The workshop aimed to discuss the role of early warning systems and raising awareness among communities exposed to risks…reports Asian Lite News
The National Centre of Meteorology (NCM) hosted a workshop titled “Early Warning for All,” organiSed by the World Meteorological OrganiSation in partnership with local authorities, at its headquarters in Abu Dhabi.
The workshop aimed to discuss the role of early warning systems in contributing to the goals of the World Meteorological Organisation and raising awareness among communities exposed to risks.
The discussions in the workshop revolved around the significance of early warning systems in achieving the goals of the World Meteorological Organisation and the necessity of preparedness to face natural disasters. The workshop also addressed the objectives of providing early warning systems for everyone, regardless of location or financial capabilities, considering the increasing frequency of natural disasters and their adverse effects on humans and societies.
In his opening speech, Omar Alyazeedi, Deputy Director-General of NCM, representing Dr. Abdullah Ahmed Al Mandous, Director-General of NCM and President of the World Meteorological Organisation, emphasised the importance of preparedness and collaboration to achieve the objectives of this initiative and enhance early warning systems. He also stressed the significance of strengthening strategic partnerships to improve preparedness for climate change and develop innovative solutions to address its consequences.
He added, “The workshop reflects the commitment of the UAE to achieve the goals of the United Nations’ programme for reducing the risks of natural disasters and enhancing our efforts in building strategic partnerships to strengthen early warning systems and harness data for innovative solutions that mitigate the impacts of climate change. The pivotal role of the UAE in protecting everyone from various risks is evident through our approach to implementing early warning systems. The National Centre of Meteorology will serve as a SOFF peer advisor providing technical assistance and Leveraging UAE knowledge and expertise to the deep dive countries and beyond.”
Representatives from the Ministry of Interior, the National Emergency, Crisis, and Disaster Management Authority, Abu Dhabi City Municipality, as well as the University of the Emirates, Khalifa University, the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, the Ministry of Defense, the General Civil Aviation Authority, the National Guard, and Abu Dhabi Development Fund participated in the workshop. The UNDRR and the World Meteorological Organisation representatives briefed and moderated the workshop. Representatives from COP 28 official Team, IRENA, and the UAE UN Resident Coordinator office also joined the discussion.
It is worth mentioning that the “United Nations Early Warning for All” initiative has been officially recognised as the top priority of the World Meteorological Organisation since the end of 2027. It has garnered increasing attention from relevant meteorological authorities recently, as part of international efforts to address the consequences of climate change. This is in response to the call made by the Secretary-General of the United Nations, Antonio Guterres, to establish early warning systems for all the world’s inhabitants within five years, by adopting an action plan during COP-27 to activate early warning systems for all and oversee their implementation. This includes ensuring the existence of political, technical, and financial solutions capable of accelerating the implementation process, looking for funding support to the Multi-Donor Trust funds like SOFF is also a crucial step in the same direction.
The Systematic Observation Financing Facility (SOFF) is an initiative launched by the World Meteorological Organisation in 2017 and funded by the World Bank. It aims to assist countries in collecting and using data to improve disaster risk management. The SOFF system provides technical support to countries to help them develop and implement strategies for collecting and using data related to disaster risks. It also conducts research on data for disaster risk management and disseminates knowledge about data for managing disaster risks.
Amritsar, bordering Pakistan, gears up for hospitality of G20 delegates.
After a recent meeting of G20 energy ministers, they faced a lack of progress in their negotiations as they were unable to reach a consensus on a roadmap to reduce fossil fuels’ presence in the global energy mix…reports Asian Lite News
China has responded to accusations of obstructing climate discussions among G20 environment ministers and expressed regret over the lack of consensus reached during the recent negotiations in India.
According to French ecological transition minister Christophe Bechu, discussions with China, Saudi Arabia, and Russia were challenging.
The Financial Times reported that China employed “wrecking tactics” to hinder debate. However, Beijing has denied these allegations, asserting that such reports do not align with the actual events.
