Evidence
Every source cited across the model and our case, distilled to a line and linked to the original. 44 sources. The full classified library is under Research.
Economics
Carbon credits are useful for stabilizing the climate, but are they used effectively?
Source: theconversation.com · news
Carbon credits are a widely-used climate policy tool that allow companies to offset emissions by funding reduction projects elsewhere, but their effectiveness is increasingly questioned due to poor quality and verification issues. Research shows that less than 16% of evaluated carbon credits…
Cited in: revenue · 0008 economics base case
Over-reliance on land for carbon dioxide removal in net-zero climate pledges
Source: nature.com · study
National climate pledges for net-zero targets rely heavily on land-based carbon dioxide removal, requiring approximately 1 billion hectares of land globally—over 40% of which involves converting existing land uses to forests. This scale of land use change is unprecedented and raises serious…
Cited in: revenue · why restore degraded land
Conservation pays and everyone’s benefitting from it (commentary)
Source: news.mongabay.com · news
Costa Rica has successfully reversed deforestation and achieved 57% forest cover by prioritizing conservation through innovative policies like the Payment for Ecosystem Services (PES) scheme, funded by a fossil fuel tax. The country now protects 25% of its land and has become Latin America’s top…
Cited in: revenue
Young secondary forests may be the planet’s most overlooked carbon sink
Source: news.mongabay.com · news
A recent study reveals that young secondary forests aged 20 to 40 years are the most efficient carbon sinks, removing carbon up to eight times faster per hectare than newly regenerating forests. Protecting these existing young forests, especially in tropical regions, could sequester over 20 billion…
Cited in: revenue · 0008 economics base case
Foundation
Why repairing forests is not just about planting trees
Source: nature.com · study
Restoring forests involves much more than simply planting trees; it requires understanding and nurturing the complex relationships between trees, people, animals, and microbes. Effective restoration must address the underlying causes of deforestation and degradation, and prioritize the ecological,…
Cited in: why restore degraded land · 00 overview
World Soil Day: A Third of It Is Degraded. Here's the Solution Countries Should Adopt
Source: downtoearth.org.in · news
The article highlights that about one-third of the world's soil is degraded, primarily due to intensive agriculture practices such as monocropping, over-tillage, and chemical use, which threaten food security and ecosystem health. It advocates for regenerative agriculture, including organic and…
Cited in: why restore degraded land
Germany’s dying forests are losing their ability to absorb CO2. Can a new way of planting save them? / Germany / The Guardian
Source: theguardian.com · news
Germany's forests, predominantly monoculture spruce plantations, are dying from bark beetle infestations and climate change, drastically reducing their capacity to absorb CO2 and turning them into net emitters. The article examines this crisis, which threatens Germany's climate goals, and explores…
Cited in: why restore degraded land · 0001 candidate countries · germany
Funding
A Sample Grant Proposal on Sustainable Farming Practices: A Research Proposal to Improve Crop Yields and Soil Health among Smallholder Farmers
Source: fundsforngos.org · study
This grant proposal seeks to identify and promote sustainable farming practices that can improve crop yields and soil health among smallholder farmers, addressing barriers to adoption such as limited resources and knowledge. The research will use surveys, focus groups, and field trials to develop…
Cited in: pathways
Growth Operations
Africa struggles to balance economic growth & biodiversity conservation: UNCTAD
Source: downtoearth.org.in · news
The UNCTAD report 'Economic Development in Africa 2024' highlights Africa's critical challenge of balancing economic growth with biodiversity conservation amid increasing climate change impacts. It emphasizes that climate vulnerability, agricultural expansion, and resource extraction threaten…
Cited in: 00 overview · 0009 growth approach
Indicators
Involving citizens in monitoring the Kunming–Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework
Source: nature.com · study
The article evaluates how Indigenous Peoples, local communities, and citizen scientists can significantly contribute to monitoring the Kunming–Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) targets. It finds that citizen involvement can enhance data collection, conservation outcomes, and local…
