News

The UN-REDD Programme blog, 18 June 2013 | Emerging market and developing economies grew by 5.1% in 2012. However this has often been at the expense of the planet’s forests. This link needs to broken, but as PwC’s Low Carbon Economy Index last year showed, it has been hard for many countries to break. Our analysis reveals a number of interesting relationships between economic activity and forest emissions over time. Brazil managed to reduce its annual emissions from deforestation (albeit from a high baseline) while increasing GDP and Russia also appears to have started to decouple economic growth from forest emissions. However, Indonesia’s increase in GDP has been accompanied by a steep increase in forest carbon emissions. The UN-REDD Programme’s latest policy brief outlines some ways in which the challenge of engaging the private sector could be overcome.

A press release from a broad coalition of European NGOs has strongly criticised the text for a Pan-European Forest Convention discussed last week by European Government Representatives. Members of the 30-strong coalition, such as FERN, Friends of the Earth Europe, Bird Life Europe, Greenpeace, ClientEarth and the German Nature Conservation League, believe the draft text is biased towards wood production without improving the overall state of forest ecosystems in Europe. They claim the text is too general to be meaningful, and too restrictive with regard to public participation.FERN press release (http://www.fern.org/publications/press-releases/press-release-ngos-reject-proposed-text-legally-binding-agreement)

Environment, Culture, Agriculture, Research and Development Society Nepal (ECARDS-Nepal) is a NGO based in Kathamandu, ECARDS Nepal with Joint venture of Federation of Community Forest Users Nepal (FECOFUN) Okhaldhunga, Ramechhap and Khotang district chapter is implementing part of Multi Stakeholder Forestry Programme (MSFP) in central east cluster-Ramechhap, Okhaldhunga and Khotang districts.

Forests Policy & Practice (IISD), 17 June 2013 | The UN Collaborative Programme on Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation in Developing Countries (UN-REDD) released a publication on private sector engagement in REDD+. The report, titled 'The Role of the Private Sector in REDD+: the Case for Engagement and Options for Intervention,' highlights the role of two groups of private sector stakeholders: those involved in verifying emission reductions; and those involved in forestry and the forest sector. According to the report, the engagement of private sector stakeholders is necessary if sufficient resources are to be mobilized for REDD+ to reduce forest degradation and deforestation rates.

Survival International, 18 June 2013 | Dozens of Botswana Bushmen threatened with eviction, reportedly because they live in an area proposed as a ‘wildlife corridor’, have won a significant court victory in their struggle to stay on their land. Since the wildlife corridor between the Central Kalahari Game Reserve and the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park was proposed, the local and national authorities have pressurized the Ranyane Bushmen to leave. The corridor project was promoted by the US organization Conservation International (CI) – Botswana’s President Khama sits on Conservation International’s board.

First Peoples Worldwide, 13 June 2013 | The United Nation’s Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Degradation (REDD+) program garnered conflicting opinions at the recent UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues (UNPFII), held May 20-31 in New York City. Under REDD+, in return for not allowing extractive industries to destroy forests, countries are granted monetary rewards equivalent to what they would have received from those industries. The UN report on the program, released in February, states that “REDD+ can be a mechanism for achieving sustainable development outcomes that benefit tropical forests and their populations while simultaneously delivering climate change mitigation benefits. For indigenous peoples and other forest-dependent communities concerned with securing rights and enhancing sustainable livelihoods, REDD+ may offer both a promising new policy environment and access to resources that enable those rights and livelihoods to be realized.”

Earth Negotiations Bulletin (IISD), 13 June 2013 | During the morning contact group on REDD+, parties agreed to forward conclusions to the SBSTA plenary. The forwarded text contains annexes with outstanding elements on possible draft decisions on MRV and reference levels; and three draft decisions for consideration by COP 19 on: drivers of deforestation; timing and frequency of information on how safeguards are being addressed; and modalities for national forest monitoring systems. Many parties expressed satisfaction with progress in Bonn, with many indicating that their expectations had been surpassed. Parties also highlighted that the text launches a process to address the two new tasks mandated in Doha on non-carbon benefits and non-market mechanisms. NORWAY expressed concern over the missing linkage between the provision of information on safeguards and results-based finance. PAPUA NEW GUINEA and PANAMA said the REDD+ mechanism now has “more meat, but still needs a spine.”

