From Other Environmental Groups (October)

UN warns the window to restore the world’s forests is narrowing. A new UN Food and Agriculture Organization report says more than 489 million hectares of forest have been cleared since 1990, while only about 20% of the area pledged for restoration has actually been restored. For the full Guardian story, go here.
Europe’s oceans are experiencing unprecedented marine heatwaves. Marine heatwaves across Europe have reached unusually warm temperatures. Scientists are seeing major impacts on marine ecosystems, including the disappearance of kelp forests and changes in fish and shellfish populations. For the full story, go here.
One in nine migratory bird species now threatened with extinction. A new global assessment warns about the threats of habitat loss, climate change, pollution and other human contributions to migratory birds. The findings highlight how protecting habitats across migratory pathways that span multiple countries and ecosystems is essential. Full story here.

100 Countries Have Now Ratified the Global Ocean Biodiversity Treaty. The international agreement designed to conserve marine biodiversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction has reached 100 ratifications, marking significant progress toward implementing protections for the high seas. The IUCN says the next challenge is turning that international commitment into effective, science-based conservation. For the full story, go here.
Wetland Restoration Shows Itself Working During B.C. Flooding. Two restored floodplain projects in southeastern B.C. were put to the test when the Kootenay and Columbia rivers rose this spring, and water flowed into the newly reconnected wetlands as intended. The projects demonstrate how restoring natural floodplains can improve habitat while helping ecosystems cope with changing water conditions. For the full story, go here.
A New Wildlife Habitat Has Been Created Along the HS2 Rail Project. A former wheat field beside Britain's HS2 railway has been transformed into 127 hectares of chalk grassland, woodland, wetlands and ponds, with wildlife already returning just four years after restoration began. The project reused millions of cubic metres of excavated chalk to create new habitats, demonstrating how major infrastructure projects can incorporate large-scale ecological restoration. For the full story, go here.