Cited in: 00 overview
Infrastructure
This $9K Tiny House at Amazon Has Tons of Natural Light
Source: travelandleisure.com · catalog
Cited in: 00 overview
Ecocapsule / Sustainable Micro Home for Off-Grid Living
Source: ecocapsule.com · catalog
Cited in: 00 overview
Cabin Devín vacation home delivers off-grid tiny living in just 215 sq ft
Source: newatlas.com · catalog
Cited in: 00 overview
Learning
Want genuine progress toward restoring nature? Follow these four steps
Source: phys.org · news
Genuine nature restoration requires moving beyond vague commitments to implement four concrete steps: setting clear, measurable goals with specific timelines; involving local communities and Indigenous peoples in planning; establishing ongoing monitoring and adaptive management systems; and…
Cited in: 00 overview · 0007 scientific learning
Varied restoring approach needed in Nephin Forest - study
Source: agriland.ie · news
A new study published in Applied Vegetation Science assessed plant communities across 230 sites in Nephin Forest, Co. Mayo, revealing that different restoration approaches are needed based on local environmental conditions.[1][2] Researchers from ATU, the Marine Institute, and NPWS identified that…
Cited in: 00 overview
Method
Ecological restoration and rewilding: two approaches with complementary goals?
Source: onlinelibrary.wiley.com · study
The article compares ecological restoration and rewilding as two complementary approaches aimed at recovering ecosystems degraded by human activities. While ecological restoration focuses on returning ecosystems to a defined historical state through active interventions, rewilding emphasizes…
Cited in: 00 overview
Reforestation study finds only a few tree species can survive a century of rapid climate change
Source: phys.org · news
A study by scientists from the University of Vienna and Technical University of Munich found that only a few European tree species, such as English oak in the UK, are likely to survive the rapid climate changes expected this century. The research highlights a significant decline in climate-suitable…
Cited in: reforestation
Peat project hopes to save 4,000 tonnes of carbon
Source: bbc.com · news
The Great Fen project in Cambridgeshire has begun transforming Speechley's Farm into a wetland habitat to sequester over 4,000 tonnes of carbon in peat soil.[1][2] The initiative, funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, aims to restore degraded agricultural peatland into a nature reserve…
Communities in Portugal’s drought-prone Algarve region take water management into their own hands
Source: euronews.com · news
Portugal's Algarve region is addressing severe water scarcity through the eGroundwater Project, a citizen-driven mobile application that enables farmers and groundwater users to collectively manage and monitor water supplies. Led by University of Algarve scientists, the platform consolidates water…
Co-management of protected areas by NGOs and African countries significantly reduces deforestation
Source: phys.org · news
A study of 127 co-management partnerships between African governments and NGOs covering nearly 1 million square kilometers found that these collaborations reduce deforestation by an average of 55%, and up to 66% in the most threatened protected areas. These long-term public-private partnerships…
Cited in: community
Rewilding Must Help Damaged Forests to Work Symbiotically With Nature
Source: cleantechnica.com · opinion
Rewilding is a vital strategy for restoring damaged forests by allowing natural processes to rebuild resilient, biodiverse ecosystems rather than relying solely on human-controlled methods like tree planting. It emphasizes minimal intervention, the reintroduction of keystone species, and habitat…
Cited in: biodiversity
Natural regrowth of tropical forests has immense potential to address environmental concerns, study finds
Source: phys.org · news
A recent study published in Nature Communications demonstrates that natural regrowth of tropical forests holds significant potential for climate change mitigation and biodiversity conservation. The research identifies key global regions with high regrowth potential and provides a detailed digital…
Cited in: 00 overview · 0006 restoration method
Forest restoration must integrate climate, biodiversity and community needs: study
Source: downtoearth.org.in · news
