Latest news with #forestconservation
Yahoo
22-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
United States: TotalEnergies Expands Its Investments in Sustainable Forestry Operations to Preserve Carbon Sinks
PARIS, July 22, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- TotalEnergies signed an agreement with NativState, an Arkansas-based forest carbon project developer, to conserve forests from land conversion and heavy timber harvesting. The transaction includes 13 Improved Forest Management (IFM) projects located in Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi and Tennessee, U.S.A, covering 100,000 hectares (247,000 acres) owned by more than 280 private family forest landowners. The carbon program managed by NativState offers landowners a sustainable income alternative to this region's common practice of heavy timber harvesting while restoring forest health and improving carbon stocks. This investment will support sustainable forest practices, such as identifying and preserving high conservation value forests, implementing best management practices for streamside management zones, improving forest species diversity, and conserving wildlife corridors. It will also generate social benefits to small landowners such as forestry management education and technical support, as well as financial benefits by giving them access to voluntary carbon markets. All carbon credits generated by the project will be certified by the ACR, an internationally recognized carbon crediting program, and will be acquired by TotalEnergies. After prioritizing emission avoidance and reduction, the Company will use these credits from 2030 onwards to voluntarily offset part of its remaining direct Scope 1 & 2 emissions. "TotalEnergies confirms its commitment to support the conservation and enhancement of carbon sinks, with local value creation", said Adrien Henry, Vice President Nature Based Solutions at TotalEnergies. "We are thrilled to support NativState to scale up their operations, directly benefiting the environment and their local communities." "We, at NativState, are honored and deeply grateful for our partnership with TotalEnergies and our forest landowner families, which creates extraordinary opportunities to build a lasting legacy for small forest landowners in our communities across the southern United States while supporting TotalEnergies in addressing the challenges of global energy markets," said Stuart Allen, NativState Founder and CEO. "It is a privilege to empower these landowners to embrace sustainable forestry practices, cultivating healthier lands and stronger communities for generations to come." About TotalEnergies Nature Based SolutionsAs part of its climate ambition, and in addition to its existing actions to avoid and reduce emissions, TotalEnergies works with many local partners around the world to develop and conserve natural carbon sinks, while helping to preserve or improve their biodiversity. These operations follow a long-term approach of sustainable and integrated economic development of areas with local communities. TotalEnergies plans to invest $100 million per year to build a portfolio of projects capable of generating at least 5 million metric tons of CO2e of carbon credits per year by 2030. These carbon credits will be used after 2030 to offset the Company's scope 1 & 2 emissions. Learn more with our TotalEnergies' Sustainability and Climate 2025 – Progress Report About TotalEnergiesTotalEnergies is a global integrated energy company that produces and markets energies: oil and biofuels, natural gas, biogas and low-carbon hydrogen, renewables and electricity. Our more than 100,000 employees are committed to providing as many people as possible with energy that is more reliable, more affordable and more sustainable. Active in about 120 countries, TotalEnergies places sustainability at the heart of its strategy, its projects and its operations. About NativStateNativState LLC ( is a forest carbon development company partnering with small forest landowners across the southern United States to deliver access to global carbon markets. We work with landowners to improve and conserve their forests while realizing a financial return based on the creation of high-quality carbon credits sold to companies seeking to meet and exceed their carbon emission reduction goals. Using ACR's Improved Forest Management (IFM) methodology and our forty-year carbon agreement, we work with landowners to provide a new source of income from their forests versus historical, intensive timber harvesting. Through this process NativState empowers forest owners with the ability to manage their properties sustainably and provide the co-benefits of improved water quality, improved biodiversity, and improved overall health of the forest. NativState Media ContactMark Z. Fortune, Vice President, Marketing | 501-580-0550 | mfortune@ NativState TotalEnergies ContactsMedia Relations: +33 (0)1 47 44 46 99 l presse@ l @TotalEnergiesPRInvestor Relations: +33 (0)1 47 44 46 