Environment
COP27 climate talks seen as key to success at next month's U.N. nature summit
With the annual U.N. climate summit in its final days, many of the world's environment ministers assembled in Egypt have begun setting their sights on another high-stakes meeting for nature taking place next month. But for those talks on protecting nature to be a success, experts say, governments must bring… Read
Dying lands: Farmers fight to save the 'skin of the Earth'
In America's dusty Corn Belt this spring, the land was drowning. In China's Yangtze river basin, it's bone dry. Farmers in both are fighting a losing battle to save the soil that produces our food. Carolyn Olson figures she did everything she could to protect her 1,100-acre farm near Cottonwood,… Read
Mediterranean marine heatwaves threaten coastal livelihoods
A decade ago, Tunisian fisherman Ahmed Chelli's nets bulged with fish and octopus that he sold at the local market in the Kerkennah islands. Today, he pulls up only "ISIS" — the name locals have given to the blue crabs that have invaded their fishing grounds in the fast-warming waters… Read
Nuclear power industry vies for bigger role in decarbonizing planet
Nuclear energy supporters including politicians and activists sought to polish the industry's spotty image on Wednesday, using the COP27 climate summit in Egypt to argue that atomic power offers a safe and cost-efficient way to decarbonize the world. Rising concerns about the swift pace of climate change and tight power… Read
How sustainable forestry grew into a tree-top playground in Nara Prefecture
The village of Totsukawa on the Kii Peninsula is over 670 square kilometers in size. Just 3,000 people live in this remote area where 96% of the surface area is covered by steep, forested mountains. The trees are Totsukawa’s most valuable resource and forestry has been its largest industry for… Read
Tackling ocean plastic, with Atlantic Pacific
Young people across Japan joined forces in March to combat plastic in the world’s oceans with Japanese non-profit lifeboat organization Atlantic Pacific. Funded by The Nippon Foundation and part of the Umi-to-Nippon Project (The Ocean and Japan Project), the international program encompasses a Spring Camp for junior and senior high… Read
In search of forest medicine in Japan
Forest therapy, a guided outdoor practice, can benefit our well-being and give us more grounding. A licensed guide helps those who join a session to rediscover the joy of wandering and wondering in the forest or another natural environment. Beyond relaxation and the connection with nature , there are numerous… Read
Giving back: Recycling abandoned homes in rural Japan
The abundance of akiya (vacant houses) dotted all over the Japanese countryside has hit the headlines in recent years. While some of these empty houses make it into the municipalities’ Akiya Banks, many are already uninhabitable. Despite Japan’s zero waste policy, the idea of salvaging lumber and other materials from… Read
Beauty brand BOTANIST starts SDGs reforestation project in Hokkaido
Since 2017, Lifestyle and Beauty product brand BOTANIST has been dedicating a portion of its sales to acts of reforestation and woodland conservation in Japan. The brand, which is based on the concept of "living among plants will bring a prosperous future," is fully committed to being a sustainable brand and has… Read
Stay weed-free with the help of goats — Japanese farm offers eco-friendly alternative to mowing
It’s not often that farms in the middle of the Japanese countryside make for interesting news, and less so when the news involves methods to keep areas free from pesky weeds and bushes. However, Magoroku Farm in Takeo City, Saga Prefecture has been doing just that recently, thanks in part to their… Read