In a statement, the foreign ministry maintained that the meeting yielded a positive and balanced outcome. However, some countries introduced geopolitical matters that ultimately led to the failure to adopt a communique.
After a recent meeting of G20 energy ministers, they faced a lack of progress in their negotiations as they were unable to reach a consensus on a roadmap to reduce fossil fuels’ presence in the global energy mix.
Earlier, China and Russia to support the G20 outcome document and Chair’s summary, which at the culmination of the 3rd G20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors (FMCBG) meeting at Gandhinagar, deplored “in strongest terms the aggression by Russia Federation against Ukraine”.
While China stated that the G20 FMCBG meeting was not the right forum to discuss geopolitical issues, Russia dissociated itself from the status of the document.
Beijing reports heaviest rain in 140 years as China denies sinking G20 climate talks https://t.co/fVCp3PkzjT
The outcome document deplored “in the strongest terms the aggression by the Russian Federation against Ukraine and demands its complete and unconditional withdrawal from the territory of Ukraine. Most members strongly condemned the war in Ukraine and stressed that it is causing immense human suffering and exacerbating existing fragilities in the global economy constraining growth, increasing inflation, disrupting supply chains, heightening energy and food insecurity, and elevating financial stability risks”.
“The use or threat of use of nuclear weapons is inadmissible. The peaceful resolution of conflicts, efforts to address crises, as well as diplomacy and dialogue are vital. Today’s era must not be of war,” the outcome document reiterated.
Meanwhile on host of other issues, it looked forward to an ambitious replenishment of the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) resources at the end of the year by IFAD members, to support IFAD’s fight against food insecurity.
The FMCBG welcomed the discussions on the potential macro-financial implications arising from the introduction and adoption of Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs), notably on cross-border payments as well as on the international monetary and financial system.
It re-emphasised the importance of addressing debt vulnerabilities in low and middle-income countries in an effective, comprehensive and systematic manner.
“… We welcome all efforts for timely resolution of the debt situation of Sri Lanka, including the formation of the official creditor committee, and we call for the resolution as soon as possible,” it said.
The G20 FMCBG reaffirmed the commitment made by developed countries to the goal of mobilising jointly $100 billion climate finance per year by 2020, and annually through 2025, to address the needs of developing countries, in the context of meaningful mitigation action and transparency in implementation.
“Developed country- contributors expect this goal to be met for the first time in 2023. In this context, we also support continued deliberations on an ambitious new collective quantified goal of climate finance from a floor of $100 billion per year to support developing countries, that helps in fulfilling the objective of the UNFCCC and implementation of the Paris Agreement,” the outcome document said.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision, alongside India’s leadership and initiatives, exemplified dedication to environmental conservation and prosperity…reports Mahdeep
The two-day G20 policy workshop on the Green and Sustainable Growth Agenda for the Global Economy, held in New Delhi, marked a pivotal moment in environmental progress.
It was organised by NITI Aayog, in collaboration with IDRC and GDN, the workshop brought together over 40 global experts from diverse fields. It served as a side event of the G20 and delved into crucial themes of green growth, energy, climate, technology, and policy, among others.
The gathering generated valuable recommendations for green and sustainable growth, emphasizing a resolute commitment to a greener future.
Concurrently, the 4th and last ECSWG and Ministers meeting was held in Chennai that highlighted significant achievements while acknowledging the urgent challenges that demand global attention.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision, alongside India’s leadership and initiatives, exemplified dedication to environmental conservation and prosperity.
As the G20 reaffirmed its commitment to climate action and the Paris Agreement, some areas remained unresolved, necessitating focused efforts at the upcoming COP28 talks to drive tangible progress.
A two-day G20 policy workshop on the Green and Sustainable Growth Agenda for the Global Economy was held on July 28-29 in New Delhi. It was organised by NITI Aayog in collaboration with the International Development Research Centre (IDRC), Ottawa, and the Global Development Network (GDN), New Delhi, to discuss the prospects and challenges of green and sustainable growth on a global scale.
