Science-Based Climate Solutions

This cardboard donut is helping to grow trees in dry areas! It's called the Cocoon, and it's developed by Dutch company Land Life. So far, they've planted more than 10 million trees with the Cocoon and other innovative planting methods in severely degraded land all over the world. So how does it work? First, you dig a shallow pit and place a seedling inside it and pack it with soil to secure it in place. The Cocoon is then placed around the seedling, and it's filled to the trim with water. A lid is then added to prevent the water inside from evaporating. Soil is then packed around the cocoon, and over time, the water seeps into the soil, helping the seedling's roots grow healthy. A shelter is then added to protect the growing seedling from too much sun exposure, the wind and small animals. The cocoon is made from recycled cardboard, and is 100% biodegradable. Land Life says The Cocoon helps trees establish in arid and degraded environments with only 25 liters of water. Using x1000 less water than traditional methods. It provides survival rates up to 95% in hot and dry areas. There are 2 billion hectares of degraded land worldwide, that's a bigger area than South America. So reforestation projects like this are vital to reverse this critical situation!

Foxholes: The Simple, Brilliant Reforestation Method You’ve Probably Never Heard Of 🌳 In Madagascar, Ecosia and The Phoenix Conservancy are restoring forests using a method called 'foxholes' and it doesn’t involve planting saplings. It immediately reminded me of half-moon Earth bunds. Simple, effective and surprisingly powerful. Instead of raising delicate nursery saplings and hoping they survive in harsh conditions, foxholes mimic how forests regenerate naturally. Seeds are scattered into shallow basins, where they compete naturally for light, water and nutrients, just as they would in the wild. The results? ⤷ 30x more trees ⤷ 2x the plant diversity ⤷ 30% lower cost than traditional tree planting This technique rebuilds ecosystems, supports local livelihoods and creates space for endangered species like the ring-tailed lemur to return. Foxholes build on restoration techniques developed in Central and South America, especially ‘applied nucleation’, which is the practice of planting small patches of forest to kickstart natural regeneration. And while the method isn’t new, Ecosia is helping it scale, connecting partners across continents, from Madagascar to Brazil. Effective restoration doesn’t need to be high-tech or high-cost. Sometimes, all it takes is a shallow hole and a deeper understanding of nature. One rooted in the same wisdom that has guided indigenous land stewards for generations: work with nature, not against it. #NatureRestoration #Rewilding #TreePlanting #Biodiversity #Conservation 🎞️ Ecosia

Underground forests. This is the evocative name given to the potential that often lies dormant underground in the roots of deforested and over grazed lands that are considered degraded and worthless. Deforestation and over grazing of arid lands leads to desertification, but at the same time the tree stumps are mostly left in the ground, being timely and costly to remove. These stumps usually continue to contain life and crucially still have the mature root systems below ground. With the correct pruning and protection from grazing, the stumps can rapidly regrow into native trees with the root systems already there to support growth and lift water. Farmer Managed Natural Regeneration ( or FMNR for short) is the name for this simple highly effective and cheap way to regenerate deforested and degraded landscapes. One to several shoots of new grown are stimulated into life via pruning off of other growth, that can be used as mulch. Protection from grazing is then the only other requirement - the mature root systems taking care of the rapid regrowth. It's now estimated as much as 18.2 million hectares worldwide has been regenerated using FMNR. The restoration of the indigenous trees then allowing for agriculture and natural agroforestry to establish in areas where once there was abundance. FMNR should also ideally be the first step in all reforestation projects, the inexpensive regeneration of any existing native self reliant trees that can offer a pulse of life and then act as a support system for additional planting. 🌳 🌳 Photo shows an FMNR project from Talensi District, Ghana. #biodiversity #miyawakimethod #FMNR #regeneration #reforestation #restoration #afforestation #naturebasedsolutions #nature #ecosystem #ecosystemrestoration #diversity #forests #climate

India's target of 500 GW of renewable energy by 2030 is ambitious, but achieving it requires decisive policy reforms. Stronger Renewable Portfolio Standards (RPS) are a must, mandating power companies to source more energy from renewables, with clear deadlines in place. ⚡ To accelerate adoption, India needs: • Financial incentives – Subsidies for rooftop solar, generation-based incentives (GBIs), and low-interest loans for projects. • A modernized power grid – #GreenEnergy Corridors for solar and wind integration, plus smart tech upgrades to handle fluctuating supply. • Expanded PLI schemes – Boosting domestic manufacturing of solar panels, wind turbines, batteries, and other key components. • Support for energy storage innovation – R&D funding and incentives for large-scale #batterysolutions. Simplifying approvals through single-window clearance systems and running public awareness campaigns can also help drive adoption. India is at a crucial juncture. With the right policies and swift action, we can lead the global renewable energy revolution and create a sustainable future for generations to come. #RenewableEnergy #SustainableIndia #EnergyPolicy