By Puneet Pal Singh, BBC News, 17 June 2013 | Over the past few years China has earned itself quite a few crowns in the "world's-biggest" category. It has become the world's biggest internet market, largest car market, biggest exporter... the list goes on and on. While Beijing takes a lot of pride in some of these achievements, there is one title that it wants to let go of sooner rather than later, that of being the world's biggest polluter. And in an attempt to do so, China has launched a pilot project of its first ever carbon trading scheme in Shenzhen. "This is definitely a big game-changer for China," says Winnie Tang, a director with Kind Resources, an investment and deal advisory firm which focuses on carbon emission reduction. "It is a clear indication that they are serious about reducing emissions and bringing down pollution levels."

By David Stanway, Reuters, 18 June 2013 | China launched its first pilot carbon emissions exchange on Tuesday, though plans for a nationwide rollout and efforts to apply the scheme to some polluting heavy industries could be undermined by a slowdown in the world's No.2 economy. High-emission industries such as aluminum and steel are likely to resist higher costs as they are already battling weak prices due to tepid demand and a persistent supply gut. "It is a very big concern for Beijing and for local governments - how to strike a balance between controlling emissions and maintaining economic growth especially amid a general slowdown in the economy," said Shawn He, lawyer and carbon specialist at the Hualian legal practice in Beijing.

BBC News, 18 June 2013 | China, the world's biggest carbon emitter, is to launch its first carbon trading scheme as a pilot project in Shenzhen. The test scheme, which will be rolled out to seven areas by 2014, could be spread across the country after 2015. Beijing is aiming to reduce the amount of carbon dioxide emitted per unit of gross domestic product by 40-45% from 2005 levels by 2020. The government has previously faced pressure to reduce pollution in cities.

Accra Caucus, June 2013 | A volume of case studies from the Accra Caucus on Forests and Climate Change was launched at the latest round of UNFCCC negotiations in Bonn, at a highly attended side event on June 11 2013 with the following speakers: Pasang Dolma Sherpa from the Indigenous Peoples Network NEFIN in Nepal, Adrien Sinafasi of the indigenous Peoples Dynamic Group (DGPA) in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Benardus Steni of HuMa, Indonesia, and Eric Parfait Essomba of the Centre for Environment and Development (CED), Cameroon. Jean La Rose, of the Amerindian Peoples Association (APA) in Guyana could not travel to Bonn for the event. This is the third volume of case study reports from the Accra Caucus on Forests and Climate Change, reporting on the implementation of REDD+ in the following countries; Guyana, Nepal, Indonesia, Cameroon and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

By Christina MacFarquhar and Matt Leggett (Global Canopy Programme), RTCC Climate Change News, 17 June 2013 | Negotiators at last week’s UN climate change negotiations in Bonn wrestled with the question of how to go about discussing the drivers of deforestation and forest degradation – the source of about 15% of the world’s greenhouse gas emissions. Central to this discussion are the strong market incentives, operating on a global scale, that currently drive the production of commodities in ways that destroy forests. That means discussing international trade. However, some negotiators argued that questions relating to trade should be left out of the talks altogether. And their reason seems straightforward: trade is the domain of the World Trade Organisation, while climate change sits under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).

By Jeff Spross, Climate Progress, 17 July 2013 | The problem is the sheer scale of the numbers surrounding the global forest carbon sink. In 2010, fossil fuel burning, cement production, land use — including deforestation — dumped a grand total of 36.7 billion metric tons into the atmosphere. But only half stayed there. (Deforestation’s 17 percent contribution was to that final atmospheric amount.) The rest was absorbed by the oceans and the land, the latter including the forest carbon sink’s 4 billion metric ton contribution... After assuming relatively high levels of economic and population growth a 2007 study, found that reducing present deforestation rates by 50 percent by 2050, and then holding the line until 2100, could prevent as much as 50 billion metric tons of carbon emissions this century. That’s 12 percent of what’s needed through 2100 to stabilize atmospheric concentrations of carbon at 450 parts per million...