The workshop was a side event of G20 that covered various themes related to green growth, energy, climate, technology, policy, employment, multilateralism as well as adjustment, resilience and inclusion in an uncertain world, etc. The two-day policy workshop was attended by more than 40 global experts from diverse fields.
NITI Aayog Vice-Chairman Suman Bery emphatically asserted that the goal of achieving a green transition aligns with the larger objective of becoming a developed nation by 2047.
NITI Aayog will convene a two-day #G20 conference on the Green and Sustainable Growth Agenda for the Global Economy in New Delhi tomorrow.
— All India Radio News (@airnewsalerts) July 27, 2023
The discussions during this policy workshop have generated several important suggestions and recommendations for green and sustainable growth. Bery observed that NITI Aayog will pursue some of these through various fora. With unwavering dedication, they endeavour to propel the global economy towards a future defined by environmental resilience and prosperity.
The G20 Sherpa Amitabh Kant observed that achieving the Sustainable Development Goals and climate action needs an investment of about five to six trillion dollars. This in turn is likely to throw up business opportunities of about 90 trillion dollars.
Referring to the Indian Prime Minister Modi’s vision of achieving the Net Zero target by 2070, Kant observed that India will play a key role in green growth and sustainable development. B.V. R. Subrahmanyam, CEO of NITI Aayog, underlined the institution’s commitment to a fundamental role in creating ecosystems that facilitate the adoption of frontier technologies.
At about the same time, the 4th and conclusive Environment and Climate Sustainability Working Group (ECSWG) and Environment and Climate Ministers meeting, took place in Chennai.
The meet saw the consensual adoption of an Outcome document, the Chennai High Level Principles for a Sustainable and Resilient Blue/Ocean-based Economy.
It will be submitted to the Leaders for their consideration to be appended to the G20 New Delhi Leader’s Declaration 2023. This milestone underscores a steadfast commitment to nurturing a sustainable and resilient blue economy, resonating profoundly with environmentalists worldwide.
Shri Bhupender Yadav, Union Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change presided over the Ministerial meeting and commanded the attendance of 41 Ministers or their deputies from the various nations.
They highlighted significant achievements and key takeaways centered around the priority areas under the Environment and Climate track: Land and Biodiversity, Blue Economy, the judicious management of Water Resources, and the transformative potential of the Circular Economy.
The meeting was animated by proactive engagement from over 225 delegates representing G20 member countries, invitee countries and heads and representatives of 23 International organizations including UNEP, UNFCC, COP28 and UNCCD. Their interventions revolved around critical challenges pertaining to concerns about climate and environment which call for urgent global attention.
In his video message to the delegates and ministers participating in the meeting, Indian
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, expressed his confidence in the G20 countries joining hands to tackle the climate and environmental challenges in a holistic way. Commending the achievements of the priority areas under the ECSWG, he lauded the efforts in restoring priority landscapes impacted by forest fires and mining through the Gandhinagar Information Platform and Gandhinagar Implementation Roadmap.
He also commended the dedication to wildlife conservation manifest in the recent launch of the International Big Cat Alliance. Highlighting India’s initiatives being powered by people’s participation, Modi cited the example of Mission Amrit Sarovar, a unique water conservation initiative under which more than sixty-three thousand water bodies have been created.
The leaders acknowledged India’s Presidency for efforts in developing the compendiums of best practices in water management, mining-affected areas, and forest fire-impacted areas, and for conducting a technical study on ‘Accelerating the transition to a sustainable and resilient blue economy’, and preparing technical documents on significant topics such as Knowledge Exchange on Circular Economy in Steel Sector, Extended Producer Responsibility and Circular Bioeconomy. India has also prepared the Gandhinagar Implementation Roadmap and Gandhinagar Implementation Framework for voluntary adoption by G20 members.
