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Climate change poses new challenges for troops at the Indian borders

Global warming is not only altering weather patterns but also increasingly posing challenges to the defence forces stationed in high-altitude areas along the borders (LoC with Pakistan and the LAC with China).
Erratic and less snowfall along with unpredictable rainfall patterns and drying up of natural streams in the Himalayas over the years are major concerns. And its effects are visible on the ground with infiltration risks to disrupted infrastructure projects, according to senior security establishment officials.

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UN climate talks face a credibility crisis as countries disengage

In Baku, Azerbaijan, the so-called “finance-Cop” was a disappointment. Now, the UN’s Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) is facing a credibility crisis.
A key failure in Baku was about how much money developing nations will be paid for adaptation projects that help communities and infrastructure withstand the impacts of climate change. The outcome included US$300 billion (£239 billion) for both adaptation and mitigation with no clarity on whether this will be in the form of grants or loans. This falls far short of what developing countries need.

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Nature-Based Solutions to Climate Change

Nature-based solutions are actions to protect, sustainably manage, or restore natural ecosystems, that address societal challenges such as climate change, human health, food and water security, and disaster risk reduction effectively and adaptively, simultaneously providing human well-being and biodiversity benefits. For example, a common problem is the flooding in coastal areas that occurs as a result of storm surges and coastal erosion. This challenge, traditionally tackled with manmade (grey) infrastructure such as sea walls or dikes, coastal flooding, can also be addressed by actions that take advantage of ecosystem services such as tree planting. Planting trees that thrive in coastal areas – known as mangroves — reduces the impact of storms on human lives and economic assets, and provides a habitat for fish, birds and other plants supporting biodiversity.

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Climate crisis on track to destroy capitalism, warns top insurer

The climate crisis is on track to destroy capitalism, a top insurer has warned, with the vast cost of extreme weather impacts leaving the financial sector unable to operate.
The world is fast approaching temperature levels where insurers will no longer be able to offer cover for many climate risks, said Günther Thallinger, on the board of Allianz SE, one of the world’s biggest insurance companies. He said that without insurance, which is already being pulled in some places, many other financial services become unviable, from mortgages to investments.

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A path to climate resilience through city-level research and planning

As Indian cities expand, the impact of climate hazards varies widely due to socioeconomic inequalities and political and cultural factors. Cities lie at the forefront of the climate crisis, contributing heavily to greenhouse gas emissions while also reeling from impacts like heat islands, floods, droughts and public health risks. At the same time, India’s urban population continues to swell – rising about from 32% in 2013 to 36.3% in 2023. By 2050, India’s urban population is projected to reach 53%, adding 416 million people, according to a UN report.

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Breathing Unequally: Impact of Air Pollution on Women

In 2019, air pollution led to 6.7 million deaths globally, and 1.67 million in India. Air pollution is India’s second-largest health risk after maternal and child malnutrition and pollutants like PM2.5 have also been associated with carcinogenicity. Francoise d’Eaubonne’s concept of Ecofeminism recognizes that environmental degradation and women’s oppression are intertwined, creating a double burden for women.

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Fiji’s Water Sector Strategy 2050

Fiji has adopted a strategy to improve its water sector’s resilience, sustainability and economic viability. As climate change intensifies in the Pacific, climate vulnerability of water systems under extreme weather events and rising sea levels is now endangering key water infrastructure, necessitating substantial investment in protective measures. Small Island Developing States in the Pacific are home to about 2.5 million people, living on hundreds of islands spread over the vast Pacific Ocean. The region covers nearly 15% of the Earth’s surface, with shared water security challenges and solutions.

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How green bonds are shaping the future of sustainable investment

Green bonds and sustainability-linked financing are key drivers in the global transition to a net zero, climate-resilient economy. With rising investor demand and evolving regulatory frameworks, these financial instruments can unlock much-needed infrastructure investment opportunities for cities and nations to finance transformative solutions.

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We need to tackle heatwaves with greater urgency

A common understanding among most people in India is that disasters and accidents are meant for their neighbours and the many unknown people “out there.”No one thinks that calamity may strike them too, for which they need to remain prepared. Climate change has enhanced thefrequency of disasters, and among them, a silent killer is the heatwave, particularly for our country. India is experiencing more frequent, prolonged, and severe heatwaves. These extreme temperatures pose significant risk to public health, infrastructure, and livelihoods, especially in vulnerable regions.

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