Leaves and Twigs: An Unscientific Roundup of the Best Sustainability Stories on the Web

Last week, the conservation community discussed the link between climate change and droughts; debated the 10 most beautiful national birds on Earth; and addressed the financial investment necessary to slow biodiversity loss.

• Will climate change lead to more droughts? [The Guardian]
• 19 eco-warriors worth celebrating. [Treehugger]
• Stunning wild bird photos. [National Geographic]
• Take a journey to the past and explore colonial cities in Central America. [Sustainable Trip]
• Heat and hunger could wipe out many species. [Conservation Magazine]
• A new report reveals the financial burden of curbing climate change. [The Guardian]
• Tips to green your Halloween. [Rainforest Alliance]
• Huge milestone in green construction: One hotel and spa achieves Canada’s first FSC project certification for a building. [Geos Spa Sacacomie]
• Saving the environment starts at home. [Mother Nature Network]
• Self-regulation in the food industry is a “spectacular failure.” Another reason to support third-party certification systems like the Rainforest Alliance?  [Grist]
• How can we save 25 primate species on the brink of extinction? [Huffington Post]
• Another reason to invest in sustainability: Companies who do so perform better financially. [Harvard Business Review]
• In 2013, corporate spending on sustainability, environmental and energy programs are set to rise. [Green Business]
• Some very cute reasons to protect our planet. [National Geographic]
• How much will it cost to save the world’s biodiversity? [RSPB Community]
• Costa Rica has taken a great step forward, banning the cruel and unnecessary practice of “shark finning.” [Sustainable Trip]

Tell us what stories caught your attention last week!