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Newsletter
North Dakota introduces a limited climate initiative focused on sustainable practices
North Dakota has announced a preliminary climate strategy targeting sustainability, though it notably excludes fossil fuel regulation.
In short:
- North Dakota, the nation's third largest oil producer launched a preliminary climate plan.
- The plan prioritizes tree planting, agricultural improvements and energy efficiency enhancements.
- Critics argue the plan avoids addressing significant emissions from the oil, gas, and coal industries.
- Future phases promise to tackle more challenging projects.
Key quote:
"There’s a big blind spot in that plan. They’re ignoring the fact that they have a highly emitting oil and gas and coal industry."
— Scott Skokos, Dakota Resource Council.
Why this matters:
Transitioning away from fossil fuels can pose economic challenges for regions like North Dakota that are heavily reliant on industries like coal mining or oil extraction.
Fossil fuel extraction and production often disproportionately impact marginalized communities, leading to issues such as air and water pollution, habitat destruction, and adverse health effects.
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Newsletter
Mississippi floodplains losing trees to increasing floods
Worsening floods are leading to extensive tree loss and habitat changes along the upper Mississippi River.
In short:
- Intensified flooding along the upper Mississippi is killing off significant numbers of floodplain forests, including various species such as silver maple and elm.
- The Army Corps of Engineers is working on a restoration project to combat tree loss and invasive species, aiming to enhance biodiversity and habitat for wildlife.
- While certain bird species benefit from the changes, overall forest health is declining, affecting ecological diversity and regional water management.
Key quote:
“The magnitude of this is kind of mind-blowing. You just don’t see hundreds of acres of dead trees.”
— Andy Meier, forester, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
Why this matters:
The loss of floodplain forests due to climate-induced flooding is alarming because these ecosystems play a crucial role in biodiversity, flood mitigation, and climate regulation.
Be sure to read: Severe flooding increasingly cutting people off from health care.
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Newsletter
Cape Town battles drought with unconventional tree removal
In a bold move against climate change, Cape Town turns to cutting down invasive trees to save water.
In short:
- Cape Town faces severe droughts exacerbated by climate change, threatening the city's water supply.
- Scientists have identified invasive tree species, such as black wattle, pine, and gum trees, as major culprits in depleting groundwater.
- Removing these trees is seen as essential to preserving the region's water resources and combating the effects of climate change.
Key quote:
“It was like trying to squeeze water out of a rock. We reduced pressure in the pipes until it was a trickle.”
— Linda Siyengo, civil engineer at Bulk Water Resource and Infrastructure Planning
Why this matters:
By addressing the invasive species problem, Cape Town is taking an important step toward securing its water future, highlighting the importance of adaptive strategies in the face of global environmental challenges.
3 promising new technologies could help send storm water to taps in thirsty cities like Cape Town.
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How ancient cork forests could help solve the world’s plastic problem
Cork oaks are making homes warmer, cars lighter and clothes biodegradable — while still feeding the birds and absorbing carbon.
Newsletter
The trees are telling us the West’s ‘megadrought’ is unprecedented, study says
The West’s two-decade drought is inextricably linked to climate change, adding to the evidence that human-caused emissions are reshaping the region in profound ways.
Paris’s urban forest plan takes a new step with trees at the Place de Catalogne
Plans to cover up to half of Paris with an “urban forest” took a step forward this week, when the city began the planting of a 478-tree micro-woodland in a busy square.
Newsletter
Climate change, drought, wildfires reduce value of private forestland in the West by billions
Oregon State University researchers said private timberland values have declined $11 billion due to the threat of drought and wildfires.
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