46 l ir@ @TotalEnergies TotalEnergies TotalEnergies TotalEnergies Cautionary NoteThe terms "TotalEnergies", "TotalEnergies company" or "Company" in this document are used to designate TotalEnergies SE and the consolidated entities that are directly or indirectly controlled by TotalEnergies SE. Likewise, the words "we", "us" and "our" may also be used to refer to these entities or to their employees. The entities in which TotalEnergies SE directly or indirectly owns a shareholding are separate legal entities. This document may contain forward-looking information and statements that are based on a number of economic data and assumptions made in a given economic, competitive and regulatory environment. They may prove to be inaccurate in the future and are subject to a number of risk factors. Neither TotalEnergies SE nor any of its subsidiaries assumes any obligation to update publicly any forward-looking information or statement, objectives or trends contained in this document whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Information concerning risk factors, that may affect TotalEnergies' financial results or activities is provided in the most recent Universal Registration Document, the French-language version of which is filed by TotalEnergies SE with the French securities regulator Autorité des Marchés Financiers (AMF), and in the Form 20-F filed with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE NativState
Telegraph
26-06-2025
- Health
- Telegraph
New hope for ash trees ‘evolving resistance to deadly disease'
Ash trees are finally mounting a fightback against ash dieback disease, a study has found. The fungal infection has devastated UK ash populations since it arrived on British shores more than a decade ago, with experts warning it could wipe out the species. A study by the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, and Queen Mary, University of London tracked how the disease was affecting an ancient woodland in Surrey. Ash dieback has ravaged the Marden Park wood since 2012 with the majority of trees being infected. Dieback causes blackened leaves, stunted growth and shrivelled roots. But a comparison of the health and genes of trees that matured before 2012 against recent saplings discovered evolution in action, which is making young trees more resilient. The modern plants had different variations of almost 8,000 genes, accrued by natural selection, which made them more robust, scientists found. A population's range of genes emerges naturally and randomly, but only those that are advantageous survive long enough to reproduce. Over several generations, genes that make an organism vulnerable die out, and advantageous genes and traits persist in the population. The new study found that this process weeded out almost a third of the newest ash trees, leaving the 69 per cent that were genetically better able to withstand ash dieback. The end result is that current juvenile ash trees in this woodland are better able to combat and less likely to die from the disease. Glimmer of hope against extinction This offers a glimmer of hope that the British native ash tree, known as Fraxinus excelsior, will not go extinct as some experts had feared. Ash dieback is caused by the fungus Hymenoscyphus fraxineus and arrived in Britain from Asia in 2012, prompting an emergency Cobra meeting. British ash trees are uniquely vulnerable to the disease, which does not harm other ash species, including those found on mainland Europe. The disease has since wreaked havoc across the British countryside, leaving behind skeletal remains of dying ash trees. Previous predictions estimated that up to 85 per cent of ash trees in the UK would succumb to the disease, with none displaying complete immunity. They say it also demonstrates this process works even when a certain trait, such as disease protection, is created by lots of different genes, and not just a single chunk of DNA. Dr Carey Metheringham, whose PhD research included the study, said: 'Thanks to natural selection, future generations of ash should have a better chance of withstanding infection.' But she also warned that while natural selection is showing signs of an ash fightback, it may not be enough on its own to overcome the dieback threat. Evolution may not be enough 'Natural selection alone may not be enough to produce fully resistant trees,' Ms Metheringham added. 'The existing genetic variation in the ash population may be too low, and as the trees become scarcer, the rate of selection could slow. ' Human intervention, such as selective breeding and the protection of young trees from deer grazing, may be required to accelerate evolutionary change.' Additional steps could be needed to prevent ash from facing the same extinction threat as the elm tree, which is being decimated by Dutch elm disease. The study was largely funded by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, which is also leading other work to try and help the ash tree. The new study is published in the journal Science.
