-restore-floridas-most-remote-coral-reefs/

  • Mangrove News Digest # 654 – July 11, 2026

    This Giving Tuesday, the focus is on restoring vital mangrove forests worldwide to fight climate change, protect coastlines, and support communities. Donations can make a lasting impact by helping to protect wildlife, empower coastal communities, and ensure a sustainable future for generations to come. Mangroves play a crucial role in climate solutions and their restoration is essential for a healthier planet.

    https://mangroveactionproject.org/2026/07/mangrove-news-digest-654-july-11-2026/

  • Ask a Scientist: How is Rural California Anticipating and Building Resilience to Climate Change?

    Residents in Allensworth, California are facing the impacts of climate change daily, with water scarcity, pollution, and extreme heat and drought affecting their community. Dr. Ranyee Chiang, an expert in environmental policy, discusses the importance of using science to help rural communities like Allensworth build resilience and adapt to climate change. The town is advocating for a transformation towards sustainable agriculture, renewable energy, and nature-based solutions to manage water shortages and increase ecological resilience. Nature-based solutions, such as capturing flood water and creating buffer zones, offer a powerful approach to address climate challenges and promote economic opportunities, water sustainability, and public health. Low-income, rural communities in California's Central Valley, like Allensworth, face challenges such as political underrepresentation, underinvestment, and environmental issues caused by intensive industrial monoculture. Allensworth's transformation into a model community includes restoring native habitats, transitioning to a healthy and sustainable farming system, and pursuing energy independence through agrivoltaics. Agroecology, which promotes farmworker well-being, biodiversity, and climate resilience, is a key part of this transformation. The Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS) sees opportunities to make an impact in California by sponsoring legislation to address gas prices, promoting clean transportation options for low-income families, and empowering communities with successful solutions like those implemented in Allensworth.

    https://blog.ucs.org/guest-commentary/ask-a-scientist-how-is-rural-california-anticipating-and-building-resilience-to-climate-change/

  • Environmental News Network – The Miracle Microbes That Could Save Crops From Impact of Rising Sea Levels

    Researchers at the University of East Anglia, led by Dr. Yanfen Zheng, have found that naturally occurring soil bacteria can assist plants in thriving in salty conditions, potentially revolutionizing agriculture globally. This discovery reveals a new method by which microbes can enhance plant growth in challenging environments, benefiting crops such as maize, tomato, and rapeseed. The implications of this breakthrough are significant, as it could allow crops to flourish in soil that was previously considered unusable, offering a promising solution to agricultural challenges posed by salinity.

    https://www.enn.com/articles/78121-the-miracle-microbes-that-could-save-crops-from-impact-of-rising-sea-levels

  • In Guatemala, Indigenous women build climate resilience with old and new farming methods

    Natün, a local non-profit in Guatemala, is working to improve climate resilience in Indigenous communities facing the impacts of climate change, such as disruptions to the rain cycle and erosion leading to food insecurity. By combining modern agriculture techniques with ancestral knowledge, the project aims to empower communities to be architects of their own resilience. Through establishing family food gardens, training women in climate-resilient practices, and focusing on sustainable agriculture, the project enhances food security, income diversification, and climate adaptation. The use of Indigenous practices has led to positive impacts on food production and income growth, providing practical tools for communities to address climate risks and empowering them to respond to environmental challenges. This approach is crucial in highly exposed countries like Guatemala and can be replicated in other Indigenous communities facing similar challenges.

    https://www.climatechangenews.com/2026/07/02/in-guatemala-indigenous-women-build-climate-resilience-with-old-and-new-farming-methods/

  • Perspectives from the Sacred Waters Gathering

    The Sacred Waters Gathering brought together Indigenous leaders and practitioners to focus on water stewardship, climate resilience, and ecosystem restoration, emphasizing the ecological decline of the Rio Grande and the need for Indigenous leadership in protecting watersheds. The event highlighted the importance of centering Indigenous knowledge, strengthening collaboration, advancing legal mechanisms, supporting youth leadership, and restoring ecosystems through traditional practices. Participants committed to partnerships, expanding working groups, developing resources, supporting restoration projects, and preparing for future exchanges. Urgent climate ambition is needed to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius, stressing the importance of reducing greenhouse gas emissions and transitioning to renewable energy sources through government policies and international cooperation, with potential benefits including job creation and improved public health.

    https://www.ienearth.org/perspectives-from-the-sacred-waters-gathering/