Hybrid crops—created by cross-breeding two plant varieties—are emerging as a key solution to climate change–driven challenges like drought, heat, and pests. While traditional crops struggle with erratic weather, hybrids offer greater resilience, yield stability, and adaptability. Researchers are developing hybrid maize, rice, and wheat that thrive under extreme conditions while improving water-use efficiency and nutrient uptake. However, concerns remain about dependence on seed companies, biodiversity loss, and higher seed costs. Experts stress public-private partnerships and local breeding programs to ensure equitable access and protect crop diversity.

As Bengaluru’s average temperatures rises, the city’s 25,000 waste workers—mostly women from marginalized communities—are bearing the brunt of extreme heat with little support. A study by HeatWatch and Hasiru Dala shows how rising land surface temperatures, declining green cover, and poor infrastructure are worsening their health, productivity, and income. Workers face dehydration, fainting spells, and heat-induced illnesses, often without access to clean water, toilets, or medical care. Economic losses are mounting as costs rise and workdays are lost. Experts call for urgent measures such as expanding insurance and healthcare coverage, improving waste centre facilities, and integrating heat protection into city policy.

A study led by Professor Jonghun Kam at POSTECH warns that Pakistan faces a future of recurring “super floods” and “extreme droughts,” driven by accelerating global warming. Using AI to analyze historical river flow data, researchers found that the upper Indus River may experience severe floods or droughts roughly every 15 years, while nearby rivers could face such extremes every 11 years. These shifts threaten agriculture, energy, and livelihoods, especially as melting glaciers complicate water management. The study calls for region-specific water strategies and improved forecasting, positioning AI as a crucial tool for climate adaptation in vulnerable regions.