CTV News
25-06-2025
- General
- CTV News
‘More than happy': former N.L. premier donates land to protect rare species
A rare stretch of forest on Newfoundland's Avalon Peninsula is now permanently protected, thanks to a land donation from former premier Danny Williams and his family. The 185-acre property, located just north of Mount Carmel-Mitchells Brook-St. Catherines, has been added to the Nature Conservancy of Canada's (NCC) Salmonier River Nature Reserve. The gift brings the size of the reserve to nearly 1,200 acres and comes as the NCC marks its 10th year working in the region. The land contains critical habitats for several globally rare lichens, including boreal felt lichen, a species which the NCC listed as 'special concern' under the federal Species at Risk Act. Blue felt lichen and frosted glass-whiskers lichen, also listed as 'special concern,' were found nearby. 'Once they (NCC) explained what they had found and how they wanted to further study and protect this rare lichen, I found their excitement infectious,' Williams said in a statement. 'I was more than happy to give them more permanent access.' Williams, who served as premier between 2003 and 2010, has experience supporting environmental causes. In 2005, he signed a resolution along with then-Rhode Island Gov. Donald L. Carcieri, calling for common strategies for the resolution of regional environmental issues. 'I am also a strong believer in climate change and believe we have a collective responsibly to do what we can to protect the future of our planet,' he said. 'I have been very blessed in my life, and I am quite pleased to be able to contribute in any way I can.' The Salmonier River Nature Reserve lies within the Avalon Forest Ecoregion, which the NCC says is characterized by 'frequent waves of fog that collect over low-lying, sheltered bogs,' which create a unique habitat for lichens. The area is also home to several at-risk species, including the red crossbill (listed as 'threatened'), olive-sided flycatcher (special concern), along with the little brown myotis and northern long-eared bat, both of which the NCC lists as 'endangered.' Piers Evans, NCC's program director for Newfoundland and Labrador, said Williams' contribution will help 'protect species that are globally rare,' as well as one of the province's most ecologically unique landscapes. 'Working with landowners like Danny to explore the biodiversity of this area continues to reinforce our belief that it is an area deserving of protection,' Evans said. Federal Environment and Climate Change Minister Julie Dabrusin says partnerships like this are critical in the face of biodiversity loss and climate change. 'By protecting nature today, we are building a more resilient and sustainable future for generations to come,' she said in a statement. Scott Reid, N.L. minister of environment and climate change, echoed Dabrusin's sentiment, saying the donation complements the province's own efforts to preserve ecological reserves in the Avalon region and support 'the conservation of rare lichens.' The donated land includes forest and wetlands, both of which the NCC says play a role in climate resilience by preventing flooding, filtering water, and capturing carbon. The NCC says there are still opportunities to conserve additional land in the Salmonier River Valley and is encouraging other landowners to come forward. 'Together, we can all be part of the solution,' the organization said.
CTV News
11-06-2025
- CTV News
Lemay Forest protester fined $15,000
Winnipeg Watch A woman who tried to stop developers from cutting down a St. Norbert forest has been fined $15,000.
The Guardian
03-06-2025
- Lifestyle
- The Guardian
Can a 15th-century Indian singing tradition help stop wildfires?