A study published in PNAS emphasizes that forest restoration must integrate climate change mitigation, biodiversity conservation, and community needs to be effective and equitable. Using the Nature’s Contribution to People (NCP) framework, the research shows that integrated restoration plans…
Cited in: community
Planting trees the 'right way
Source: phys.org · news
Dr. Jake Robinson argues that successful tree planting requires more than just increasing numbers; it demands careful consideration of local ecosystems, soil, water, and species suitability. Thoughtless planting can harm biodiversity and waste resources, while involving communities and prioritizing…
Cited in: reforestation
Indigenous people and NGO grow a wildlife corridor in the world’s oldest rainforest
Source: news.mongabay.com · news
The Eastern Kuku Yalanji Indigenous people and environmental NGO Climate Force are collaborating to create a wildlife corridor in Australia's Daintree Rainforest by planting 360,000 trees across 213 hectares of previously cleared land.[1][4] This restoration effort aims to reconnect fragmented…
Cited in: 00 overview · community
Why science needs indigenous data collectors
Source: downtoearth.org.in · news
Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities (IPLCs) provide more detailed and nuanced data on climate change impacts on biodiversity than conventional scientific methods, as their observations are driven by survival needs and deep environmental knowledge. A study analyzing 291 case studies found IPLCs…
Cited in: biodiversity
Mixed cover crops may be the future of sustainable farming
Source: earth.com · news
Scientists have found that growing mixed cover crops of legumes and grasses alongside maize significantly improves soil health by enhancing nutrient balance and microbial activity. This 'living mulch' approach offers a sustainable farming method that can restore degraded soils, reduce reliance on…
Cited in: soil
Multiple targeted grassland restoration interventions enhance ecosystem service multifunctionality
Source: nature.com · study
This study demonstrates that combining multiple targeted grassland restoration interventions—such as seed addition, soil disturbance, and reduced management intensity—significantly enhances ecosystem service multifunctionality compared to single interventions. The combined approach improves plant…
Cited in: 00 overview
Forest restoration is booming but biodiversity isn’t
Source: news.mongabay.com · news
Global forest restoration efforts are rapidly increasing, driven by climate and biodiversity goals, but biodiversity benefits are often overstated or absent due to a focus on utilitarian outcomes like timber and carbon sequestration. The widespread use of monocultures and exotic species plantations…
Cited in: 00 overview · biodiversity
Restoring predators, restoring ecosystems: Yellowstone wolves and other carnivores drive strong trophic cascade
Source: phys.org · news
A new study analyzing 20 years of data from Yellowstone National Park demonstrates that wolves and other large carnivores have driven a powerful trophic cascade, resulting in a remarkable 1,500% increase in willow crown volume along riparian zones.[1] The strength of this ecological recovery…
Cited in: biodiversity
Plant-mycorrhiza synergy' can revitalize forest restoration
Source: phys.org · news
An international research team has developed a 'plant-mycorrhiza synergy' framework that leverages two types of mycorrhizal fungi—arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) and ectomycorrhizal (ECM)—to improve forest restoration by enhancing soil carbon storage and ecosystem functionality.[1] The framework…
Cited in: reforestation · soil · germany
China invention turns desert sand into fertile soil in just 10 months - Earth.com
Source: earth.com · news
Chinese scientists have developed a breakthrough process using lab-grown cyanobacteria to transform desert sand into fertile soil in just 10-16 months. The microbes create biological soil crusts that bind loose sand grains together with sticky sugars, stabilizing the surface and enabling vegetation…
Cited in: soil
Mixed-species forests outperform monocultures in carbon storage, even in extreme weather
Source: phys.org · news
An international study from the world's longest-running tropical tree diversity experiment in Panama shows that mixed-species forests with five tree species store 57% more carbon in aboveground biomass than monocultures after 16 years. This diversity advantage strengthened over time, even enduring…
Cited in: reforestation · 0006 restoration method
A long wait for pollinators: Restored grasslands need 75+ years for full biodiversity recovery, study finds
Source: phys.org · news
