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.
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