International
Climate Initiative (IKI)

The Congo Basin has been called the "Green Heart of Africa," a place where wildlife roams free among a vast and varied landscape of forests, savannas and swamps. But the region is also rich in valuable resources, from minerals to tropical timber, and the changing climate has put the entire basin at risk.

When it comes to climate protection, the Dominican Republic is a shining example of success in the Caribbean. The country has set an ambitious goal of slashing its CO2 emissions by 25 percent in the coming years. Together with the International Climate Initiative, the island nation has created a national climate plan.

Many fishermen benefit from the rich biodiversity of the Isla Verde Passage, which stretches along the coast of the northern Philippines. But erratic weather patterns, a rapidly eroding coastline and rising water temperatures are threatening to destroy the ocean's fragile eco-system. But now, new intiatives are teaching locals to be more aware of their environment.

Climate change has led to more frequent and severe hurricanes in the Caribbean, and it is often the region's poorest who suffer the most. Many impoverished families can lose everything they own in a single night. Micro-insurance could help protect families against such losses.

Brazil's woody Cerrado region sees frequent fires that raze entire forests. Now a team of researchers is monitoring the blazes in a bid to preserve the rich ecosystem which also serves as a vital carbon sink.

Morocco is embracing a greener future by building the world's largest solar power plant. And that's not all. A series of smaller initiatives are helping Moroccans adapt to climate change in a sustainable way.

Using sustainable concepts, villagers in Tajikistan's mountains are learning how to protect their precious forest land and earn a living at the same time.

Communities living along the border of Panama and Costa Rica depend on the Sixaola River for their livelihoods and for transport. But the river is increasingly turning into a threat, too.

In Latin America, Brazil is by far the leading pioneer in solar energy. Two years before the World Cup tournament gets underway, the host country has installed solar-panel roofs on its stadiums.

Tucked away in the North Indian state of Rajasthan, a giant and unusual solar park is coming up at the base of Mount Abu, a Hindu pilgrimage site.