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Creative climate messaging and other eco wins of the week

Tamsin Walker
June 26, 2026

An artist in Mali and climate scientists in the US are finding new ways to inform the public about the climate crisis.

https://p.dw.com/p/5G8Xq
Close up of grass, with a bit of blue sky in the background
It might look like any old grass, but this one has some very special usesImage: DW

Miscanthus grows up to 4 meters (13 feet) tall, tolerates heat and drought, and can be harvested for decades. In France and Germany, the Asian grass is now being grown for heating, building materials and water protection. But why is Europe growing so little of it?

The supergrass that heats towns and builds homes

In Bamako, Mali, a painter is transforming a public minibus into a colorful rolling message on the need to protect the environment and address rising temperatures.

Drissa Konate uses bold murals to contrast deforestation and air pollution with the vital role trees play in absorbing CO2. By promoting public transport and creative expression, this grassroots effort is inspiring younger generations to rethink their environmental impact and take action for a cleaner future.

Mali artist turns buses into climate warnings on wheels

In the Indian city of Kolkata, a "tree ambulance" is delivering critical care to trees. Led by Sanjay Jaisingh, the service has handled over 500 cases in just six months, diagnosing everything from fungal infections to performing complex transplants. Preserving mature trees is vital in the fight against worsening air quality and rising temperatures

Kolkata's tree ambulance rushes to save urban trees

A group of fired US federal workers have revived a defunct climate website that informs the public about the realities of climate change. The effort comes as US president Donald Trump's administration continues to cut publicly funded science and research and invest heavily in the fossil fuel infrastructure that is intrinsically linked to extreme weather such as heat waves.

Edited by: Jennifer Collins

Deutsche Welle Tamsin Walker
Tamsin Walker Senior editor with DW's environment team