Addressing a Press Conference following the Ministerial meeting Bhupender Yadav noted with satisfaction that the Environment Climate and Sustainability Working Group had arrived at a high degree of consensus towards addressing the critical pillars of environment and sustainability. The ECSWG’s journey under India’s Presidency concluded with the adoption of the Chair’s Summary and Outcome Documents.
Yadav also highlighted the successful Mega Beach Clean Up Event at Juhu in Mumbai, with participation from 20 countries and 37 Indian beaches spanning coastal states and Union Territories. The event aimed to raise awareness and sensitize people in line with the
Indian Ministers’ message of ‘Swachhta’ (cleanliness) and ‘Jan Bhagidari’ (Community participation). He further emphasized the unique concept of ‘Lifestyle for Environment’ (LiFE) and the crucial role of individual actions in combatting marine pollution.
The launch of an industry-led Resource Efficiency and Circular Economy Industry Coalition (RECEIC) was another significant intervention under India’s G20 Presidency. The coalition was launched by minister Yadav in the presence of the Commissioner from EU and Ministers from France, Canada, Italy, Denmark, Mauritius and the UAE. The G20 Ministers also called for the G20 Resource Efficiency dialogue to engage with RECEIC and leverage synergies.
The goal of achieving green transition goes hand-in-hand with the larger goal of becoming Viksit Bharat by 2047: @suman_bery, VC NITI Aayog
NITI Aayog concludes 2-day #G20 conference on ‘A Green and Sustainable Growth Agenda for the Global Economy’ at New Delhi.
India’s G20 Presidency released one outcome document and two Presidency Documents under the theme of Blue Economy. Four Presidency Documents and Compendiums of Best Practices under the theme of Land and Biodiversity and Water resources management were released. There are four more Presidency Documents under the theme of Resource Efficiency and Circular Economy.
G20 countries reaffirmed their resolve to tackle climate change and ambitious action across all pillars of the Paris Agreement. Themes like ecological restoration, marine spatial planning, and circular economy were addressed for the first time in the G20 discussions in detail.
However, the Chennai meet saw some challenges in reaching a consensus on various environmental goals, such as renewable energy, fossil fuel reduction, energy efficiency improvement, and GHG emissions peaking by 2025.
Despite the presence of climate and energy ministers from all G20 nations, along with US special climate envoy John Kerry and COP28 president-designate Sultan Al-Jaber, significant progress on these issues remained elusive. Now, the focus shifts to the upcoming COP28 talks this winter, where tangible strides towards addressing these concerns can be achieved.
About 45,000 people in 13 districts in Beijing were severely affected and 127,000 were evacuated…reports Asian Lite News
Eleven people were killed and 27 others were missing as of Tuesday morning due to flooding in Beijing caused due to typhoon Doksuri that resulted in heavy rains, China-based Global Times reported. Among these, two died in the line of duty.
About 45,000 people in 13 districts in Beijing were severely affected and 127,000 were evacuated. According to municipal authorities, economic losses are being calculated. The rainstorm lashed western, southern and southwestern Beijing the hardest since July 29. As of Tuesday morning, the average precipitation was recorded at 257.9mm. Suburban Mentougou and Fangshang districts witnessed precipitation of 470.2mm and 414.6mm, Global Times reported.
The rainfall intensity has so far reached above the level of July 21, 2012, when 79 people were killed in Beijing. The peak rainfall reached above 700mm at two weather stations. Meanwhile, the peak rainfall in 2012 was recorded at 541mm.
Some trains passing through Beijing West Station and Fengtai Station have been suspended. The power and telecommunication have not restarted in the Mentougou district, according to Global Times report.
The authorities in Beijing are intensifying their efforts in disaster relief by using People’s Liberation Army (PLA) helicopters to airdrop essential supplies and shift stranded citizens.
Beijing is also working in cooperation with neighbouring Tianjin Municipality and Hebei Province in flood control by discharging floodwaters into available reservoirs, Global Times reported.
