Hello! Some personal news: I’ve started a new newsletter called The Nature Beat about biodiversity, conservation, ecological restoration, nature-based solutions to climate change, and so on. While it is aimed primarily at journalists, it will be useful to anyone else who is interested in these topics and wants to stay up-to-date. Each week, The Nature … Continue reading Introducing The Nature Beat| Under The Banyan
President Joe Biden has stated that the United States will impose trade sanctions on China if it does not address its role in the illegal trade in pangolins, the world’s most heavily trafficked animals, by the end of the year. Pangolins are endangered scaly mammals that live in Africa and Asia. They are widely poached … Continue reading Biden gives China ultimatum over pangolin trade| Under The Banyan
John Kirk Townsend, who lived from 1809 to 1851, was a prolific American naturalist. In his short life, he collected specimens of several species of bird that were new to science. But he was also an odious racist who raided the graves of Native Americans. He removed skulls from their corpses and sent them to … Continue reading Why 263 bird species are going to get new English names| Under The Banyan
I was devastated to learn that my friend and former colleague Saleemul Huq died at his home in Bangladesh on 28 October. Few individuals have had a greater impact on humanity’s response to the climate emergency than him. It was an honour to know and work with such a man. Without Saleem, the world would … Continue reading Remembering Saleemul Huq (1952-2023)| Under The Banyan
A new study highlights flaws in stories that conservation organizations often tell about how protected areas can improve the wellbeing of local people. It shows that some of the most entrenched narratives lack evidence and need more nuance. But it found stronger evidence for narratives that centre the rights and roles of indigenous people and … Continue reading Conservation narratives about protected areas and local people are not telling the whole story| Under The Banyan
Biodiversity encompasses the full variety of life – all genes, species and ecosystems – and it is in danger, which means we are too. As this article explains, a major conference in December 2022 could have a big impact on our collective fate by helping to end biodiversity loss and restore nature. What does COP15 … Continue reading Explainer: COP15, the biggest biodiversity conference in a decade| Under The Banyan
Policy debates about meat and climate change are messy, deeply political and heavily influenced by powerful vested interests.| Under The Banyan
When governments meet next year to finalise a global deal to halt loss of the biodiversity on which human wellbeing depends, “30 by 30” will be one phrase on everybody’s lips. The target – to protect at least 30% of Earth’s land and sea by 2030 – is part of a package being negotiated under the UN … Continue reading Will 30×30 reboot conservation or entrench old problems?| Under The Banyan
On the face of it, it is good news that the UN will host a Food Systems Summit on 23 September. It aims to accelerate the transformation of these systems so they provide nutritious food for all, are good for people and nature, help fight climate change and boost resilience to environmental and economic shocks. But lift the lid on the summit process and you will find a hot stew. Stakeholders are deeply divided about how to fix the food system, and many have big concerns about the summit itself.| Under The Banyan
On a quiet day in June 2020, a stranger on a distant shore contacted me and blew my mind. He asked me to keep a secret until this day.| Under The Banyan
