Last Wednesday’s UN launch of the International Year of Forests has been tempered by disagreement over global plans for their protection. The flames of criticism have been fanned by reports of irregularities in pilot projects to reduce deforestation in Guyana and Indonesia.
Sachs defends Pachauri against Murdoch propaganda
Professor Jeffrey Sachs, the outspoken Director of the Earth Institute at Columbia University, has accused the News Corporation media empire of conducting a year-long campaign of vilification against the head of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change.
Sarkozy clashes with UN food chief
An apparent rift with the UN Food and Agriculture Organization signals a shaky start to French ambitions for the G20 countries to tackle world food insecurity.
Clooney sickness puts global warming on South Sudan agenda
Last Friday’s revelation that Hollywood superstar, George Clooney, contracted malaria during a visit to observe the South Sudan referendum may deliver an unintended wake-up call to the architects of the new state.
Food crisis warnings fall on stony ground
There is growing consensus that the spike in food prices spells trouble for hunger in poor countries over coming months. Why is the international community doing so little about it?
REDD shafted by deepwater drilling concessions
Pressure builds on Indonesia to sign up to a moratorium on deforestation. Meanwhile, both US and UK governments refuse pleas for a moratorium on deepwater drilling for oil. Is this a contradiction?
Fuel subsidies debacle undermines global warming roadmap
The abrupt New Year’s Eve reversal of President Morales’ decision to raise petrol and diesel prices represents a setback for prospects of reducing global carbon dioxide emissions.
Cancún condemns ocean acidification to footnote
The Cancún climate change agreement pays little attention to the threat of ocean acidification. Environmental campaigners should do more to redress the balance.
Cancún path to climate compensation culture
Global economic recession prevented the Cancún climate change conference from achieving any meaningful progress. But the small print may contain significant acceptance that global warming causes “loss and damages”.
How to get high on ambition in Cancún
Climate change negotiations in Cancún appear to be deadlocked. But what do ministers really think? What do their children think? A truth drug would transform the conference result.