On Tuesday morning, four PLA ground force helicopters airdropped 1,900 relief supply packages to the stranded residents. On Monday night, a brigade under the PLA 81st Group Army completed material loading and flight preparation overnight and converted transport helicopters to install medical equipment to facilitate the shifting of injured people.
Around 5 am (local time) on Tuesday, the four helicopters carrying 26 PLA soldiers flew to Yanhecheng Railway Station in Mentougou and other areas to distribute relief supplies and shift patients. As many as 1,900 food packages, 900 raincoats, 700 blankets and other emergency supplies were dispatched in batches for stranded citizens.
According to the city’s meteorological authorities, from 8 pm (local time) on Saturday to 1 pm (local time) Sunday, the city’s average accumulated rainfall was 176.9 mm, with Mentougou’s accumulated rainfall averaging 322.1 mm.
On Monday, the Municipal Flood Control Office reminded people that rainfall is forecast to continue for Monday and Tuesday, Global Times reported. It further said that the city is in the level-I response for flooding risk. The authorities asked the people of Beijing to stay indoors and avoid activities in mountainous areas, rivers, and areas of potential geologic hazards. (ANI)
Inefficient waste management systems and a lack of government regulations make it difficult for businesses to recycle mattresses, as they need clarification on the requirements or where to send them…writes N. Lothungbeni Humtsoe
Have you ever wondered what to do with your old mattress once you’ve purchased a new one? One typical solution is to throw it away. But, instead of simply dumping it, did you know you might look into environmentally friendly disposal options?
Mattress waste is a significant problem in India. Tens of thousands of mattresses are thrown each year, with the majority of them ending up in landfills. Mattresses abandoned in this manner disintegrate over hundreds of years, releasing toxic substances into the environment.
Speaking with Anand Nichani, Managing Director of Magniflex India, a homegrown mattress brand, explains several ways to repurpose old mattresses instead of throwing them away, such as making pet beds, transforming them into little cushions, pillows, and so on.
Read excerpt:
Why the issue of mattress waste in India is increasing?
Nichani: According to a 2022 report, India’s mattress market was estimated at around Rs 20,000 crore in 2022. Approximately 7-9 million mattresses are sold in the country each year, with a replacement cycle of every 10 years. The rise in income levels, increased urbanisation, changing lifestyles, and growth in the real estate and hospitality sectors are significant factors that accelerated the development of the Indian mattress market.
While the buying capacity has increased, we have yet to figure out how to manage the discarded mattresses. As a result, the discarded mattresses end up in landfills, which can take up much space and release harmful pollutants into the environment.
Inefficient waste management systems and a lack of government regulations make it difficult for businesses to recycle mattresses, as they need clarification on the requirements or where to send them.
How mattress recycling can help reduce the burden?
Nichani: Mattresses contain various harmful materials, such as flame retardants, polyurethane foam, and metal springs. When these materials are disposed of in landfills, they can leach into the soil and water, contaminating the environment. Recycling mattresses help to prevent these harmful materials from entering the atmosphere.
The materials used to make mattresses can be recycled and reused to make new products. Recycling helps conserve resources and reduce the need to extract new materials from the environment.
The recycling of mattresses will also contribute to creating jobs in collecting, processing, and manufacturing recycled materials. Job creation can help boost the economy and create opportunities for our country’s people.
Overall, mattress recycling is a win-win for the environment and the economy. It is a sustainable way to dispose of mattresses and helps protect the environment.
How to choose an eco-friendly mattress?
Nichani: There has to be more propaganda on this; people should be educated on how to buy a mattress. We often come across customers looking for a cheap bargain, and customers usually need to realise that low-cost mattresses come with highly toxic materials, that can harm their health and our environment.
