Climate change news from the ground, in a warming world Was this forwarded to you? Sign up here [[link removed]] Megan Rowling [[link removed]]

Climate correspondent

Far too many of the planet's precious forests have gone up in smoke these past few weeks amid baking conditions, reminding us of the importance of looking after them better - not least because the carbon they store reins in climate heating.

But working out an honest global system for valuing the emissions trees and other natural systems keep out of the atmosphere, and allowing those reductions to be traded on markets that can channel finance to conservation projects, is a tough task.

This week sees the launch of a public consultation on a new set of "Core Carbon Principles" [[link removed]] that are intended to raise the bar for the quality of credits on offer in the world's voluntary carbon markets.

The aim is to help companies - now increasingly looking at carbon credits to offset some of their emissions and fund worthwhile projects - sort the wheat from the chaff with sorely-needed guidance.

Climate justice advocates, meanwhile, are pushing for a flat levy on this form of carbon trading, to help vulnerable communities adapt to extreme weather and rising seas, and improve the "social integrity" of the market, which they argue has been neglected so far.

A Polygreen worker collects garbage from a hotel on the island of Tilos, Greece, on June 30, 2022. Thomson Reuters Foundation/Sebastien Malo

With temperatures rising and climate action to meet limits still falling far short, the world needs to tackle emissions on all fronts, including those generated by landfill sites and the products we use and throw away.

Our correspondent Sebastien Malo reports from the tiny Greek island of Tilos [[link removed]] on a project to cut waste - which spikes during the summer tourist season - reducing emissions and creating jobs in the process.

For its "Just Go Zero" project, the island has teamed up with Polygreen, a Piraeus-based network of companies promoting a circular economy, which aims to design waste and pollution out of supply chains.

More than ten Greek municipalities and some small countries are interested in duplicating the project, it says - but making a success of such efforts on a large scale is quite a challenge compared with an island microcosm.

"It's simply easier to engage with people on a more personal level in a smaller-sized municipality," says one researcher.

A delivery worker of Zomato, an Indian food-delivery startup, prepares to leave to pick up an order from a restaurant in Mumbai, India, July 13, 2021. REUTERS/Francis Mascarenhas

Businesses across the globe, meanwhile, are struggling to offer their employees effective ways of dealing with accelerating climate impacts, as staff seek to learn and act in the workplace, research shows.

Companies will need to up their game, if they are to retain talent in a more climate-savvy world [[link removed]], writes Sophie Lambin, CEO at Kite Insights which surveyed more than 7,000 private-sector employees across 15 major industries worldwide.

It's a question that delivery platform companies - whose riders and drivers are out on the streets come fiercer rain or shine - will need to confront urgently.

We report from Asia on how they're starting to respond to growing customer concern with surcharges to help workers cope [[link removed]], as employers are expected to face rising pressure to keep their labour force safe in a warming world.

See you next week!

Megan

Mining firms blow cold on India's plan to dig deep for coal [[link removed]]

Reopening shuttered underground coal mines is a key pillar of India's plan to boost its energy security, but few firms show interest due to poor technology and safety risks

Greek quest to save on energy bills spurs island-owned renewables [[link removed]]

Rising electricity bills spur island authorities to set up their own solar plants, in a bid to meet energy needs with locally produced power and cut costs for residents and businesses

No trash goes to waste on Greek islands racing to recycle [[link removed]]

From shunning plastic to composting cigarettes, places like Tilos and Paros are ramping up efforts to reach zero waste and cut carbon emissions

Heatwave bonus for Asia's food delivery drivers does little to keep them safe [[link removed]]

Food delivery and motorcycle taxi firms are levying heatwave and rain surcharges as extreme weather events rise, but gig workers need more protection, say experts

In carbon markets we trust? New global guidance aims to stop greenwashing [[link removed]]

Efforts are underway to boost the quality of carbon credits by setting a higher threshold and make it easier for corporations to know what they are buying and claiming

Why climate change could spark conflict [[link removed]]

Climate hazards such as heatwaves and droughts could exacerbate security risks worldwide, says new report by Verisk Maplecroft

How 'adopting' trees helps boost forests and incomes in Kenya [[link removed]]

The carbon-curbing scheme goes beyond traditional planting projects by getting sponsors to pay to keep trees alive until they mature

OPINION: For a just transition to net zero, businesses must develop climate literacy [[link removed]]

A global survey shows eight out of ten employees are ready and willing to act on climate change at work - but the missing ingredient is know-how, with many calling for training

OPINION: EU protection for indigenous land rights needed to help stem forest loss [[link removed]]

The European Union is moving towards regulation that will require companies to respect the rights of Indigenous peoples in their value chains, helping curb tropical forest loss

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