⚽️ A ball used in the 2026 World Cup final and a shirt worn by Jimin of BTS during the halftime show sold for $110,000 each in an auction benefiting the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund.
China has planted 66 billion trees in its ‘Great Green Wall’ — they appear to be growing faster than natural forests
Since 1978, China has planted 66 billion trees — with another 34 billion planned by 2050 — as part of its “Great Green Wall” aimed at slowing the Gobi and Taklamakan deserts from spreading.
Now, a new study found that planted forests, like the Great Green Wall, increased their leaf area 66% faster than natural ones. While young trees grow faster than old ones, even when comparing similar-aged forests, planted ones still grew 4.6% faster.
Reforestation efforts have been touted as a helpful solution to absorb carbon emissions and help reverse the devastating impacts of climate change — this study backs up that strategy.
What’s the nuance? The research found that the growth rate levels out when the new trees reach about 30 to 40 years old, with noticeable declines after age 40. So, while natural forests may have the advantage in the long run — planted ones could still offer huge carbon absorption benefits.
Forest fires in the Amazon rainforest fell to an all-time low in 2025
After peaking in 2024, forest fires in the Brazilian Amazon fell to a historic low last year, coinciding with a decrease in deforestation in the world’s largest rainforest.
According to satellite data, 3.1 million hectares were burned last year, the least since records began in 1985.
The Amazon’s dense vegetation is crucial to absorbing the greenhouse gas emissions that exacerbate the climate crisis. Though experts warn that the potential arrival of an “El Niño” this summer could disrupt this progress.
Whether it’s paddling a canoe or knitting a sweater, hobbies are the special activities people do purely for enjoyment. But they are also representative of something bigger: The true essence of who each one of us is — the thing we choose to do when we’re not working or taking care of life’s mundane tasks.
The Hobbies Edition of the Goodnewspaper is filled with stories that will remind you of the good in the world and make you feel more connected to other humans and all the unique things that bring us joy.
*Some of these recommendations may include affiliate links, which means if you buy anything from this email, we may get something in return at no extra cost to you. (Thanks for your support!)
Did you make the beaded animals as a kid? (As seen on Hobbies Edition cover!)
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