People should make an informed decision while buying mattresses, assess what their mattress is made of, look for OEKO-TEX certifications on products and manufacturing processes, and opt for patented Memoform in place of ordinary foam mattresses. Some mattresses also come with natural wood fabric – known as ecopaedic mattresses, which provide the right temperature to sleep and are environment-friendly.
What are the ways to recycle a mattress?
Nichani: Recycling, whether done on a large scale or small scale, is beneficial to the environment. Some ways to recycle your old mattress are;
Many waste management companies offer mattress recycling programs. You can contact your local waste management company to see if they provide this service.
Some charities accept mattresses that are in good condition. Donating your mattress is a great way to give your mattress a new life and help someone in need.
You can sell your mattress online through Facebook Marketplace. This is a great way to get some money back for your old mattress and help someone else find a good deal.
What novel approach do you believe could reduce mattress pollution?
Nichani: One way to reduce mattress pollution is to use sustainable and biodegradable materials in manufacturing. Mattresses should be made with materials that can be broken down by microorganisms in the environment. This means that they do not contribute to pollution when they are disposed of of., viz., natural cotton, wood fabric, viscose (it’s made from the cellulose of the trees), silk, linen, camel fibre, horse hair, merino wool, cashmere, etc., The presence of such materials is usually demonstrated by certifications like – OEKO TEX and GOTS.
Mattresses can be designed to be more easily recycled by using materials that are easily separated and by using fewer hazardous materials.
There is currently a lack of mattress recycling infrastructure in many countries. This makes it difficult for people to recycle their mattresses. By creating more mattress recycling infrastructure, we can make it easier for people to recycle their mattresses and reduce mattress pollution.
Many people are not aware that mattresses can be recycled. Educating the public about mattress recycling can encourage more people to recycle their mattresses and reduce mattress pollution.
Any DIY projects that may be done to utilise old mattresses instead of throwing them away.
Nichani: There are so many innovative things one could do with old mattresses; Upcycle them to use as upholstery for your garden/balcony furniture, use them as a pet bed, use them for your kids’ play area, convert them into small cushions, pillows, materials such as fabric and springs and foam can be used as mulch in your garden to help retain moisture and suppress weed growth.
The new measures, aimed at cutting down single-use plastic waste…reports Asian Lite News
New restrictions introduced in New York City, the most populous city in the US, to reduce single-use plastic waste in takeout orders came into effect.
Under the new rules implemented from Monday onwards, restaurants and delivery services in the city are not allowed to provide plastic utensils, condiment packets, napkins or extra containers in takeout and delivery orders unless customers ask for them.
That means restaurants will no longer automatically include plastic containers, knives and forks, packets of mayo, dressing, as well as ketchup in a to-go order without customer’s request, Xinhua news agency reported.
The new measures, aimed at cutting down single-use plastic waste, stemmed from the “Skip the Stuff” law signed by New York Mayor Eric Adams earlier this year.
A warning period for the regulations ends on June 30, 2024, then fines will be issued for violations.
Those who violate the restrictions will face penalties, starting at $50 for the first offence, $150 for the second, and $250 for the third.
According to data cited by the New York City Council’s Committee on Consumer and Worker Protection, more than 320 million ton of plastics is used in the country each year, with 95 per cent of it being single-use, and of those single-use plastics, only 14 per cent are recycled.
Smoke from wildfires in Canada has again drifted to the US, placing American cities among the most polluted in the world…reports Asian Lite News
The massive carbon dioxide emissions from the raging wildfires in Canada have exceeded one billion tonnes, according to a study by Chinese scientists.
Greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide, methane and nitrous oxide emitted by the wildfires in Canada have a noticeable impact on global warming and the wildfires have evolved into a global environmental event, said Liu Zhihua, a researcher from the Institute of Applied Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences who led the study.
According to the Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Center (CIFFC), as of July 26 local time, there were 4,774 fires across the country, and the cumulative fire area has exceeded 121,000 square kilometers.
The researchers conducted a rapid assessment of greenhouse gas emissions from the wildfires based on remote sensing observations.
