Koalas choose cooler trees in heatwaves, and a new fund aims to protect tropical forests with $125 billion, backed by 53 countries.
Koalas select trees for cooling
Koalas avoid random tree selection during the day, especially when temperatures are high. They prefer large trees with thick leaves because these provide better shade and help keep them cool.
Thermoregulation and conservation
Conservation efforts should focus on preserving the types of plants that help koalas regulate their body temperature. This is increasingly important as extreme weather events are expected to become more frequent.
New global fund for tropical forests
A new global fund called the Tropical Forest Forever Facility aims to raise 125 billion dollars to protect tropical forests. The initiative has already gained support from 53 countries, including France.
Financial commitments and goals
Norway, Brazil, and Indonesia have made significant financial commitments to the fund. The goal includes using satellites to monitor forest coverage in real time, ensuring secure payments, and allocating 20 percent of the resources directly to indigenous peoples.
Challenges ahead for the fund
It is still uncertain whether the promised funds will move beyond the planning stage and be effectively used for conservation efforts.
