Eucalyptus production is dominated by large multinationals that convert farmland and forest into monoculture plantations

Razor-straight rows of eucalyptus clones flank the Baixa Verde settlement in north-eastern Brazil. The genetically identical trees are in marked contrast to the patches of wild Atlantic forest – one of the most biologically diverse ecosystems on Earth – that remain scattered across the region.

Surrounded by nearly 100,000 hectares (247,000 acres) of eucalyptus plantations, Baixa Verde is a rare example of a local victory over a multinational in Brazil. The rural settlement owes its existence to nearly two decades of legal battles over land rights – but the fight is not over yet.

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© Photograph: Jhedys Kann

© Photograph: Jhedys Kann

© Photograph: Jhedys Kann

After coming off the bench in the Michigan preseason game, the 6-foot-5 Jackson got the start and scored the Red Storm’s first five points. He was also a team-best plus-31 in 15 minutes.

Here are four predictions for the New York-area college basketball teams this upcoming season: Light Dance Card Only two locals — St. John’s and LIU — reach the NCAA Tournament. The Johnnies receive a No. 3 seed and make it all the way to the Elite Eight. LIU, led by leading returning scorer and preseason...

They flashed their depth in a wire-to-wire 108-74 victory over MAAC favorite Quinnipiac.