In the first of our encounters with participants at the UN climate conference in Cancun, we talked to Kevin Buckland of 350.org, a grassroots organization. Its mission: to mobilize the public to counter global warming with "solutions that science and justice demand". At the Cancun talks, Kevin presents the "Fossil of the Day" award. It's handed out daily to countries that represent the biggest stumbling block in the official climate negotiation sessions on that day. Winner of 1st, 2nd and 3rd place on Day 1: Canada, because the Canadian government is rolling back or inhibiting meaningful climate protection in several areas.

 

One of the topics of discussion at COP16 will be something called REDD. What is it? It stands for 'Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation' and it's a UN forest protection program. Basically, wealthy nations pay developing countries to preserve their forests, and in return they get "carbon credit" to use in the global carbon trading industry. Some countries, like Indonesia, are already taking part in the project. What do you think? Is this a good way to save our forests?

GLOBAL IDEAS will be attending the UN climate change conference in Cancun, Mexico. Starting November 28th Sabrina Weber and Ranty Islam of the GI-team will be keeping their ears to the ground. Their mission: to network with imaginative individuals and organizations who have ventured to Cancun to present innovative climate protection projects, share ideas – and make a difference in the fight against global warming. Some of our encounters will be featured on this blog. Watch this space.

For live coverage of the key developments at the Cancun talks and additional background reporting please take a look at our main news site DW-WORLD.de or tune in to DW-TV.

Everyone knows forests are important for climate protection. But how, exactly? You don't need to ask us – you can find out for yourself. Take a trip to a great "green lung" via our interactive documentary.

"Expedition in the Jungle" takes you to Guyana on an interactive journey to the guardians of one of the oldest rainforests in existence. Visiting forest protection areas and villages, and speaking to the locals, you'll find out more about just how the planet's green lung operates and how it can be saved while preserving local livelihoods.

 

To learn more about how Guyana as a whole is planning to save its rainforests check out the video brief by our reporter Christoph Kober