A Kobe University study reveals that restored grasslands require over 75 years of continuous management to achieve plant diversity comparable to ancient grasslands, but pollinator communities lag further, remaining less specialized and effective. Young restored sites are dominated by generalist…
Cited in: biodiversity
Most protected areas overlook the fungi ecosystems depend on
Source: earth.com · news
A new study reveals that over half of the critical mycorrhizal fungi species, which are essential for plant health and ecosystem resilience, are underrepresented in protected areas. This oversight highlights a significant gap in conservation efforts, particularly in grasslands and savannas, which…
Cited in: soil
Our case
Power of Cork Key to Climate Change Fight, Scientists Say
Source: abcnews.go.com · news
Cork is emerging as a powerful natural solution in the fight against climate change due to its sustainable harvesting, carbon-negative production, and diverse applications. Cork oak forests absorb significant amounts of CO₂, prevent desertification, and support biodiversity, while cork…
Cited in: 0001 candidate countries · portugal
Denmark converts farmland to forest in bid to revive nature – and Europe’s climate ambitions - CNA
Source: channelnewsasia.com · news · needs verification
Denmark is converting 10% of its agricultural land into forests under a US$6 billion plan to restore nature, reduce fertilizer pollution, and enhance carbon sequestration amid the EU's push for a 90% emissions cut by 2040. The initiative includes planting 1 billion trees and rewetting peat soils,…
Cited in: 0001 candidate countries · germany
Parameters
First herd of European bison comes to Portugal
Source: theportugalnews.com · news
A pioneering translocation brought eight European bison to Portugal for the first time, marking a significant milestone in the species' recovery from near-extinction. The bison will enhance carbon sequestration, boost biodiversity, and support nature-based tourism while helping reduce wildfire risk…
Cited in: portugal
Multi-decadal groundwater observations in southwestern Europe reveal largely stable levels
Source: nature.com · study
A comprehensive analysis of 12,398 wells across southwestern Europe (1960–2020) reveals that groundwater levels are more stable than commonly assumed, with 68% of wells showing stable levels, 20% rising, and only 12% declining.[1][2] The study challenges the widespread belief in continuous…
Cited in: portugal
Environmentalists want to restore Portuguese river
Source: theportugalnews.com · news
Environmentalists are advocating for the restoration of the Vascão River in Portugal by removing obsolete river barriers to improve river connectivity, reduce drought impacts, and promote biodiversity. This river is one of 11 European watercourses targeted for restoration to support endangered…
Cited in: portugal
Risk
Fireproofing forests on a hotter planet
Source: dw.com · news
As climate change intensifies wildfires across southern Europe, firefighting alone is insufficient to address the growing threat. Long-term solutions require integrated approaches combining forest management, prescribed burns, fuel reduction, community engagement, and nature-based strategies to…
Cited in: 00 overview · choosing a site · 0001 candidate countries · 0010 risk posture · portugal
Site And Land
Abandoned farmlands could play a role in fighting climate change. A study shows exactly where they are
Source: phys.org · news
A new study led by researchers at the University of Wisconsin–Madison used machine learning and satellite imagery to map nearly 30 million acres of abandoned U.S. cropland since the 1980s at field-level resolution. This detailed mapping identifies lands that could be repurposed for climate…
Cited in: choosing a site · 0005 foundation commitment
Not enough rain: How can Germany cope with drought?
Source: dw.com · news
Germany experienced one of its driest springs on record in early 2025, leading to severe drought stress affecting agriculture, groundwater levels, and inland waterway transport. The exceptionally dry topsoil and low groundwater levels pose significant challenges for crop growth and water…
Cited in: choosing a site · germany
Stewardship Handoff
National parks and other protected areas often fail to conserve Earth’s forests, research finds
Source: theconversation.com · news
A global study analyzing forest loss from 2001-2022 found that protected areas prevent only about 30% of forest loss that would otherwise occur, meaning 70% of potential deforestation still happens within these zones.[1][2] Effectiveness varies dramatically by country, with protected areas in…
Cited in: 00 overview