A WWF study on a new rice growing method (Rice Intensification) in India indicates a 30% increase in yield with a 40% decrease in water usage compare to conventional methods. The method involves “developing nutrient-rich and un-flooded nurseries instead of flooded ones; ensuring wider spacing between rice seedlings; preferring composts or manure to synthetic fertilizers; and managing water carefully to avoid that the plants’ roots are not saturated.”

According to a report, the government of Abu Dhabi and WWF are planning the “Masdar development,” which is the world’s first zero-carbon, zero-waste and car-free city.

WWF warns that urgent action is needed in order to achieve greenhouse gas emission targets by 2015.

The conversion of Sumatra’s natural forests into pulpwood and palm oil plantations will accelerate greenhouse gas emissions and push endangered species closer to extinction, reports the WWF.

The World Wildlife Fund’s Living Planet Index currently tracks around 4,000 species of birds, fish, mammals, reptiles and amphibians around the world. WWF reports that there has been a one-third decline in world biodiversity over the past 35 years as a result of habitat loss and wildlife trade. WWF also warns that climate change may accentuate this trend.