Forests face increasing risk of wildfires and pests due to climate change
© FAO/Luis Tato
Despite their unparalleled challenges, forests are essential to agriculture and global stability. Increased frequency and severity of wildfires, enhanced climate change, and the facilitation of pest growth are all consequences of deforestation. Global demand for wood products is rising, which exacerbates this triple threat. The results are disastrous. Climate change is being accelerated by wildfires, particularly in the Arctic where they are releasing enormous volumes of carbon dioxide. The health of forests is declining overall, and pests like the pine woodworm are destroying them. As food, medicine, and livelihoods are dependent on trees for billions of people, this is concerning. The FAO is calling for creative ideas to deal with these difficulties. One way to do this is by analyzing data using AI technology and investigating new business models for the preservation of forests. To guarantee that the advantages of these advancements are distributed equitably across all communities, the FAO stresses the significance of inclusion. The ultimate objective is to build a sustainable future in which trees can sustain life on Earth including humans.
The triple planetary crisis: Global Foresight Report reveals global shifts
UN Photo/Mark Garten
Many refer to the difficulties facing the world now as a “polycrisis,” because they are interwoven and complicated. An unstable atmosphere is being brought about by some factors, including resource scarcity, geopolitical tensions, technology advancements, and climate change. The study emphasizes how quickly things are changing and cautions that any country could be taken off guard. The rising need for vital minerals is one major issue since it may result in more natural resources being exploited, such as deep water and perhaps space. There are new health hazards associated with the thawing of permafrost because it is releasing old germs. Environmental and humanitarian disasters are made worse by an increase in conflict and displacement. The report highlights the significance of having the foresight to overcome these obstacles. By projecting future disturbances, authorities can create plans to reduce risks and take advantage of opportunities. Building resilience requires a more inclusive strategy that involves a range of stakeholders, particularly young and indigenous populations. In the end, it urges a fundamental change in the metrics used to gauge development, substituting social well-being and planetary health for GDP.
WHO announces the 2024 updated Compendium of interventions on environmental health
The Compendium of WHO and other UN environmental and health guidelines, revised for 2024, has been made available by the World Health Organisation (WHO). With over 500 interventions available, this comprehensive resource aims to save millions of lives worldwide by lowering disease caused by environmental dangers. It addresses important topics such as chemicals, air pollution, water and sanitation, climate change, and occupational health. The Compendium offers evidence-based solutions for a range of environmental health issues to decision-makers, including governments and health authorities. It also encourages integrated approaches that connect environmental health to more general public health objectives and sustainable development goals. The WHO’s Director of the Department of Environment, Climate Change, and Health, Dr. Maria Neira, stressed the importance of the update and said it represents a significant turning point in the field of environmental health concerns. With its comprehensive guidelines on effective activities for healthier environments and improved public health outcomes, the Compendium provides governments with enhanced authority. To facilitate reliable data collection and analysis as well as standardize the classification of health interventions across diverse health systems, WHO also developed a version of the Compendium with International Classification of Health Intervention (ICHI) codes. These tools provide nations with the means to carry out efficient environmental health interventions, track advancements, and communicate successes, thereby promoting more robust environmental health policies and programs for sustainable development.
Nature – Positive Notes Charting a path to a better future for all species
Credit: Mark Fox
Reversing the trends of deforestation can be greatly aided by sustainable cacao cultivation practices. An essential component of chocolate, cacao grows well in shaded areas, which makes it a good fit for agroforestry systems. These systems integrate trees with livestock or crops, boosting soil health, and biodiversity, and bringing economic benefits to nearby people. Farmers can improve carbon sequestration, rehabilitate damaged lands, and preserve animal habitat connectivity by planting cocoa trees among native forest species. Because cacao farming can be more profitable than other agricultural methods that contribute to deforestation, including cattle ranching or monoculture plantations, this strategy not only mitigates deforestation but also supports sustainable livelihoods. It is crucial to assist farmers in implementing sustainable practices by providing them with financial incentives, market access, and training. Selecting chocolate goods certified by Fairtrade or Rainforest Alliance is a critical way for customers to support cocoa that is produced without deforestation. Scaling up these sustainable farming practices to significantly reduce the rate of deforestation worldwide would require the combined efforts of governments, non-governmental organizations, and the business sector.
References
https://news.un.org/en/story/2024/07/1152386
