As the Amazon rainforest burns in Brazil— satellites have detected thousands of fire alerts over the last week —Leonardo DiCaprio’s new organization pledged $5 million to help local organizations run by indigenous communities protect what’s left. The new Amazon Forest Fund , launched by an organization called Earth Alliance that DiCaprio cofounded last month, aims “to focus critical resources for indigenous communities and other local partners working to protect the life-sustaining biodiversity of the Amazon against the fires currently burning across the region,” DiCaprio wrote in an Instagram post announcing the emergency fund. The fund, which is asking for public support, will give 100% of donations directly to organizations fighting fires and protecting indigenous lands. One group, for example, is the Instituto Associação Floresta Protegida , which represents 17 communities of the Mẽbêngôkre and Kayapó people located in the Brazilian state of Pará, where farmers declared a “fire day” earlier this month to burn forested areas to clear more land for agriculture. Farming—from producing soy and palm oil to cattle ranching to supply food companies around the world, including the U.S.—is one of the primary drivers of deforestation in the area. DiCaprio cofounded the Earth Alliance with billionaires Laurene […]
Latest Articles
San Diego’s 8 New Microgrids Will Save City $6 Million over 25 Years
Takeaways: By the end of 2022, San Diego will operate eight microgrids and save an estimated $6 million in energy costs.
The microgrids will...
Unilever to Help Replace Single-Use Miniatures at Holiday Inn-Owner Hotels
Takeaways: Unilever is replacing bathroom miniatures with "bulk amenities" in over 4000 hotels.
The company's largest brand, Dove, will supply full-size hand wash, body...
Using Bamboo for Reforestation and Clean Energy in Uganda
Takeaways: Divine Nabaweesi, the founder of Divine Bamboo, aims to stop deforestation in Uganda through bamboo forestry and use the plant for clean biomass...
Scientists Invent Way to Grow Plants in Complete Darkness
Takeaways: Scientists have found a way to grow plants in complete darkness.
They use a two-step process to convert carbon dioxide, electricity and water...
Halving Pesticide Use, Dismantling Dams: EU’s Ambitious Draft Law to Restore Nature
Takeaways: The European Commission has drafted a law that will halve pesticide use across Europe by 2030 and dismantle big dams to make rivers...
Why Growing Forests Is Awesome
Why Growing Forests Is Awesome Guest Post by: Job van Hooijdonk, co-founder of Regreener In 2016, a record of 29.7 million hectares of forest disappeared. That's2 90,000 square...