Help plant trees

The 2019 Guardian and Observer charity appeal is all about trees: for what they are in themselves, in all their beauty and majesty, and for what they represent. This year, our theme is the climate emergency and our support goes to charities whose work is essential for the renewal of nature and the planet: not just planting new trees but protecting and restoring existing forest, woodland and other natural habitats in the UK and in the Amazon basin of South America. As Guardian and Observer readers, we hope you will have appreciated our comprehensive reporting on the causes of the climate crisis, from fossil-fuel burning and rainforest-clearing to pollution-emitting cars and planes. We’ve tracked the destructive consequences, including forest fires, melting ice caps, extreme weather events such as droughts and flash floods and filthy air. We’ve reported the evolving science of global heating and followed the emergence of a wave of youth-led eco-activism led by Greta Thunberg. … [Read more...] about The climate crisis is the most urgent threat of our time. Help us fight it

Ethiopia has claimed it has broken the World Record for planting a staggering 350 million trees as part of a green legacy initiative to grow 4 billion trees by the summer. The Government are encouraging very citizen to plant at least 40 seedlings to help restore the country’s landscape. Experts say is that forest coverage declined from 35 per cent of total land in the early 20th Century to a little above 4 per cent in the 2000s.  The Green Legacy scheme saw mass tree planting taking place at 1,000 sites across the country with some public offices even shutting down for the day to let civil servants plant seedlings. Scroll down for video  Ethiopia has claimed it has broken the World Record for planting a staggering 350 million trees as part of a green legacy initiative to grow 4 billion trees by the summer. The Government are encouraging very citizen to plant at least 40 seedlings to help restore the country’s landscape Prime Minister Abiy … [Read more...] about Ethiopia claims it has broken the World Record for planting a staggering 350 million trees in one day to help restore the country’s landscape which is being destroyed by deforestation

The Guardian and Observer charity appeal 2019 is supporting four charities that provide natural solutions to tackle the climate crisis: not only planting trees, but restoring and protecting existing forests, woodlands and natural habitats. This is a guide to what they do and how your donations will be spent. Trees for Cities Since 1993, Trees for Cities has planted more than 1m trees while working with volunteers, schools and local communities to create and revitalise green spaces in socially deprived urban neighbourhoods. Its aim is to tackle global heating, create social cohesion and beautify the UK’s cities. Its share of donations to the 2019 appeal will focus on two areas. The first is planting trees, woodlands and park projects in “forgotten places” – UK towns and cities that have historically been environmentally neglected. The second is to develop a Generation Tree programme, supporting and training individuals and community groups to create their own … [Read more...] about Guardian and Observer appeal 2019: our chosen charities

Crop failures that lead to Scotland signing up to the 1707 Acts of Union with England were caused by tropical volcanic eruptions thousands of miles away, scientists have claimed. When the two lava-chambers blew their tops within three years of each other, first in 1963 and then a second in 1965, the Caledonian temperature dipped by about 1.56C across Caledonia. The added cooling meant plants like wheat and barley did not grow properly, leading to a famine that killed up to 15 per cent of the country's population. Scientists came up with this perplexing theory after studying rings in ancient tree trunks that had become petrified after they fell into lakes and reservoirs. Scientists have suggested that Scotland decided to join England following a crop famine that wiped out 15 per cent of the population - caused by two tropical volcanic eruptions. (Pictured: The signing of the national covenant in Greyfriars, Edinburgh) Volcanoes alter the earth's climate by scattering ash and droplets … [Read more...] about How volcanoes helped create modern Scotland: Crop famine that led to country signing up to the 1707 Acts of Union with England was caused by tropical eruptions thousands of miles away, scientists claim

The mum of murdered Brit schoolgirl Scarlett Keeling has suffered fresh heartache after the death of her newborn granddaughter. Fiona MacKeown said the death of little Zylla was "horrific" after the two-month-old daughter of Scarlett's half-sister Isis Storm Celeste passed away whilst the family were in Brittany, France. The baby was discovered unresponsive in the early hours of the morning on November 3 after co-sleeping alongside mum Isis and dad Ludo, 24. Fiona has said Zylla's death has brought back the horrific memories of losing Scarlett after French authorities removed all of the baby's organs during an autopsy and then returned her to her parents they claim without telling them. The same thing happened to Scarlett, 15, after her rape and murder on a beach in Goa in 2008. A fresh autopsy in Britain showed that the teenager's uterus, pancreas, both kidneys and spleen were missing. Police in India said at the time they had been removed for medical examination and would then be … [Read more...] about Fresh agony for mum of schoolgirl raped and killed after baby granddaughter dies