☘ Vietnam Launches 1-Billion-Tree Plantation Programme

In a bold step towards a greener future, Vietnam (1) _______ a 1-billion-tree plantation programme as part of its commitment to fighting climate change and restoring biodiversity. This initiative, (2) _______ in April 2021, follows the country's endorsement of the Leaders' Pledge for Nature, joining over 80 countries (3) _______ the effort to conserve the world's biodiversity.

Vietnam's State President highlighted the programme at the Leaders Summit on Climate, hosted by US President Joe Biden. This pledge marks Vietnam's commitment (4) _______ to a green economy and taking action to tackle global environmental challenges.

The 1-billion-tree programme is not just about planting trees – it's about (5) _______ biodiversity and involving every Vietnamese citizen in the process. WWF-Vietnam is collaborating (6) _______ the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development and the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment to lead this ambitious project, which will help protect forests and natural resources.

Join the movement! Let's help Vietnam grow a greener, healthier future for all!

HURRICANES: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

What Are Hurricanes?

Hurricanes are intense storms that form over warm ocean waters in tropical regions. They are also called cyclones or typhoons in different parts of the world. These storms bring strong winds, heavy rain, and storm surges, (1) _______ widespread damage and flooding. If the wind speeds reach 111 mph (178 km/h) or more, the storm (2) _______ as a major hurricane.

How Do Hurricanes Form?

It all starts with atmospheric disturbances such as tropical waves. Warm, moist air rises from the ocean's surface, and winds start to spin. The Earth's (3) _______ helps the winds form a cyclonic pattern. To form a hurricane, the sea must be at least 27°C and winds must not vary too much in height.

Climate Change and Hurricanes

As ocean temperatures rise (4) _______ climate change, hurricanes are gaining more strength. Warmer waters provide more energy, causing higher wind speeds and more intense rainfall. Rising sea levels also make storm surges worse, leading to more (5) _______.

Stay Safe, Stay Prepared!

Don't (6) _______ your guard _______ – hurricanes can strike unexpectedly. Make sure you're ready!

As climate change continues to impact the planet, the demand for clean and sustainable energy sources grows stronger. Traditional solar farms, (1) _______. However, these farms often face challenges, such as limited land availability and (2) _______. Floating solar farms are emerging as a promising solution to these challenges.

Floating solar farms consist of solar panels that are placed on the surface of lakes, reservoirs, or other bodies of water, allowing them to generate electricity without taking up land. This is especially helpful in areas where land is scarce or already used for other purposes. (3) _______. Studies have shown that floating solar farms can be up to 10% more efficient than those on land.

In addition to generating clean energy, floating solar farms also offer environmental benefits. By shading the water beneath them, they help reduce water evaporation and prevent algae from growing. (4) _______. By using water as their platform, floating solar farms avoid taking up valuable land that could be used for agriculture or natural habitats. They can also be set up more quickly than traditional power plants, (5) _______.

1. Food transportation is a vital part of global agriculture but contributes greatly to greenhouse gas emissions. Moving food long distances—from farms to consumers—uses large amounts of energy from fossil fuels. The longer the distance, the higher the carbon footprint. Promoting sustainable farming that supports local and seasonal eating offers an effective way to lessen environmental harm.

2. Eating locally means selecting food that is produced near where one lives, while seasonal eating focuses on consuming fruits and vegetables that grow naturally during their proper harvest time. These two practices are key parts of sustainable agriculture. They help limit the need for long-distance transportation, which in turn reduces emissions, packaging waste, and the energy needed for food preservation.

3. A key advantage of consuming local and seasonal foods is the reduced energy required for transport and storage. Since these foods travel shorter distances, less refrigerated shipping is needed. Local produce is fresher, harvested at peak quality, and often higher in nutrients and flavor. This minimizes the use of artificial preservatives and supports a more sustainable food system.

4. The idea of “food miles” — the distance food travels from farm to consumer — is essential for understanding the environmental effects of what we eat. The more miles food travels, the higher the carbon emissions. Choosing local and seasonal products helps cut these emissions while also supporting local farmers, improving biodiversity, and encouraging resilient crop systems that depend less on chemical treatments.

5. Furthermore, sustainable farming that prioritizes local food production helps protect rural landscapes and wildlife habitats. It curtails urban expansion into farmland and reduces the demand for deforestation. By conserving biodiversity, protecting soil and water, and reducing pollution, local and seasonal eating contributes to a healthier and more sustainable planet.

1. Global warming refers to the steady increase in the Earth's average temperature, primarily caused by human activities that emit greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide and methane. As global temperatures rise, climatic patterns are being altered, leading many regions that once experienced four distinct seasons to transition toward only two—summer and winter. [I] The durations of spring and autumn are steadily shrinking, and in some places disappearing entirely as a result of ongoing climate change, earlier snowmelts, and later onset of freezing conditions.

2. In regions located near the Arctic, the consequences of climate change are becoming increasingly visible. The Arctic is warming at nearly twice the global rate, resulting in significantly hotter summers and milder winters. [II] Countries such as Alaska, Canada, Greenland, Russia, and those in Scandinavia are experiencing extreme temperature variations of up to 40°C between seasons. These rapid shifts have reduced the gradual transitions once seen in spring and autumn. Scientists have verified that these phenomena are direct outcomes of ongoing climate change. [III]

3. Mountainous regions are increasingly experiencing the consequences of global warming. Higher temperatures are extending to greater elevations, resulting in premature snowmelt and heavier rainfall replacing snow. The European Alps and Rocky Mountains are already witnessing shorter ski seasons and declining snow cover. [IV]

4. The shift in seasons is already influencing plant and animal life. Many species rely on seasonal signals for migration, flowering, and reproduction. Birds may arrive too late for food sources, and plants might bloom too early, breaking important natural cycles. Some animals, such as pikas and marmots, wake from hibernation to find food unavailable, while invasive species adapt more easily and spread quickly.

5. These transformations highlight the far-reaching effects of global warming. The loss of stable seasonal cycles threatens both human society and natural ecosystems. If warming continues, life on Earth could face extreme and unpredictable conditions. This will turn the planet into a place of endless summers and weakened biodiversity.