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Unsustainable logging is one of the global north’s best-kept secrets. We’re running out of time to stop it

The world is running out of time to halt deforestation and forest degradation. Yet instead of stepping up, the United States is dismantling forest protections and undermining global progress – highlighting the dangers of global forest policy that fails to hold the wealthiest, most powerful countries accountable.

Unsustainable logging is one of the global north’s best-kept secrets. Each year, millions of acres of old-growth and primary forests across North America, Europe, and Australia are clearcut under the guise of “sustainable forest management”. International policy, by design, looks the other way, focusing attention instead on deforestation in the tropics. This double standard allows the world’s wealthiest nations to evade accountability for industrial logging’s catastrophic consequences.

Jennifer Skene is director of global northern forests policy for the Natural Resources Defense Council

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Carbon taxes that apply above a minimum level of operational performance can be a key driver of reducing building sector emissions, especially when accompanied by clear communication on performance, according to a new report by the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD).

European carbon prices tumbled on Monday morning as a risk-off mood prevailed across markets amid the prospect of widespread US tariffs, leading to aggressive selling that pushed benchmark EUA prices to their lowest in three weeks, while participants readied themselves for the publication of verified emissions data for 2024 on Apr. 4.

The UN’s International Maritime Organization (IMO) is meeting over the next two weeks in London to decide whether to apply a global emissions levy to reach net zero shipping by 2050.

The UK has launched a review into the potential role for greenhouse gas removals (GGR) in reaching its Paris Agreement and legally-binding net zero goals, also considering the role of international credits for offsetting residual emissions.

The Tokyo metropolitan government and two major financial companies have announced the first contributions to a fund targeting a total of 10 billion yen ($66.6 million) that seeks to support start-ups contributing to nature positivity, climate tech, or the circular economy.

The European Commission needs more time to assess the carbon sequestration potential of construction materials used in new and renovated buildings before releasing a first draft methodology in the second half of this year, EU officials have said.

NGO Global Witness has accused a France-headquartered waste management company of dumping pollutants into protected wetlands in Colombia, potentially harming wildlife and local communities.

India's steel industry faces potential carbon levies of up to $397 per tonne by 2034 as the EU prepares to implement its Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) next year, threatening the competitiveness of the world's second-largest steel producer in its key export market, according to a think-tank.

State-funded Korean Trade-Investment Promotion Agency (KOTRA) has teamed up with a domestic securities firm to encourage the advancement of international greenhouse gas reduction projects.

Any future Australian government should hold off on making changes to the Safeguard Mechanism until the legislated review in 2026-27, when it can bee examined more holistically alongside other issues, according to an expert.

Questions about funding and infrastructure as biggest flood since 1974 isolates towns and causes ‘soul-destroying’ stock losses

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In the dusty Queensland channel country, those old enough to remember still talk about the 1974 outback floods. For more than 50 years that has been the ultimate measuring stick for every downpour or trickle to flow through the central desert towards Kati Thanda-Lake Eyre.

On Sunday, in the tiny town of Jundah, in the heart of Queensland’s outback, the flood waters in some places measured 50cm higher than in 1974. Most of the town (including the pub) is still inundated. Surrounding towns are cut-off and could be isolated for weeks.

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By grazing between trees and removing potential wildfire fuel, wild horses help protect Galicia’s delicate ecosystems, but Europe’s largest herd has declined to just 10,000

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Detail not yet clear about new nature watchdog plan, which comes after previous attempt drew backlash from Western Australia

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Anthony Albanese has confirmed the federal environmental protection agency he has promised to establish if elected would not be “the same model” as the one he promised but failed to legislate during this term of government.

In his first public comments about reviving the nature watchdog plan, Albanese confirmed Labor would pursue a different model in consultation with the states, industry and environmental groups.

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Skyfly's aircraft promises the flexibility of a helicopter without the cost, noise or emissions.

Campaigners identified 140 illegal spill days into the beauty spot in 2024

Peter Dutton says co-hosting the 2026 UN climate summit is ‘madness’. But Australia would be mad to miss out on the benefits, including investment in renewables. Wesley Morgan, Research Associate, Institute for Climate Risk and Response, UNSW Sydney Licensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.

The electrification of Australian homes and vehicles is no longer trade-off between climate action and cost, but a guaranteed way to drive down the cost of living.

The post No more fossil “gasplaining” – going electric is past the tipping point and guaranteed to slash cost of living appeared first on RenewEconomy.

Adelaide records driest period in decades and Perth swelters through temperatures above 35C as BoM forecasts record rainfall in Queensland

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From intense rain and floods to heatwaves and drought, Australians across the country faced weather extremes as politicians headed into their first full week of campaigning.

Queensland cities and towns were still dealing with the effects of flooding on Monday, including extensive stock losses and widespread damage, after a year’s worth of rain fell in a matter of days.

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As the regulator approves more energy price rises, consumers were blithely advised to "shop around." There is a better to do this, but it requires rethinking the grid.

The post Gridlock: It’s time rethink the grid, make it local, and fit for consumers appeared first on RenewEconomy.