Ecosystem Marketplace, 18 June 2013 | The voluntary carbon market grew 4% in 2012, offsetting 101 million metric tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions and transacting more than $523 million, according to the 2013 State of the Voluntary Carbon Markets Report. On May 29-31 in Barcelona, Spain hundreds of carbon stakeholders from around the world gathered at a CARBON EXPO side event for the launch of the 2013 State of the Voluntary Carbon Markets Report Executive Summary. To discover the latest findings from the report, continue reading below or download the Executive Summary here!

KINGSEY FALLS, QC, June 18, 2013 /CNW Telbec/ - Cascades Inc. (TSX: CAS), a leader in the recovery and manufacturing of green packaging and tissue paper products, announces that it now owns 217,...

For the second consecutive season, Quebec's favourite paper towels, SpongeTowels®, is the official paper towel of LES CHEFS! MONTREAL, June 18, 2013 /CNW/ - The fourth season of LES CHEFS! pre...

The Fourth Session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee for a Legally-Binding Agreement on Forests in Europe (INC-Forests4) made substantial progress in revising the draft negotiating text of a forest convention, but decided to suspend work until autumn because it had run out of time to conclude a few key issues in the text, reach consensus on institutional issues and prepare the interim arrangements for the convention. INC-Forests4 was held 10-14 June 2013 in Warsaw, Poland. The five-day session was attended by 140 participants, including delegates from 33 governments and the European Union (EU), and observers from the government of Japan...

 

The John Deere 75G and 85G excavators are the latest models to join the successful, customer-driven G-Series line. Both models feature reduced tail-swing configurations to maneuver and work around congested jobsites in efficient fashion. The machines feature a wide variety of improvements, to increase visibility, operator comfort, and productivity.

“The 75G and 85G were designed to handle a variety of jobs, including landscaping, light residential excavating, site development or underground work,” said Mark Wall, product marketing manager for excavators, John Deere Construction & Forestry. “Their compact size and pinpoint metering combined with the reduced tail-swing design allow the machines to rotate freely within a small radius, increasing productivity in confined spaces and around obstacles.”

The 75G and 85G boast a 53 hp (39.6 kW) Final Tier 4 diesel engine outfitted with a diesel particulate filter (DPF) that cleans automatically without impacting the machines’ productivity. The FT4 design is based on John Deere’s IT4 strategy that has a track record of exceptional reliability.

Optional rubber track pads or heavy-duty rubber belts let the new models work on paved surfaces and even cross curbs without causing damage. Numerous track-widths, arm, bucket, and other options allow contractors to customize the excavator to the way they work. The 85G brings additional maneuverability to the jobsite with an independent swing boom that allows contractors to work closer to curbs, around structures, or in the midst of traffic.

Like all G-Series excavators, the 75G and 85G include an unsurpassed operation environment with spacious, comfortable cabs and easy-to-use enhanced LCD monitors. A simple turn and tap of the rotary dial allow operators to select work mode, access to operating info, check maintenance intervals, source diagnostic codes, adjust cab temperature, and tune the radio. The cab includes a comfortable, fabric-covered adjustable suspension seat with ample legroom. The wide expanse of front and side glass, narrow front cab posts, large tinted overhead hatch, and numerous mirrors provide all-around visibility.

Two productivity modes (power and economy) allow the operator to choose the digging style that fits the task at hand. Power delivers a balance of speed and fuel economy for general excavating and economy reduces engine speed and noise to help save fuel during lighter digging jobs.

Another benefit of the 75G and 85G is the ability to reduce daily operating costs. Daily and periodic maintenance is quick, easy, and convenient. Large hinged doors provide wide-open access to service items and lube banks, filters, and checkpoints are grouped together for added convenience. Large fuel tanks and 500- and 5,000-hour engine and hydraulic oil-service intervals decrease downtime and expense.

Fleet managers, owners or operators looking to get the most out of their equipment can rely on John Deere WorkSight™, the most comprehensive, easy-to-use suite of technology available for increasing uptime and productivity while lowering operating costs.

www.JohnDeere.com.

 

When Bandit Industries unveiled the enhanced line of XP-series hand-fed chippers in the early 1990s, they completely reset the bar for efficiency, production and longevity in the hand-fed chipper industry. Now, the legendary line of Beast® Recyclers will carry the XP badge to reflect over 35 specific enhancements and add-ons in eight different categories, making the world’s best line of horizontal grinders even better. 