The 2024 Global Renewables Status Report has just been released by REN21. This annual publication provides a summary of global developments & trends in #renewableenergy. A further module of this report is due to be released in September too that specifically looks at economic and #socialvalue creation. 2 key things stood out to me in the status report this year, and both relate to the critical #socialimpact aspects of the energy transition: 1. Equity challenges - especially the disadvantages for low-income countries where the cost of capital for renewable energy projects is reaching as high as 10%, compared with less than 4% in high-income countries 2. The gap between policy ambition and implementation - "Worldwide, an estimated 3,000 GW of renewable energy projects remained underdeveloped as of 2023 due to inadequate grid infrastructure, insufficient financing, and permitting delays. These are major bottlenecks that risk derailing the energy transition". With respect to permitting delays, it has been recognised now that as the rush & intensity around renewable energy projects has increased, so has incidences of community opposition to some projects in host locations. This is a contributing factor to the delay & cost trends and is both symptom of too much in the energy space being led by the private sector and insufficient, timely government decision making in the public interest. Permitting & approvals is an area where I'm of the view a change in regulatory approval processes to involve earlier social impact assessment, including rapid social screening and social value projection of projects, would be beneficial and can be done well in advance of environmental impact assessments and other technical studies that need to take longer. I'm not talking about the proponent-serving social licence type considerations or throwing money at community benefit funds to win over local communities (or score high on a tender process). The emphasis instead needs to go towards understanding which renewable energy projects will create the most social value holistically in context (with benefits for people & communities including workers, suppliers and energy end users, and across the project lifecycle) and then prioritise those for implementation. The ultimate "S" question is not "how do we get public acceptance for the project?" but "is this project going to create a net positive value?". Good social performance & value creation potential does not always mean a project will have social licence at the time it is proposed too. Some projects without social licence at a particular point in time should still be supported to proceed if they are in the public interest. Early social impact assessment (to understand social risks and benefit opportunities) can help work out which projects those are so efforts can focus there and not be wasted elsewhere. What do you think? What else would help speed up the transition and get better social outcomes?

With the forest carbon market faltering, Brazil turns attention toward forest restoration For over a decade, carbon offsetting schemes built on avoided deforestation — commonly known as REDD+ — have promised to curb emissions by keeping trees standing. But revelations of fraud, murky land claims, and partnerships with environmental scofflaws have left the credibility of REDD+ projects smoldering, not least after Brazil’s largest carbon credit producer was raided by federal police in 2024. Yet out of the ashes of disillusionment, a new model is taking root, reports Fernanda Wenzel. Rather than paying to protect forests that already exist, Brazil is now attracting serious investment to reforest degraded land, with the promise of absorbing carbon rather than merely avoiding its release. These so-called ARR projects (afforestation, reforestation, revegetation) may be more expensive and slower to bear fruit—but they are also harder to fake. “You start planting the forest and it’s growing,” said Beto Mesquita of BVRio, a nonprofit focused on environmental markets. “It’s much clearer than REDD+.” Big names are buying in. Restoration firm Mombak has raised over $200 million, even before issuing a single credit. Others, like Biomas—backed by banks and beef barons—are also betting on Brazil’s 109 million hectares of degraded pastureland. The state is getting involved, too. Brazil’s federal government plans to restore 12 million hectares by 2030, granting public lands to restoration firms in exchange for future credits. The state of Pará, host of COP30, is testing the model in its most deforested protected area. Yet planting trees is only the beginning. Restoration is complex, costly, and vulnerable to drought, fire, and land tenure disputes. “You have to be aware of the maintenance costs involved,” warned Alexis Bastos of Rioterra, a nonprofit restoring small plots in Rondônia. Some groups, like Belterra Agroforestry and Rioterra, embed restoration in agroforestry systems that generate food, income, and carbon credits alike. “Carbon doesn’t sustain our model,” said Belterra’s founder Valmir Gabriel Ortega. “It can help unlock it.” In a market still searching for credibility, Brazil’s forest restoration boom may be imperfect and unproven—but it is, at least, rooted in visible progress. Whether it grows into a lasting solution depends not only on carbon markets, but on how deeply the promise of restoration is embedded in local lives and livelihoods. 📰For scandal-ridden carbon credit industry, Amazon restoration offers redemption: https://lnkd.in/gmhFxRK9

Digital skills aren’t just powering businesses. They are strengthening climate resilience. In the face of rising temperatures and extreme weather, small holder farmers need better tools to adapt and plan. But many regions still lack the local data needed to inform decisions about planting, harvesting, and protecting crops. That is why I am inspired by the work of Cisco Foundation grantee One Acre Fund, which is using remote sensing technology to support precision agriculture. Their approach includes flood mapping, digital weather advisories, and crop yield monitoring, helping farmers respond to climate risks with better information. In Kenya, more than 10,000 farmers now receive weather updates. Thousands of flood data points have been mapped. And pilots are already underway in four additional countries. When we pair digital tools with community-driven solutions, we unlock powerful potential for impact. #DigitalSkills #ClimateResilience #TechForGood

