‘Restoring tree cover may lead to global warming but only in some places’

Forest restoration scientist Susan Cook-Patton on albedo change due to restoring tree cover and ideal places for climate-positive reforestation 

Daily Court Digest: Major environment orders (April 25, 2024)

Down To Earth brings you the top environmental cases heard in the Supreme Court, the high courts and the National Green Tribunal  

The high and mighty Himalayas: A biodiversity hotbed facing significant challenges

The warming rate in the Himalayas is three times higher than the global average

Daily Court Digest: Major environment orders (April 22, 2024)

Down To Earth brings you the top environmental cases heard in the Supreme Court, the high courts and the National Green Tribunal

UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues: Progress towards protecting indigenous territories slow, say experts

Though the Indigenous Peoples have a crucial role in protecting land, they receive less than 1% of climate finance

Iconic Tiger Hill near Darjeeling under ‘development’ threat, NGT pulls up government departments

An environmentalist moved court listing several detrimental activities in the  area; departments nudge one another 

Rights ensured under FRA are not just ‘enjoyment rights’

The misreading of the forest title deed, has become a stumbling block to the entitlements of title holders

Sweden has vast ‘old growth’ forests – but they are being chopped down faster than the Amazon

There is no direct monitoring of these forests, no thorough environmental impact assessments and most of the public don’t seem to be aware …

Nature-based solutions can help Sundarbans survive

Mangroves hold crucial resources that can help protect the rich and diverse biosphere

Why Forest Conservation Amendment Act may be deemed unconstitutional

The Amendment represents a regressive step, reverting to a colonial-era mindset that emphasises control over nature and legal recognition

World Forest Day 2024: Indian forests are losing their ability to absorb carbon dioxide due to climate change

While increasing CO2 levels can initially boost photosynthesis, the warming sun acts like a cruel twist, hindering enzymes crucial for the process

Rewarding the custodians of forests: Payments for ecosystem services can help foster community conservation

These incentives are not handouts, but rather a long-overdue recognition of the invaluable services these communities have been providing for …

World Forest Day 2024: Rajasthan communities at risk of losing land

Village residents oppose declaring traditional pastoral land as deemed forests, fearing loss of access and livelihood

Forests’ lingering question

Nearly three decades have passed since the Supreme Court ruling in 1996, which mandated the use of dictionary definition to delineate forests. …

‘Lianas threaten Earth’s carbon sinks’

Field ecologist Alain Ngute explains how lianas have lower carbon sequestering capacity than trees & when they compete for sunlight in the …

Climate crisis everywhere, all at once: Record-breaking temperature in 10 countries across 4 continents

Indonesia, South Africa, Gabon, Kenya, South Sudan, Algeria, Tunisia, Guyana, Colombia and Rio burning up

Daily Court Digest: Major environment orders (March 15, 2024)

Down To Earth brings you the top environmental cases heard in Supreme Court, high courts & National Green Tribunal

Simply Put: ‘Crypto’ forests

Forst bill farce

Indian NGOs jointly campaign against an anti-people forest bill proposed by the Centre

Himalayan oak forests under threat

Forest degradation and climate change behind Uttarakhand floods, say local people

Planting trouble

Of tribes and trees

CONTESTED DOMAINS Akhileshwar Pathak Sage Publications

Branches into batons

The Forest Bill can be used to preserve our verdant national wealth

UNFF18: Sustainable forest management takes centre stage

Forests have the potential for reducing 5 gigatonnes of emissions, says delegates

INDIA