Indonesia's forests are being extensively cleared to meet the global demand for biomass energy, primarily for export to South Korea and Japan. These countries have invested significantly in Indonesia's biomass sector, while Indonesia's state-run utility plans to increase biomass usage for electricity. The environmental impact of this deforestation is a growing concern.

Indonesia faces intensified natural disasters due to deforestation and climate change, with recent deadly floods in Sumatra highlighting the issue. Environmental groups emphasize the role of deforestation in exacerbating weather impacts, while experts call for sustainable development practices. Despite some progress, such as a temporary halt on new palm oil plantations, ongoing mining and infrastructure projects pose challenges. The need for better land-use planning and environmental consideration in development is stressed to prevent further ecological disasters.

Severe weather and climate change are intensifying natural disasters in Indonesia, with deforestation cited as a major contributing factor. Environmental groups argue that ecological crises are exacerbating the effects of extreme weather, as evidenced by deadly flash floods and landslides in West Sumatra. Indonesia's vast rainforests have been significantly reduced for commodity development, making it one of the largest global emitters of greenhouse gases. While forests can mitigate extreme weather impacts, deforestation has led to soil erosion and increased flood risks. Recent government actions, such as a freeze on new palm oil plantation permits and a slowdown in deforestation rates, show some progress. However, experts are concerned about ongoing deforestation linked to new mining and infrastructure projects, as well as weakened environmental protections. They advocate for sustainable development that considers environmental impacts and better land planning.

Indonesia faces intensified natural disasters due to deforestation and environmental degradation, exacerbating the impacts of severe weather and climate change. Environmental groups and experts highlight the role of deforestation in worsening floods and landslides, with illegal logging and inadequate land planning contributing to the problem. Despite some progress, such as a temporary freeze on new palm oil permits, ongoing development projects and weakened environmental protections pose significant challenges. Experts call for sustainable development practices to mitigate future ecological disasters.

Indonesia faces severe natural disasters exacerbated by deforestation and environmental degradation. Recent deadly floods in Sumatra highlight the impact of deforestation on intensifying weather events. Environmental groups and experts stress the need for sustainable development and better land-use planning to mitigate these effects. Despite some progress, such as a temporary halt on new palm oil plantation permits, ongoing mining and infrastructure projects pose challenges to halting deforestation.

The article discusses the issue of child brides among the Rohingya community in Malaysia, highlighting the social and humanitarian challenges faced by these young girls.

Scores of underage Rohingya girls, fleeing violence and starvation, are being forced into arranged marriages with older men and kept as virtual prisoners in their own homes.

The article discusses the growing demand for fish and the limitations of ocean resources, highlighting the rapid growth of aquaculture as a solution. It examines the environmental challenges and innovations in aquaculture across different regions, including Indonesia's aquaculture villages, China's offshore fish farming, and indoor salmon farming in Florida. The article also explores sustainable fish feed alternatives, such as protein-rich black soldier flies produced by Innovafeed. Key stakeholders are experimenting with new methods to increase production while minimizing environmental impact.

Aquaculture, the fastest growing food sector, is essential to meet the rising demand for seafood as wild fish production has plateaued since 1990. While fish farming emits fewer greenhouse gases than other animal protein production, it poses significant environmental challenges. Innovations in Indonesia, China, Florida, and France aim to mitigate these impacts. Indonesia is establishing aquaculture villages to improve practices, China is moving fish farms offshore, Florida is using indoor tanks to raise salmon, and France's Innovafeed is producing insect protein as an alternative feed. These efforts highlight the industry's push towards sustainable fish farming.

The article recounts the memories of Ali Shadilov and other former fishermen of the Aral Sea, which has drastically shrunk due to Soviet-era irrigation projects. Once a thriving hub of fishing and tourism, the region is now a desert with ghost towns and marooned ships. The narrative highlights the environmental and economic devastation caused by poorly managed water resources, leading to the loss of livelihoods and the displacement of communities.