Urban forests, often viewed historically as ornamental or recreational spaces, are increasingly recognized as critical green infrastructure. Beyond their aesthetic and leisure benefits, these spaces have emerged as multifaceted assets addressing pressing environmental, social, and economic challenges. This post explores the evolving role of urban forests, their ecosystem services, and the innovative financial models that […]
How to Fix the Voluntary Carbon Markets
Voluntary carbon markets (VCMs) expanded rapidly after the Paris Agreement (COP15), and they seemed like a good idea because by setting maximum CO2 emission targets—ultimately aiming for net-zero—they compelled companies to first decarbonize and then offset their remaining emissions. This was where voluntary carbon markets came into play. Initially, VCMs were seen as a promising […]
Sixteenth meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (COP 16) – Cali, Colombia. October 21 to November 1, 2024.
Progress and Challenges in Global Biodiversity Conservation and Restoration One way to track the progress of biodiversity conservation and restoration objectives is through the series of COPs dedicated to biodiversity. Unfortunately, all these United Nations-led conferences—on biodiversity, climate change, and desertification—are called “COP,” which can create confusion about their distinct purposes. “The Convention recognizes that […]
A Holistic Approach to Climate Change and Biodiversity Conservation
The intertwined crises of global warming and biodiversity loss demand a unified approach, yet they are often tackled independently. Both stem from humanity’s complex relationship with Nature, affecting ecosystems and human well-being alike. Addressing these challenges in tandem through an integrated framework, which focuses on restorative and conservation actions, could effectively leverage Nature-based Solutions (NbS) […]
The Interdependence of Nature, Biodiversity, and Ecosystem Services: A Guide for Business Leaders
Climate change and its devastating effects are among the most critical challenges of our era. Addressing these crises requires a fundamental shift in business practices and financial flows. Companies must transition from ignoring externalities like negatively affecting the environment to prioritizing nature-friendly initiatives. Understanding the interconnection between nature, biodiversity, and ecosystem services is essential for […]