Humanitarian organizations are increasingly focusing on the intersection of conflict, climate change, and environmental degradation, with key approaches being climate security and environmental peacebuilding. The Canadian Red Cross is actively engaging in dialogue on climate security to better connect humanitarian realities on the ground with environmental and climate policies and programs. Locally owned management plans are highlighted as important for addressing climate, conflict, and weapons contamination risks, with an emphasis on conflict-sensitive anticipatory action and planning for safe schools in the face of climate-related crises. Nature-based solutions, investing in energy infrastructure, and promoting social cohesion and advocacy for marginalized groups are also key strategies. It is crucial to address structural barriers, funding silos, and geopolitical priorities as obstacles to effective climate action in fragile and conflict-affected settings, while also urging international programming to reflect power dynamics, language, and local knowledge through partnership models that prioritize learning from local actors.
Category: Nature-Based Carbon Removal
Remove Carbon:
– Restore & Manage Ecosystems
– Shift Agriculture Practices
– Use Degraded Land
– Manipulate Biogeochemical Cycles
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We Need More of Africa in Global Ocean Governance
Ocean governance is crucial for Africa's coasts and high seas, impacting fisheries, climate processes, and food security. Recent negotiations are reshaping global ocean governance, focusing on ownership, seafloor governance, decarbonization of shipping, and ending plastic pollution. The High Seas Treaty, focusing on marine biodiversity, entered into force in January. The International Seabed Authority is negotiating deep-sea mining rules, while the IMO's Net-Zero Framework aims to redesign the shipping industry. The collapse of negotiations for the Global Plastics Treaty poses challenges, with Africa's involvement critical for the continent's fisheries and blue economy. The Great Blue Wall initiative in the Western Indian Ocean has shown progress in restoring coastal and marine ecosystems, creating jobs, and improving climate resilience. However, global governance is crucial for its success, especially in the context of high-seas Marine Protected Areas and deep-sea mining. African states must shape these governance frameworks to protect their interests. Climate-induced declines in ocean health could cost the global economy billions by 2050, with African coastal states particularly vulnerable. Coordinated action is needed to regulate plastics, decarbonize shipping, and pause deep-sea mining for a well-governed ocean that benefits Africa.
https://africanclimatewire.org/2026/07/we-need-more-of-africa-in-global-ocean-governance/
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Global Mangrove Watch 4.1 Launch
The Global Mangrove Watch (GMW) platform has evolved to provide a continuous, unbroken annual time-series of mangrove loss from 1985 to 2025, with near real-time monthly alerts until June 2026. The latest dataset, GMW 4.1, separates gross loss and gain for more accurate analysis, allowing users to customize their areas of interest and receive tailored updates for conservation and restoration efforts. Stakeholders in Ecuador and Kenya are utilizing GMW data to monitor and defend their forests, with the platform now integrating with the Mangrove Restoration Tracker Tool for closer monitoring of restoration projects. The Global Mangrove Alliance aims to involve the community in protecting coastlines by providing open access to scientific data, encouraging conservationists, policymakers, and researchers to make measurable differences on the ground.
https://www.mangrovealliance.org/news/global-mangrove-watch-4-launch
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A Call to Arms – UK Health Alliance on Climate Change
The urgent need for immediate transformative change to combat climate change is highlighted in the article, as the UK faces devastating consequences from heatwaves and rising temperatures due to greenhouse gas emissions. The impacts of climate change are already severe, threatening food supply, national security, and the economy. Adapting to extreme heat events and reducing emissions are crucial to mitigate the strain on resources and services, such as transportation, healthcare, and infrastructure. Transforming power generation, agriculture, building regulations, and transport, as well as promoting plant-based diets and restorative agriculture, are essential actions to combat the imminent threat of climate change and increase biodiversity while creating jobs and increasing infrastructure security. The time for action is now, as there is no time left for delay in addressing climate change.
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NIGERIA COMMENCES ITS PHASE 2 MANGROVE RESTORATION PROJECT
Nigeria's HYPREP has completed the first phase of mangrove restoration in Ogoniland and is now expanding to 7 communities, aiming to restore 13,000 ha of mangroves. The project has shown over 90% survival rate of planted mangroves, leading to the return of faunal species and increased fish catch. The wetland has been designated as a Ramsar site of international importance, with a focus on sustainable management to protect the ecological character. HYPREP's locally owned initiative is filling policy and data gaps at a national level, with the goal of halting mangrove loss in the Niger Delta. The development of a national Carbon Markets Policy could further support the sustainability of the restoration efforts by allowing communities to earn carbon credits.
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For Brazil’s Xokleng people, saving a sacred tree means saving their culture
The Zág Institute, led by the Laklãnõ/Xokleng Indigenous people, is restoring the critically endangered Brazilian pine on their traditional territory in Santa Catarina. The reforestation project involves planting nearly 100,000 seedlings across 1,000 hectares, aiming to strengthen Indigenous identity and culture. The Brazilian pine is sacred to the Xokleng people, with its seeds serving as a vital food source and symbol of their heritage. The initiative seeks to reverse the decline of the species due to deforestation, urban expansion, and logging, while also addressing the endangerment of the Indigenous community and their culture. Carl and Isabel, along with the Zág Institute, have planted over 140,000 Brazilian pine seedlings in degraded areas and springs, involving the community and schools in their efforts. They aim to empower women through workshops and collective planting efforts, following Indigenous traditions and responsible harvesting practices. The project is funded by grants and donations, with plans to expand into activities like ethnotourism and agroforestry for financial sustainability and support of local initiatives. This long-term effort not only preserves the environment but also passes on a legacy to future generations, strengthening food sovereignty and educating younger generations about the importance of ancestral knowledge and caring for nature.
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Germany’s degraded peatlands offer up to 268 GW of solar potential
The reform of the Renewable Energy Sources Act in 2023 in Germany has made photovoltaic installations on re-wetted peatlands eligible for support, with a technical potential of 134 GW to 268 GW across the country. Re-wetting peatlands can significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions from drained agricultural soils, and Germany aims to re-wet 50,000 hectares of degraded peatland annually to meet its climate targets. This initiative not only helps the environment but also provides an additional income source for farmers and landowners. The potential for peatland PV remains substantial, especially in areas like Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania and the Alpine foothills.
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Scientific & traditional knowledge are key for effective & community-centered conservation (commentary)
Women from the Indigenous community of Kibber in Spiti Valley, India, and a village in the Himalayas have played key roles in monitoring and protecting snow leopards, combining traditional knowledge with scientific skills. These community-led conservation efforts have led to the end of retaliatory killings of snow leopards and wolves, and the establishment of livestock-free reserves to increase prey populations. Scientific research has influenced conservation policy, placing communities at the center of national strategies and leading to the establishment of community-managed reserves like the Tost Nature Reserve in Mongolia. The success of these efforts highlights the importance of integrating scientific and traditional knowledge, community engagement, and collaboration between communities, scientists, and conservation practitioners in effective and sustainable nature conservation.
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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
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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.