It is estimated that as of July 26 local time, the wildfires in Canada have directly emitted about one billion tonnes of carbon dioxide. The greenhouse effect of methane and nitrous oxide emissions is about 110 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent, and the total greenhouse gas emissions are about 1.11 billion tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent.
This number has exceeded Japan’s energy-related carbon dioxide emissions of 1.067 billion tonnes in 2021, according to data cited from the Global Carbon Project.
In addition to affecting the climate, the wildfires in Canada also released air pollutants such as PM2.5, PM10, organic aerosols, and black carbon, which harm human health.
In June, the air quality in New York, Chicago, and other places in the United States deteriorated significantly. These air pollutants are also transported over long distances worldwide under westerly circulation, affecting areas in Europe, North Africa, and Asia.
The wildfires have also wreaked havoc on forest ecosystems. The rapidly burning wildfires led to extensive vegetation destruction and biodiversity loss, depriving animals of habitats and food sources.
Smoke from wildfires in Canada has again drifted to the US, placing American cities among the most polluted in the world. Detroit, New York and Chicago have the worst air quality in the US, ranking 13th, 15th and 20th, respectively, among the world’s most polluted cities, according to real-time data from IQAir.
The National Weather Service has issued an air-quality alert for a large swath of the Upper Midwest and the Great Lakes region, with millions of people expected to be affected.
Smoke from Canada’s wildfires has filled U.S. skies with an unhealthy haze for weeks, becoming a hallmark of the 2023 summer. The smoke raises a number of questions, from why the fires have lasted so long to how smoke keeps ruining air quality for tens millions of people in the U.S.
For many people, the smoke is worse than any other time in recent memory. And there are concerns about whether this might simply be the new normal — if people in the central and eastern U.S. should simply get used to the idea that their summers will be marked by weeks of smoke rather than blue skies and clear sunshine.
The President met on Thursday with Mayors from two US cities grappling with high temperatures…reports Asian Lite News
US President Joe Biden has announced new actions to protect communities from extreme heat.
Biden on Thursday directed the US Department of Labor to issue first-ever hazard alert for heat and announced new investments to protect communities.
Millions of Americans are currently experiencing the effects of extreme heat, which is growing in intensity, frequency, and duration due to the climate crisis, Xinhua news agency reported.
The President met on Thursday with Mayors from two US cities grappling with high temperatures, which are Phoenix of Arizona, and San Antonio of Texas.
Biden learned directly about how their communities are being impacted by extreme heat and discussed the steps to protect communities like theirs, according to the White House.
Biden noted that nearly 600 people in the US die from extreme heat each year, more than from floods, hurricanes and tornadoes combined.
“Climate change is here,” he said as the message was brought home to the UN headquarters by New York declaring an extreme heat advisory for the city…reports Arul Louis
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Thursday appealed to G20 leaders who will meet at a summit in New Delhi to act urgently on climate change because its outcome will impact further efforts.
Calling the September summit headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi a “critical opportunity”, he said: “Particularly G20 countries — responsible for 80 per cent of global emissions – must step up for climate action and climate justice.”
The success of the UN climate change meeting known as the Conference of Parties (COP) in December in Dubai will depend on the outcome of the G20 meeting, he said while speaking to reporters.
“The G20’s success is a basic precondition for the success of the COP, because nobody else can compensate if those members of the G20 do not seriously engage in a dramatic reduction of that emissions,” he said.
While smaller developing countries like the small island countries are trying to cut emissions of greenhouse gases, “They are not the problem; the problem are developed countries and the emerging economies that meet in the G20”, he said.
“Climate change is here,” he said as the message was brought home to the UN headquarters by New York declaring an extreme heat advisory for the city.
“Extreme weather is becoming the new normal,” he warned.
“All countries must respond and protect their people from the searing heat, fatal floods, storms, droughts, and raging fires that result,” he said.
“We must turn a year of burning heat into a year of burning ambition” to fight climate change.
