Climate Change Solutions Update

Category: Nature-Based Carbon Removal

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

  • 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/

  • CDR Monthly Recap

    In November, the durable carbon removal market saw over 268,000 tonnes of CDR contracted, with deals from companies like Charm Industrial, Boeing, Reversion, and Frontier Buyers. Various partnerships and funding opportunities are driving momentum in the industry, with initiatives like the Carbon Issuance Calendar and the Open Standard Carbon Removal Purchase Agreement. Projects like NetZero's new biochar plant in Brazil are also contributing to carbon removal efforts. Companies and organizations worldwide are investing in projects focused on carbon capture and removal technologies, including direct air capture units, biochar facilities, and carbon-capture field pilots. The industry is focused on enhancing transparency, scalability, and coordination to support climate goals.

    https://www.cdr.fyi/blog/cdr-monthly-recap-november-2025

  • 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/

  • 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/

  • The Definitive Survey on Carbon Removal Capacity

    CDR.fyi and The State of Carbon Dioxide Removal (SoCDR) are partnering to gather information from CDR suppliers worldwide about their current and projected carbon removal capacity for the third edition of the State of CDR report and CDR.fyi's public data and maps. The survey covers basic information, project specifics, project status, delivered CDR, and future removal ambitions, with a deadline of December 15, 2025. Led by researchers from the University of Oxford, the State of CDR report is a global assessment of carbon removal progress that will provide valuable insights for climate solutions experts.

    https://www.cdr.fyi/blog/the-definitive-survey-on-carbon-removal-capacity

  • 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.

    https://news.mongabay.com/podcast/2025/11/rights-to-millions-of-hectares-of-indigenous-local-communities-lands-restored-by-barefoot-lawyers/

  • This Week in CDR

    This week saw key developments in durable carbon removal (CDR) with companies like Google, Schneider Electric, and Cawa signing agreements for the purchase of CDR credits. Deals were made with Vaulted Deep, Climeworks Solutions, and Carboneers for the removal of thousands of tonnes of carbon by 2030. Partnerships were also announced, including TechGen by South Pole and a strategic agreement between Microsoft and Equinor to advance CO2 transport and storage. Additionally, Carbon Removal Canada launched Carbon Console to track carbon removal projects in Canada. Altitude and Deep Sky have expanded their financing facilities for carbon removal technologies, while California passed bills to accelerate carbon removal projects and established a state CDR Purchase Program. COP30 will feature a carbon removal pavilion to showcase durable CDR solutions, and various reports and studies have been released on biochar deployment, carbon removal modeling, and legal frameworks for commercialization. The section discusses the state of the durable CDR market, with options ranging from very optimistic to very pessimistic, and encourages reader participation in a poll. The CDR.fyi Portal offers free access for companies to gain market insights and showcase their profiles, with affiliations mentioned with companies like Milkywire and Charm Industrial. Data and content published by CDR.fyi are vetted and reviewed by individuals with no conflict of interest.

    https://www.cdr.fyi/blog/this-week-in-cdr-week-38-2025

  • Environmental News Network – Creating an Extension-Driven Vision for Smarter Farming

    Luan Oliveira, a researcher in agricultural engineering and precision agriculture, utilizes machines, drones, artificial intelligence, and robots to improve farming operations. His work, influenced by his family's farming background in Brazil, directly supports Georgia's agriculture industry. Oliveira's passion for machinery and agriculture led him to focus on utilizing robotic equipment in the field to enhance agricultural practices. His research at the University of Georgia highlights the potential for technological advancements to revolutionize farming methods and increase efficiency in the agricultural sector.

    https://www.enn.com/articles/77455-creating-an-extension-driven-vision-for-smarter-farming

  • Brazil creates new Indigenous territories after COP30 protests

    Brazil has created 10 new Indigenous territories, including one in the Amazon, to protect culture and environment, with calls for more lands to be legally recognized. Indigenous peoples protect biodiversity and traditional ways of life help tackle global warming, with past recognition of Indigenous reserves preventing deforestation and potentially reducing carbon emissions by 26% by 2030. The Brazilian government has announced the creation of new protected areas for indigenous peoples, crucial for regulating the global climate and storing carbon, with efforts at COP30 to limit global temperature rises and address the impacts of climate change. Indigenous groups face attacks when defending their land, with protests at COP30 demanding land demarcation to ensure the protection of Indigenous territories and their vital role in climate solutions.

    https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c1d0vekq12ro

  • From waffle gardens to terraces, Indigenous groups revive farming heritage in America’s deserts

    Native American farmers in the southwestern United States, such as Clayton Brascoupe, Roxanne Swentzell, and Lilian Hill, are leading efforts to revitalize traditional weather-adaptive techniques like dry farming, terracing, and seed saving. These age-old farming methods are being shared to help communities in dry regions worldwide, promoting cultural identity, self-sufficiency, and better health through better food and traditional farming practices. By incorporating animals and insects into their farming practices, they create sustainable food systems that minimize waste and maximize resources. The COVID-19 pandemic has increased interest in these practices as access to fresh food became limited, highlighting the importance of spreading ancient agricultural wisdom globally to address concerns about climate change and drought.

    https://news.mongabay.com/2025/11/from-waffle-gardens-to-terraces-indigenous-groups-revive-farming-heritage-in-americas-deserts/