🔴 Abu Dhabi Launches Solar Energy Self-Supply Policy 🇦🇪☀️ Abu Dhabi has introduced a Solar Energy Self-Supply Policy, enabling farms, ranches, and rest houses to generate and consume electricity on-site with optional battery storage for evening and peak demand use. This is not just renewable adoption. It is distributed energy engineering at sector level. ⚡ What the Policy Enables • On-site solar PV generation • Self-consumption without grid export (initial phase) • Optional battery storage integration • Licensed installation under regulated technical standards The phased rollout focuses primarily on agricultural and rural sectors, where land availability and daytime load profiles align naturally with solar generation. 🔎 Engineering & Grid Implications From a systems perspective, this initiative supports: • Decentralized generation architecture • Reduced peak grid strain • Enhanced local load balancing • Long-term infrastructure resilience • Smart demand-side energy management While immediate financial savings are not guaranteed, the policy prioritizes: • Grid stability over subsidy-driven adoption • Controlled technical compliance • Structured renewable integration • Sustainable electrification planning With electricity demand rising due to: • Population growth • AI-driven data infrastructure • Increased electrification across sectors Distributed solar becomes a strategic load management tool, not just a sustainability measure. Abu Dhabi is moving toward an energy model where consumption and generation increasingly coexist at the same location. This is energy independence engineered within a regulated framework. 👉 If decentralized solar expands beyond rural sectors, how might it reshape utility business models and long-term grid planning? #AbuDhabi #SolarEnergy #Renewables #EnergyInfrastructure #SmartGrid #SustainableDevelopment #DistributedEnergy #FutureEnergy #InfrastructureStrategy

Fighting desertification in the Mongolian desert has become a successful venture, mainly due to dedicated reforestation efforts. This transformation is critical as desertification threatens vast areas, impacting livelihoods and ecosystems. The degradation is primarily fueled by overgrazing, deforestation, and climate change, making land less productive and more arid. Reforestation is central in combating these challenges. By planting trees, initiatives help stabilize soil, reduce erosion, and retain moisture, essential for supporting plant and animal life. The "Green Belt" project exemplifies such efforts. Launched by the Mongolian government, it aims to create a forest barrier against the Gobi Desert's expansion, not only to halt desertification but also to enhance local biodiversity. Local communities are pivotal in these efforts. By involving them in reforestation projects, they gain ownership and responsibility for land rehabilitation. Merging traditional knowledge with modern techniques, these communities ensure sustainability. Non-governmental organizations supplement these initiatives, offering resources and expertise, while international cooperation provides essential funding and technical assistance. Success stories are emerging, with previously barren areas now flourishing with vegetation. This greening of the desert illustrates the potential of coordinated action and community involvement in reversing ecological damage. Beyond improving local conditions, these efforts contribute to global environmental health by enhancing biodiversity and aiding in carbon sequestration, helping mitigate climate change. —- References —- 1. Green Belt Project - Symbol of Friendship between Mongolia and the Republic of Korea :- https://lnkd.in/e8bw_nKK 2. China's 'Great Green Wall' Fights Expanding Desert :- https://lnkd.in/efUTjCMS 3. Trees: Why nature’s tech is vital to combatting desertification :- https://lnkd.in/eWAU7iKc

🌿The green energy transition, with a focus on renewable energy, is one of the most credible and effective climate action —in the current geopolitical context, renewable energy and electrification become even more crucial for India. As Mahindra Group, we have been both a major consumer and enabler for this transition across our businesses, with Mahindra Susten as the flagship RE company. At an India-wide level, we recently crossed the 50% renewable energy installed capacity mark. However, our renewable generation numbers is still close to 25% only. For our supply chain including MSMEs, renewable energy penetration is still <20%, in spite of a clear financial and environmental win—at least 30-60% cheaper and >90% lower lifecycle emisisons. While many factors are at play here, simplified and enabling policy can accelerate this transition. Renewable penetration also is a national priority with the updated UN COP commitments on climate action by India, and subsequently, national policies are aligned to supporting RE transition for commercial and industrial customers. However, state-level policies determine ease of implementation, and the devil is always in the details. While broadly supportive, certain improvements can help accelerate the 100% RE jounrey, especially for mid-sized customers. Building on this theme, we collaborated with Neufin, a RE-focused startup, on the whitepaper titled “Accelerating Transition to 100% Renewable Energy.” The paper focuses on policy recommendations for 4 states with high industrial footprint, i.e., Maharashtra, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Telangana. Based on detailed research involving all relevant guidelines, legal analysis, stakeholder interviews—internally and externally with Climate Group RE100 program signatories, etc.—and analysis of state policy vs. central guidelines on 6 key aspects, namely: - Open Access eligibility and process - Grid connectivity and general access - Forecast scheduling and demand-side management - Banking and settlement - Green tariff/green premium - Curtailment compensation The recommendations made are across Green Energy Open Access regulations, Group Net Metering, and other policy reforms to overcome barriers in RE adoption. This will not only help Mahindra Group and our supply chain but pretty much all commercial & industrial consumers across these states. We will scale this work across more states. Feel free to check the details in the PDF and DM any feedback! Abanti Sankaranarayanan Avinash Rao Rahool Gadkari #renewable_energy #planet_positive #energy_transition