Outrage + Optimism: The Climate Podcast Inside COP: The fight for the Amazon
Nov 17, 2025
In this insightful discussion, Keith Toffley, CEO of Race to Belém, explores innovative ways to mobilize private funding for Brazil’s REDD+ programs, aiming to combat deforestation. He delves into the significance of jurisdictional approaches that engage local communities in forest stewardship. The dialogue also touches on the pressing need for transparency and governance in forest finance and the integration of local knowledge in sustainable bio-economies. This conversation highlights the urgent role of forests in climate action and the potential legacy of COP30.
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Forests As Irreplaceable Carbon Sinks
- Tropical forests absorb roughly 7 billion tons of CO2 each year and are vital carbon sinks.
- Losing them risks large-scale climate tipping points and damages biodiversity and livelihoods.
Community Oil Processing In The Amazon
- Fiona visited an Amazon cooperative working with Natura that extracts essential oils from local plants.
- The community now retains more value, funds water filtration and creates jobs that keep young people local.
Indigenous Stewardship Is Central
- Indigenous peoples are inseparable from the forest and act as its guardians.
- Protecting forests requires respecting Indigenous knowledge and their stewardship roles.