Scientists long assumed that as trees got older, they grew slower—just like us. But a new study underscores the climate …
deforestation
EcocentricForests
A New Deal for Carbon Raises Hopes for Threatened Forests in Madagascar
The Wildlife Conservation Society and Madagascar come together to help protect one of the most important forests in the world—and slow climate change at the same time.
How Green Is My Valley? New Satellite Imagery Shows Changes in Earth’s Vegetation
Satellite imagery reveals a green, breathing planet — but one under threat from human activity
EcocentricLand Use
Woody Harrelson, Sustainable Paper Salesman
The laid back Hollywood actor is serious about preventing deforestation. A new kind of paper that uses wheat straw rather than wood might be one of the best way to save trees.
EcocentricForests
Rain Forest for Ransom?
In this week’s international edition of TIME—which is thankfully not behind the paywall—I have a piece on Ecuador’s innovative plan to forswear drilling for oil in the Yasuni National Park in exchange for funding from the …
EcocentricForests
Cutting Down the Amazon: Brazil Takes a Step Backward on Deforestation
After years of allowing clear-cutting and rapid deforestation in the Amazon, Brazil has managed to save its forests. But a new law landing on the President’s desk could undo much of that — and open the door to the bad old days …
EcocentricForests
How (Some) Deforestation Might Slow Warming
Deforestation is a major cause of climate change, responsible for perhaps 15% (PDF) of the world’s overall greenhouse gas pollution. That’s because trees sequester carbon, and when those trees are cut down or burned, they release that carbon back into atmosphere. And as we lose trees, we lose a valuable carbon sink—each year the …
EcocentricForests
Can Ecuador Trade Oil for Forests?
I’m in Quito, Ecuador tonight, where I’ve flown—by way of a long detour to Panama City, thanks very much Continental Airlines—to report a story about one of the more innovative conservation ideas out there. Ecuador—which you can find nestled in the northwestern corner of South America, between Colombia and Peru—has two major …
EcocentricForests
Good News and Bad News for the World’s Tropical Forests
Another day, another global report on the world’s land use. This time a wide-ranging survey from the International Tropical Timber Organization (ITTO)—an intergovernmental body that promotes the sustainable use of forest resources—has revealed that the area of the world’s tropical forests that are under some form of sustainable …
EcocentricBiofuels
Palm Oil Plantations Equal Deforestation
Another day and there’s another study that undermines the case for biofuels as an eco-friendly source of energy. This time it’s the booming palm oil plantations of Southeast Asia, which yield the raw ingredients for biodiesel, used most often in Europe. Activists have been warning for some time that the growth of palm oil is leading …