“Our customers are facing new challenges every day, so we are constantly working to develop and implement the changes they need to stay competitive and profitable,” said Bandit Industries President Jerry Morey. “This has been the case since the first Beast Recycler in 1995, and with so many enhancements added in just the past year, we knew it was time to christen a new line of Beasts. XP stands for extra power, extra performance, extra production and extra profit, and that’s exactly what our customers can expect with the new XP-series Beast.”

Model 2680XP, 3680XP and 4680XP Beast Recyclers now feature angled front infeeds with larger infeed drive chains. Track Beasts feature height-adjustable pans for adjusting feed angle. A new rail system on the return side of the infeed replaces the roller system, significantly reducing load on the tail shaft. These machines also offer a new “Big Mouth” option that increases the height of the opening into the mill. An extra-large 32-inch diameter feed wheel is optional and includes a brush deflector to better direct material into the machine.

Changes continue inside the mill housing. Base door openings are now larger for easier removal of the cuttermill. Replaceable wear plates are now standard on the left side (radiator side) of the mill base, and optional on both sides. A convenient trap door allows for cleaning in the auger area, while the auger itself is redesigned and easier to change.

Several new teeth styles are available, and they are subjected to a new proprietary strengthening process delivering longer tooth life. Two-inch wide sizes are available for most teeth, allowing operators to run a 30-tooth setup. New teeth mounts are now compatible with knife cutterbodies, eliminating the need to change cutterbodies when switching between chipping and grinding. Freeze-hardened teeth, screens and wear items are also optional. For customers exclusively chipping with the Beast, a new chipping drum is available. 

For engines, adjustable pitch fans are now standard, enhancing engine cooling and fuel efficiency. Mill shafts are larger on the Model 1680XP and 2680XP to accommodate higher horsepower engines, which are now available for these machines.

Numerous convenience options and enhancements include redesigned fuel tanks on track machines for better steep-terrain performance, with increased fuel capacity on the Model 1680XP. Warning lights for clutch and engine operation are relocated for easier monitoring. On-board air compressors are repositioned for more convenient operation, and upgraded impact wrenches are standard. An over-band magnet is optional and recommended for both shingle and pallet grinding.

These are just some of the enhancements found in the new XP-Series Beast Recyclers.

“We have customers all around the world using Beast Recyclers, and there isn’t an application where the new XP-Series won’t make a big difference in performance and production,” said Morey. “Beasts will easily handle everything from waste wood to shingles and plastic, and there isn’t a better machine on the market for turning bulky chunk wood into a quality, saleable product. Whether you are grinding or chipping, the new Beast XP-Series can make a big difference in your operation.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Model 4680XP

 Model 1680XP

For more information on the Beast XP-Series or to schedule a machine demonstration, contact Bandit Industries at 800-952-0178 or visit online at www.banditchippers.com.

/* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-priority:99; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0cm; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";}

When we talk about combating climate, the most obvious issues that come to mind are policies to prevent carbon dioxide emissions — cap-and-trade programs and carbon taxes and environmental regulations. Then there are the technological solutions like renewable energy and electrified vehicle fleets and more energy efficient infrastructure. If people are feeling desperate, they start discussing geoengineering.

 

But one part of the climate change solution mix doesn’t get talked about as often, perhaps because it’s almost too obvious: we need more plants. Or, more specifically, we need more forests.

 

A recent article in The Conversation pointed to a 2011 study that attempted to measure the effect of living biomass, dead wood, and other organic products from temperate, boreal, and tropical forests between 1990 and 2007. Assessing global satellite data, global forest growth, and density is tough, but the researchers determined that Earth’s forests are taking in around 4 billion metric tons of carbon a year. Unfortunately, deforestation — which exists in a constant tug-of-war with regrowth — rolled a lot of that back, resulting in a net carbon sink effect of 1.1 billion metric tons annually.

 

The problem is the sheer scale of the numbers surrounding the global forest carbon sink. In 2010, fossil fuel burning, cement production, land use — including deforestation — dumped a grand total of 36.7 billion metric tons into the atmosphere. But only half stayed there. (Deforestation’s 17 percent contribution was to that final atmospheric amount.) The rest was absorbed by the oceans and the land, the latter including the forest carbon sink’s 4 billion metric ton contribution.

 

Please click here to read the original news item.