India suffered through an extreme heat wave in the past three months with parts of the country hitting 47 degrees Celsius.
While he attributed 80 per cent of the greenhouse emissions collectively to the G20 nations, Guterres also spoke of the differences among countries, which would apply to countries in the group.
“Those countries on the frontlines — who have done the least to cause the crisis and have the least resources to deal with it — must have the support they need to do so,” he said.
“It is time for a global surge in adaptation investment to save millions of lives from climate carnage,” he added. He said that the developed countries should stand by their commitments to give $100 billion a year to help developing countries deal with climate change and noted that only Germany and Canada have contributed their share.
Guterres, who has launched a war on fossil fuels, called for ending financing of projects using them and said investments should be directed to renewable energy projects. “Many banks, investors and other financial actors continue to reward polluters and incentivise wrecking the planet,” he said.
They also called on the G20 to show that it can deliver for the most climate vulnerable, including the least developed countries and small island developing states…reports Asian Lite News
COP28 President-designate Sultan Al Jaber and United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) executive secretary Simon Stiell on Thursday called upon G20 nations to take a greater leadership role in climate change mitigation and adaptation.
With only 125 days to go, the leaders issued a joint statement on the sidelines of the G20 ministerial meeting in Chennai, calling on G20 nations to “lead the way” on delivering a positive outcome on mitigation at the COP28 climate conference this year.
“The science demands a strong mitigation outcome at COP28 that drives a significant reduction in emissions and builds on the progress of previous COPs, and we call on the G20 to lead the way on the basis of both science and equity and lay the path to a strong and credible outcome that provides developing countries with the basis to undertake a just transition,” the leaders said in the statement.
“Together, we must take necessary steps to accelerate the inevitable phase-down of all fossil fuels in a responsible manner, in order to have an energy system free of unabated fossil fuels by the middle of this century while enabling access for all and promoting sustainable development,” they said in the statement, which reiterated the importance of tripling global renewable energy capacity and doubling the rate of energy efficiency improvements across sectors by 2030.
While the discussions at the G20 Energy Ministerial considered energy transition and aligning current pathways with the Paris Goals, the outcome did not provide a sufficiently clear signal for transforming global energy systems, scaling up renewable and clean energy sources and responsibly phasing down fossil fuels.
“It is our hope that any progress achieved by the G20 drives decisively a strong outcome at COP28 under the Global Stocktake and capitalizes on the Just Transition Work Programme established at COP27 to ensure that this transition is fair, leaves no one behind and supports the broad development challenges faced by developing countries in launching this transition,” the statement added.
The leaders also urged G20 nations to raise the importance of defining a Global Goal on Adaptation (GGA) and operationalizing the loss and damage fund and funding arrangements “to an equal level, to ensure that the human face of the climate change is at the center of all our decisions.” Adaptation finance must be doubled urgently, the leaders said.
“The G20 must affirm its commitment to achieve the operationalization of the fund and funding arrangements. Those at the frontline of climate change need our support now, not in 5 years’ time. This is the benchmark for ambition,” they said in the statement.
They also called on the G20 to show that it can deliver for the most climate vulnerable, including the least developed countries and small island developing states.
Delivering on the 2030 agenda will depend on making climate finance more available, affordable and accessible to developing countries, the leaders state. “Climate finance arrangements will need to be transformed to deliver at the necessary scale, to work better as a system and to support private finance mobilization at unprecedented levels.”
The leaders also called on G20 nations “to urgently prioritize your revised commitments, whether NDCs, NAPs or on climate finance, including contributions to the ambitious replenishment of the GCF to align with the Paris Goals.”
“We must leave Chennai on the right path and with a clear signal that the political will to tackle the climate crisis and launch a new era of development is within our grasp, because it is only a short path to COP28. Every meeting counts, every outcome must bring us closer. The world needs its leaders to unite, act and deliver; and that must start with the G20,” the statement concluded.
