The Water Diplomat: What does Stockholm World Water Week represent to you, and how does the World Water Week help to deepen your understanding of water challenges and solutions? A conversation with Bapon Fakhruddin, Water and Climate Leader at the Green Climate Fund and Henk Ovink, Executive Director of the Global Commission on the Economics of Water.
Assessing the impact of Hurricanes Helene and Milton on small businesses
After making landfall in Florida on October 9, 2024, Hurricane Milton swept a path across the state, affecting 34 counties, many of which had already been exposed to Hurricane Helene only a few days earlier. The counties Milton affected are collectively home to almost 60 percent of the state’s MSMEs. Those 1.9 million small businesses employ about 4 million people and generate more than half a trillion dollars in revenue. Of these 34 counties, the 25 that endured winds of greater than 58 miles per hour are home to 35 percent of the state’s MSMEs.
New Lancet Countdown Report reveals record-breaking health threats of climate inaction
Shouro Dasgupta, a researcher with the CMCC Foundation, contributed new findings to the Lancet Countdown on Health and Climate Change’s eighth annual global report, which highlights the rising health risks posed by climate change, with worsening effects worldwide. The report points to the dangers of ongoing fossil fuel investments and inadequate funding for climate resilience, underscoring that these choices are increasing health vulnerabilities in many regions.
The Lancet urges divestment from fossil fuels to save lives
The 2024 Lancet Countdown on Health and Climate Change, launched today, reveals a stark escalation in climate-related health threats, with 10 of 15 indicators tracking health threats reaching alarming new records. In 2023 alone, people faced an average of 50 additional days of health-threatening temperatures than expected without climate change, and nearly half the world experienced severe drought, associated with heightened food insecurity for 151 million more people compared to previous decades. Despite the availability of clean energy solutions, governments and companies continue to invest trillions in fossil fuels, exacerbating these health risks. The report calls for an urgent redirection of these funds to build a healthier, more sustainable future and underscores the need for a rapid, just transition to net zero emissions.
Satellites could hold the key to keeping the lights turned on
Extreme weather is becoming more common around the world, with climatic events such as storms often causing damage to power networks, resulting in a loss of electricity – but could satellites prove to be a solution to maintaining energy supplies on earth? Storms and floods can have devastating consequences, leaving thousands of homes without power, with vulnerable people particularly effected. At the same time, the amount of renewable energy entering the UK power grid is increasing significantly as the UK aims to reach Net Zero by 2050.
Strengthening climate Resilience of Vulnerable Agriculture Livelihoods in Iraq (SRVALI)
“Strengthening Climate Resilience of Vulnerable Agriculture Livelihoods in Iraq (SRVALI)” project. This landmark initiative is set to transform the lives of the most vulnerable people in Iraq, and I couldn’t be more excited to be part of it!
SRVALI is all about innovation and empowerment. We’re introducing climate-smart irrigation technologies, transitioning from open canals to closed piped systems, and integrating solar panels to power irrigation pumps. This not only enhances water efficiency but also showcases Iraq’s commitment to sustainable energy solutions. Plus, our Climate Wise Women (CWW) initiative empowers women as key change agents in climate adaptation.
Sectoral Guide: Water Security
Discover essential insights for developing robust, climate-resilient sanitation projects and enhancing access to climate finance. Climate change is evident around the globe, and it requires bold actions now to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Paris Agreement. In addition, water is one of the world’s most essential commodities and demand for water service has increased tremendously following population growth, economic development and changing consuming patterns. Facing increasing demand for this scarce resource, the global water business seems to offer investment opportunities.
Join the Green Climate Fund at COP29 on Nov 11, 15:15pm – 16:45 at the Joint Pavillion for the Launch of the Water Project Guidelines
The Green Climate Fund’s projects demonstrated valuable experience in tackling the challenges of loss and damage caused by climate change. As the new loss and damage fund’s operationalization is in process, these case studies funded by GCF have significantly impacted through thorough risk management strategies.
This systematic review investigates current approaches, barriers, and enablers of community engagement in urban flood risk governance (FRG) through a flood risk justice lens, employing a systematic search and an adapted ‘best fit’ framework synthesis methodology, and reporting results according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses transparent reporting system. The central theme of inclusivity emerged from the synthesis, which integrated sub-themes of relationality, non-universalism, power structures, and personal paradigms in a conceptual model.
Disaster Risk Management Action Plan, 2024–2030: Redoubling action toward disaster resilience
The Disaster Risk Management Action Plan (DRMAP), 2024–2030 aims to redouble Asian Development Bank (ADB) efforts toward achieving disaster resilience in Asia and the Pacific. It follows an integrated approach that considers disaster resilience as the result of investments across a range of relevant sectors. The DRMAP encourages dedicated efforts to address systemic risks through structural and nonstructural measures. The DRMAP sets out four interlinked strategic work streams to strengthen disaster resilience.
Australia State of the climate 2024
The biennial State of the Climate Report draws on the latest national and international climate research, monitoring, science and projection information to describe changes and long-term trends in Australia’s climate. It is intended to inform economic, environmental and social decision-making by governments, industries and communities. Observations, reconstructions of past climate and climate modelling continue to provide a consistent picture of ongoing, long‑term climate change interacting with underlying natural variability. Associated changes in weather and climate extremes— such as extreme heat, heavy rainfall, coastal inundation, fire weather and drought—exacerbate existing pressures on the health and wellbeing of our communities and ecosystems.
Nationally determined contributions under the Paris Agreement. Synthesis report by the secretariat
The report synthesizes information from 168 latest Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) submitted by 195 Parties to the Paris Agreement, covering 95% of global emissions in 2019. It highlights that 94% of Parties have provided quantified mitigation targets, with global greenhouse gas emissions projected to be approximately 53.0 Gt CO₂ eq in 2025 and 51.5 Gt CO₂ eq in 2030-levels similar to 2019. While there is a potential for global emissions to peak before 2030, the current NDCs are insufficient to limit global warming to 1.5°C or 2°C above pre-industrial levels. The report emphasizes the increasing inclusion of adaptation strategies, gender considerations, and recognition of Indigenous Peoples and local communities in NDCs, but underscores the significant gap between current commitments and the emission reductions required to meet global climate goals.
UNFCCC Climate Change Conference (COP29): Side Event
A Regional Call to Action on Climate Change: Addressing Glacial Melting in Central and West Asia through Glaciers to Farms (G2F) Regional Program and CAREC Partnership for Climate, Innovation, and Trade
Thursday, 14 November 2024, 2:25 pm – 3:30 pm (Asia/Baku)
COP29 Presidency Area, Hirkan Room
Europe and Central Asia Regional Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction (EFDRR)
6 Nov – 8 Nov
The Regional Platform will assess progress on the regional EFDRR Roadmap for Disaster Risk Reduction 2021-2030 and build capacities of authorities and stakeholders to accelerate the implementation of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030.
Tsunami: Sea Change for Resilience exhibition launch
4th Nov
Commemorating the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, 20 years on.
On 26 December 2004, an earthquake in the Indian Ocean caused a devastating tsunami that killed around 230,000 people in 14 countries. It remains one of the deadliest disasters in recent human history.
11 – 22nd Nov
In Solidarity for a Green World
The 29th session of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change
Open collaboration and open science among global stakeholders are vital to face the great challenges of this century and to ensure a sustainable world and healthy living conditions for future generations
