#69 KlimaGoodNews: The Natural Power of Diversity
The past few weeks have been all about international species protection. On March 3rd, World Wildlife Day – an important global day of action since 1973 – raised awareness about the threats faced by numerous animal and plant species. Pollution, overconsumption of resources, and climate change are endangering their habitats around the world.
However, international initiatives are increasingly committed to protecting biodiversity. A major breakthrough was just achieved at the 16th UN Biodiversity Conference (COP16) in Rome. Around 200 countries agreed on a multi-year funding plan worth billions to protect nature.
Biodiversity – the variety of ecosystems, habitats, animal and plant species, and the genetic diversity within them – is vital for our lives. It provides us with food, drinking water, fibers for clothing, raw materials for medicines, and plays a crucial role in climate regulation. Intact ecosystems store large amounts of CO₂ and protect us from the effects of extreme weather events. Their stability and resilience heavily depend on biodiversity.
Did you know that over the past ten years, oceans, plants, animals, and soils have absorbed more than 50% of human-caused CO₂ emissions, significantly slowing global warming? If we protect natural habitats, they become unbeatable allies in the fight for climate protection.
In this issue of KlimaGoodNews, we present some inspiring initiatives. Enjoy reading! 🦋💚
DER SPIEGEL
The Congo Basin – A treasure of biodiversity to become a rainforest reserve
The Democratic Republic of Congo contains nearly half of the African rainforest in the Congo Basin. After the Amazon, it's the second-largest tropical rainforest on Earth and home to an impressive range of biodiversity – from okapis and forest elephants to mahogany trees.
At the World Economic Forum, President Félix Tshisekedi announced a large-scale rainforest protection area.
This ambitious project is a global milestone for conservation. With an area of 108,000 km² and a length of 2,800 km, it’s set to become the largest protected rainforest area in the world. The plan is to link existing national parks such as Virunga, Yangambi, and Salonga into a continuous protection zone.
The goal: to protect the unique rainforest long-term from deforestation and exploitative foreign investment. Instead of short-term exploitation, the project focuses on preserving this valuable ecosystem, which plays a crucial role in global climate protection. At the same time, the initiative will create jobs and offer opportunities for sustainable development in the growing region.
Portugal leads the way in ocean protection: Deep-sea mining moratorium until 2050
Portugal is taking a leading role in ocean protection and is the first EU country to ban deep-sea mining! The government has decided not to issue any new seabed mining licenses until 2050. This places Portugal alongside Pacific island nations like Palau and Fiji, prioritizing ocean protection over industrial mining – a milestone for preserving marine ecosystems.
Portugal includes not only mainland territory on the Iberian Peninsula but also Atlantic islands such as Madeira and the Azores – the latter being a hotspot for the extraction of valuable metals like cobalt, copper, and nickel from manganese nodules. However, the long-term impacts on this fragile ecosystem are barely understood.
Although the moratorium is a strong signal, the risk to marine ecosystems around the Azores remains – international waters just a few hundred meters from Portugal’s economic zone are still open to deep-sea mining. Nevertheless, Portugal’s decision is a powerful call to prioritize global ocean protection.
Reiner Wandler
🎊 Earthly Delights
New species discovered in Peru
An estimated up to 150 species disappear from our planet every day. But while biodiversity is declining in many places, new species continue to be discovered in unexplored regions of the world.
For example, in Peru’s Alto Mayo region, a Conservation International expedition discovered 27 new species.
Among them: semi-aquatic mice with webbed feet – considered almost "mythical" by experts – and a tiny squirrel the size of a human palm. Even more impressive: this isn’t just a new species, but an entirely new genus!
These discoveries are especially noteworthy because they were made in a heavily populated region. But the area’s biodiversity is threatened by agriculture. Conservation groups are now working with local indigenous communities and policymakers to strengthen environmental protection.
Coexistence between people and nature is possible, say experts from Conservation International – but action is needed now to preserve it.
Irene Habich
💯 Number of the Week
57% – More CO₂ storage in biodiverse forests
Biodiverse forests play a key role in climate protection, as they store significantly more CO₂ than monocultures. A new study based on the world’s oldest tropical tree diversity experiment in Panama shows that mixed forests with five tree species store 57% more CO₂ in their aboveground biomass than single-species forests.
Why? Different tree species use resources like water and nutrients more efficiently, enhancing growth and CO₂ uptake.
Even more striking: the effect increases over time as biodiverse forests grow more stable and reach their full potential. Extreme weather events like droughts or hurricanes don’t diminish their carbon storage abilities.
These findings emphasize once again: biodiversity is crucial for climate protection. Promoting and preserving species-rich forests can make a real contribution to fighting climate change.
Katharina Menne
💪 Challenge of the Week
Species protection at home!
Protecting nature is essential to preserving the diversity of animal and plant species. In addition to financially supporting organizations like WWF or NABU, each of us can make a contribution in our everyday lives.
This week’s challenge offers simple, impactful ideas you can implement at home or in your neighborhood:
- Plant herbs and flowers on your balcony – Bee-friendly plants like lavender, thyme, and sage provide food for insects.
- Create a deadwood corner in the garden – A small pile of branches and logs offers shelter for many creatures.
- Put stickers on your windows – Helps prevent birds from flying into glass.
- Let some weeds grow in your garden – Many wild herbs like dandelions are valuable food sources for insects.
- Provide a water bowl for animals – A shallow dish with stones and fresh water allows birds and insects to drink safely.
- Offer bird food – A variety of seeds and nuts attract different bird species.
Every action, no matter how small, is a step toward better nature protection. The challenge is considered complete once you implement at least one action.
And remember: nature conservation is always also climate protection, because healthy ecosystems store CO₂ and stabilize the climate.
Good luck and enjoy taking part! 🐝🌳🦔🌻
Thank you for reading KlimaGoodNews #69 💚
We’re looking forward to the next edition full of positive news for a more sustainable shared future!