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.

A new study by Chalmers University reveals that ships passing through shallow, methane-rich waters release significant bursts of methane, a greenhouse gas 28 times more potent than CO₂. The turbulence from ship propellers and seafloor pressure changes push dissolved methane from sediments into the atmosphere, with emissions up to 20 times higher than undisturbed areas. Container and cruise ships are the biggest contributors due to hull and propeller designs. This overlooked source means global shipping’s climate impact is being underestimated, underscoring the need for better monitoring and regulation of methane emissions in major shipping lanes.

Climate change is driving up food inflation in India by disrupting the production of key kitchen staples—tomato, onion, and potato (TOP crops). Extreme heatwaves and erratic rainfall over the past five years have slashed yields, damaged crops in fields and storage, and triggered sharp price spikes, with vegetable inflation reaching up to 42% in 2024. Small farmers are hit hardest due to limited storage and transport infrastructure. Experts recommend climate-resilient crop varieties, stronger supply chains, weather-based price forecasting, and social protections to safeguard both producers and consumers from climate-driven food crises.

Punjab and Himachal Pradesh have been devastated by record-breaking rainfall, the heaviest in decades, leading to overflowing rivers, dam releases, and widespread flooding. Punjab has lost 30 lives, seen 1,400 villages inundated, and 1.48 lakh hectares of crops destroyed, while Himachal reported 310 deaths and damages of nearly ₹3,000 crore. Experts attribute the crisis to climate change intensifying western disturbances alongside the monsoon, but also to poor preparedness, unregulated construction, deforestation, and faulty development models. Governments are demanding massive relief packages, while critics accuse state authorities of negligence, underscoring the urgent need for climate-resilient planning.

Most of the world’s top EV battery makers are failing to set strong climate targets, particularly for adopting 100% renewable electricity and cutting supply chain emissions. While companies like CATL, LG Energy Solution, and Panasonic Energy have set such goals, the majority still lack commitments, leaving their production reliant on fossil fuels. Manufacturers must shift rapidly to renewables, set supplier reduction targets, and use recycled materials to genuinely support the global low-carbon transition..

The Greenpeace India story “The Journey of Shade” highlights how Delhi’s street vendors, who endure extreme summer heat without relief, found respite through community-driven innovation. Initially exploring upcycled sarees for market canopies, the project shifted to sustainable fabric woven from old woollens by Moradabad weavers, in collaboration with Goonj. Residents’ Welfare Associations and citizens donated knitwear, symbolizing solidarity with vendors often marginalized in city life. Installed in markets like Burari and Meena Bazaar, the canopies not only provided shade but also boosted morale, footfall, and community support. Beyond heat relief, they became symbols of dignity, resilience, and collective care.