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Forests have grabbed a prominent spot at COP27. Here are some highlights

Indigenous peoples have a deep connection to the land, water, and ecosystems that are central to their cultures, languages, and livelihoods. They have used their knowledge, skills, and abilities to be the guardians of forests, which represent a cultural repository where values, norms, beliefs, and institutions are transmitted for generations, increasing their resilience and ability to adapt to changes. Indigenous peoples are disproportionately affected by climate change, and yet contribute relatively little to the problem. They need funding and a voice in decisions to conserve the world's tropical forests.

The 3 issues we’re watching as the world gathers in Sharm El-Sheikh

EDF statement from Katelyn Roedner Sutter, California State Director – November 14, 2022

Toxic chemicals are used in food packaging and many are linked to health effects, like cancer or infertility. They can also pollute our soil, air and waterways, hurting more than just the person eating from the packaging.  Companies need to remove these toxic chemicals from everyday packaging to protect their business and build consumer trust. 

The UN just launched a methane detection satellite into space called MARS that will help pinpoint where methane emissions occur and notify stakeholders.

With COP27 now in full gear, we have plenty to be excited about when it comes to forest conservation. Here’s a quick overview from EDF of the first three days’ action on forests.

This post was authored by Santiago Garcia, Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities Partnerships Manager for Natural Climate Solutions at Environmental Defense Fund. This week, representatives of 190 nations, including 90 heads of state, began gathering at COP27 in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt, to discuss and negotiate solutions for our warming planet. As important as these movers …

Co-authored by Angela Churie Kallhauge, Executive Vice President, Impact; Maggie Ferrato, Manager, Global Climate; and Julia Ilhardt, High Meadows Fellow  It’s been a year since countries and companies announced new climate pledges in Glasgow.  Since then, war and economic disruption, on top of a still-raging pandemic and increasingly destructive natural disasters, have complicated those commitments …

This blog was authored by Emily Oldfield, Agricultural Soil Carbon Scientist at EDF. Natural climate solutions, such as reforestation and wetland restoration, can help slow climate change and increase resilience in the face of climate impacts we can’t avoid. These approaches have substantial and growing support from bipartisan lawmakers, the private sector and environmental nonprofits.

By Lauren Ellis, MPH, Research Analyst, Environmental Health and Samantha Liskow, Lead Counsel, Health NOTE: In a recent blog post, EDF called for EPA to revoke PFAS approved through the agency’s “low volume exemption” (an LVE is an exemption from a full safety review for new chemicals produced in quantities less than ~10 tons) and …

Tom Neltner, Senior Director, Safer Chemicals Initiative What Happened: On November 2, the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago held a meeting of more than 50 stakeholders interested in new strategies to fund and finance lead service line (LSL) replacements. I attended, representing the Lead Service Line Replacement Collaborative. Why It Matters: The meeting was an …

Sarah Vogel, Ph.D., is Senior Vice President, Healthy Communities Cutting methane emissions is one of the fastest, most effective ways to stabilize the climate. It can also improve public health.    Today, 130 countries are committed to cutting methane emissions by 30% by 2030 as part of the Global Methane Pledge. As countries work to meet these …

Tom Neltner, Senior Director, Safer Chemicals Initiative and Roya Alkafaji, Manager, Healthy Communities Last year, the White House set a goal of eliminating lead service lines (LSLs) by 2032 and worked with Congress to enact the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA)—also known as the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law—which included critical resources to help meet this …

Three new reports examine the potential of blue carbon pathways to act as natural climate solutions. By Kristin Kleisner, Monica Moritsch and Jamie Collins To address the climate crisis we need to explore every avenue possible, investigate innovative solutions, and even look to the oceans for answers. The oceans already serve the planet as a …

While leaf peepers rejoice at the changing colors on the trees, environmentalists advise that leaving your leaves on the lawn is good for the climate.

During a side event at the United Nations climate talks, government representatives from Chile and New Zealand expressed interest in and support for exploring the creation of a Climate Action Team agreement between the two countries.

Providing more finance for tropical forest conservation is essential for stabilizing the climate, advancing sustainable, community-led development, and protecting the plants and animals that make our natural world so diverse and wondrous. Various tools can provide that finance.

Citing the overlapping challenges of climate, energy poverty, food security, President Joe Biden today unveiled a suite of actions to support developing countries adapt and build resilience to climate impacts, recommit to global efforts to reduce methane emissions, and create climate-smart food systems.  

A free online resource from EDF that cuts through the complexity of truck electrification to connect fleet professionals with the solutions they need, all in one easy-to-navigate clearinghouse.

Three new reports based on work supported by the Bezos Earth Fund were released today by Environmental Defense Fund (EDF), highlighting the potential of different blue carbon interventions to help in the fight against climate change and act as natural climate solutions (NCS), some of which may be marketable with further research and economic and policy action.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency today announced its latest regulatory proposal to substantially reduce oil and gas methane pollution, which builds on and strengthens the agency’s initial proposal released last November.

Video stories emphasizing the role of Indigenous Peoples in conserving nature - and why the world needs to support their work.

With so much still to do to slow warming and avoid the worst impacts of climate change, it’s important to fortify ourselves by celebrating wins along the way. Here are this week's good climate news stories.

Farmers have a long history of steadily increasing crop yields through technological innovation and improvements in management practices. However, as climate change makes weather more extreme and variable than ever before, productivity progress will likely stall by 2030 — even if the U.S. maintains past rates of R&D investment and innovation. Adaptation efforts must begin …