For years, the women of Murgapahadi village in eastern India have quietly managed farms and children, collected flowers and firewood in forests, and kept households running while their husbands work away in cities. This year, many are educating too – in song as they work. Forest officials are enlisting devotional song-and-dance troupes – sankirtan mandalis – to help in the fight against fires in the dry deciduous woods of Odisha state in soaring temperatures. Fires have already affected more than 4,500 hectares (11,120 acres) of forest in Odisha this year, up from about 4,000 hectares in 2024. Officials are using technology such as AI cameras and satellite data to track blazes but are also turning to the appeal of song to ask villagers not to burn leaves in the forest, apractice believed to benefit the soil, but which has led to uncontrollable wildfires in recent years. 'With the rising temperatures, these fires are spreading faster, and dousing them is becoming ever more difficult,' says Dhanraj Hanumant Dhamdhere, deputy conservationist of forests in Keonjhar district, which has been hit by heatwaves since April. Dhamdhere enlisted 80 devotional groups earlier this year. 'Cultural troupes are very strong in Odisha, and there are many artistes in rural areas,' he says. 'Also, people here are very religious. The troupes sing in local languages, which are easily understood, and their performances are enjoyed, so it is easier for people to connect with them.' He says there has been a 20-30% drop in fires in some areas since the sankirtan mandalis were enlisted. Ghatagaon forest range, where Murgapahadi is located, is among them. Sankirtan mandalis date to the 15th century, originally groups of men playing cymbals, drums and singing songs of religious devotion. Women rarely went out alone, let alone sang in public. But two years ago, women from Murgapahadi formed their own troupe to revive the tradition. 'When the men [of the village] migrated to Hyderabad and Bengaluru to work in factories, the sankirtan mandali became almost non-functional. We decided to revive it,' says Pramila Pradhan, 35, who heads the troupe in Murgapahadi. Odisha, one of India's poorest states, has some of the highest migration numbers. In village after village, as mandalis began undergoing a revival, spearheaded by women, government agencies saw an opportunity. Pradhan's troupe of 17, nine of whom are women, were curious but hesitant when the forest department called them in January. They were given a poem, which the women set to a rhythm. The next morning, they walked around the village singing: 'Listen listen my dear sisters, brothers, don't set fire to the forest. If the forest survives, we survive … we get a healthy climate.' Sign up to Her Stage Hear directly from incredible women from around the world on the issues that matter most to them – from the climate crisis to the arts to sport after newsletter promotion While Odisha has laws to punish those found responsible for any fire in the forest area, the appeal of the songs are more effective. 'The villagers listen to the sankirtan mandali,' says Omprakash Jena, a forest guard. 'People believe them, and if they are asked not to do something, they obey.' Jena credits Pradhan's troupe for the 'minimal' forest fires recorded this summer, making up just 26 of the 600 fires that occurred in Keonjhar district. Dibakar Patra, president of an umbrella organisation of sankirtan mandalis in Odisha, says there are about 20,000 troupes in the state, of which at least 1,000 are all-female. 'We have traditionally performed at festivals and birth or thread ceremonies and weddings,' he says. 'But now the government wants to use us in a better way. Our mandalis have now been enlisted for rural water conservation awareness in addition to forest fires.' Analysts point out that this is not enough to help a community at the sharp end of the climate crisis. Mining is expanding in the region, and polluting industries including coal, steel and aluminium dot the landscape in Keonjhar and Angul districts, contributing to planet-heating emissions. Biswajeet Mohanty, secretary of the Wildlife Society of Odisha, says engaging women in dance will not resolve factors fuelling the climate crisis. 'The victims of climate change are being told to use the medium of sankirtan mandalis and move from village to village to spread awareness, even as polluting industries are being expanded,' he says. The women say the forest fires affect their incomes and children's nutrition. 'We collect wild yam, tubers, spinach and mushrooms for the family. If there is a major fire, we have to make do with the rice we get from the government,' says Balamati Munda, 42. But for now, they credit the sankirtan mandali with helping them feel more relevant to society. About 180km (112 miles) away from Murgapahadi, in Ambanali village, Angul district, Ketaki Nayak slips her sari pallu off her head and tucks it into the waist of her petticoat, taking her position with other women in two neat rows. 'I sang songs when I was in school, but after marriage no one encourages you to go out and sing,' she says. Nayak was married at 10. Now 25, she has two children aged eight and 10. 'These days, girls are studying, even working as pilots,' she says. 'I had never thought that I had talent, that I would go out and sing and people would bless me.' Tutor Kusha Behera says the troupe has received a call about a government project, which they plan to take part in. 'We have young girls, even students joining the mandalis,' he says. 'While these women have lost their youth, the next generation of young girls is learning what women can do.' This story first appeared in the Migration Story, India's first newsroom to focus on the country's vast migrant population
