Denmark has dubbed its capital city Hopenhagen, as negotiators from 192 nations begin 2 weeks of talks to try to work out a new agreement to deal with climate change. UN officials say they're cautiously optimistic but problems big and small could derail a deal. Living on Earth’s Steve Curwood reports on the promises and perils amid the protests and political posturing.

Two huge plantation industries are sweeping Indonesia: palm oil and acacia trees used to make paper. But most of the land left for plantations is in peat forests -- land with the highest carbon content in the world. Plantations on peat have helped Indonesia become the world's third biggest greenhouse gas emitter in the world. Some paper companies say they're part of the solution. Some scientists disagree. Living On Earth's Ingrid Lobet reports.

The plantations spreading over Sumatra aren't taking up empty land. Wholesale changes in ecology that come with new plantations can affect nearby rural villages most. Living on Earth's Mitra Taj reports from Teluk Kabung, where the arrival of the pulpwood industry has devastated the cash crop of coconuts and left villagers with little hope for the future. It's not clear whether the new UN scheme to Reduce Emissions from Deforestation and Degradation – or REDD – designed to pay to preserve tropical forests will offer them a lifeline.