As of Thursday evening, 53 houses were also destroyed in Punjab, including in the provincial capital of Lahore, due to the heavy rain…reports Asian Lite News
At least 101 people have been killed and 180 others injured in Pakistan since the monsoon season started on June 25, the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) said.
According to the NDMA, Punjab province is the worst-hit with 57 fatalities and 118 injuries, reports Xinhua news agency.
As of Thursday evening, 53 houses were also destroyed in Punjab, including in the provincial capital of Lahore, due to the heavy rain.
The torrential rains in Lahore, dubbed as “record-breaking” by the Punjab’s caretaker Chief Minister Mohsin Naqvi, caused urban flooding in the city, inundating several areas and disrupting road traffic for hours.
Rawalpindi also received heavy rains for over 12 hours on Wednesday, resulting in a rise in water levels in streams and drainages to an alarming level, and the local municipal authority had to call in the army to help them in meeting any untoward situation.
At least 12 people were killed on Wednesday after a wall of an under-construction bridge collapsed on laborers living in make-shift tents, due to heavy rain in the city.
According to a district administration spokesman, rainfall gauging stations recorded up to 200 mm of rain in several areas of the city, causing urban flooding and roof collapse incidents.
A total of 25 people were killed and 41 others were injured in separate rain-related accidents in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, the NDMA said.
The torrential rain also damaged 60 houses and perished 43 livestock in the province, the Authority added.
In Sindh province, 10 people were killed and two others were injured when lightning struck a house during a thunderstorm earlier in June.
Six people were killed and 13 others were injured in southwest Balochistan province, and three more lost their lives in Pakistan occupied Kashmir, where five people were also injured in heavy rains, the NDMA’s figures showed.
One man got injured in the north Gilgit Baltistan region, where seven houses were destroyed and 15 livestock perished in heavy rains.
Numerous water rescues have been conducted in the region as a result of waves of thunderstorms that have hit Western Kentucky and are covering places like Mayfield in water…reports Asian Lite News
A state of emergency was declared throughout Kentucky in the US on Wednesday by Governor Andy Beshear (D) as the state, which continues to be battered by heavy downpours, witnessed widespread flooding, according to The Hill.
In a video shared on Twitter on Wednesday, Beshear said, “The town of Mayfield, which has already been through too much, has had significant rain and likely significant damage.” “For all the communities that have been impacted, I am now signing a state of emergency,” he added.
Numerous water rescues have been conducted in the region as a result of waves of thunderstorms that have hit Western Kentucky and are covering places like Mayfield in water, The Hill reported.
According to the National Weather Service (NWS) in Paducah, Kentucky, 11.28 inches of rain fell in Graves County, which includes the city of Mayfield, between 12 a.m. and 1 p.m. on Wednesday. If confirmed, this would break the state’s record for the wettest 24-hour period.
The previous 24-hour record was 10.48 inches in 1997 in Louisville, Kentucky, The Hill reported, citing the National Weather Service (NWS).
“Major flooding like many have never seen is occurring,” the Graves County Sheriff’s Office wrote in a post on Facebook early Wednesday morning.
The office also posted pictures of storm-related washed-out highways that are now closed.
After an EF4 tornado that killed 80 people in December 2021, Mayfield is still recuperating. (ANI)
This emission reduction target represents Abu Dhabi’s commitment to the recent announcement of UAE’s emission target reduction of 40 percent by 2030. Abu Dhabi is committed to achieving its target through a reduction of absolute emissions by 47 million tonnes of GHGs by 2030….reports Asian Lite News
As part of its continued strides to uphold the global aim in keeping the rise in average temperatures between 1.5 and 2 degrees Celsius, and as an affirmation of the UAE’s climate action leadership, the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD) has outlined plans for the “Abu Dhabi Climate Change Strategy”, which was recently approved by the Abu Dhabi Executive Council.
The comprehensive five-year plan will strengthen the emirate’s environmental resilience, achieve concrete progress towards achieving full climate neutrality, and further enhance Abu Dhabi’s contribution to the UAE’s global sustainability leadership, and attract investment as part of a secure and sustainable economy.
“Abu Dhabi is not alone in facing the impacts of the global climate change, and we must take proactive measures to mitigate and adapt,” said Dr. Shaikha Salem Al Dhaheri, Secretary-General of EAD. “Our plan provides proactive solutions to promote economic diversification through innovation and the use of low-carbon technologies.”
“Through this strategy, critical sectors, such as infrastructure, energy, environment and health will be enhanced to ensure not only business continuity but also climate resilience and agility. Having one of the most climate resilient and adapted places in the region will attract further investment and give added confidence to businesses and individuals to move to and invest in Abu Dhabi,” she added.
Sheikha Al Mazrouei, Executive Director of Integrated Environmental Policy and Planning Sector at EAD, elaborated, “Our goal is for all these sectors to be fully adaptable to any possible repercussions of climate change by 2050. Over the next five years, we will also reduce the emirate’s emissions by 22 percent from 2016 levels, which is equivalent to CO2 sequestered by 500 million trees for 10 years.”
This emission reduction target represents Abu Dhabi’s commitment to the recent announcement of UAE’s emission target reduction of 40 percent by 2030. Abu Dhabi is committed to achieving its target through a reduction of absolute emissions by 47 million tonnes of GHGs by 2030.
The strategy was developed in collaboration with the Department of Energy, Department of Municipalities and Transport, Department of Economic Development, Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority, Abu Dhabi Public Health Centre, and Abu Dhabi Waste Management Company. EAD also coordinated with the Ministry of Climate Change and the Environment, and the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC), Emirates Global Aluminum, Mubadala and other private sector leaders.
Drawing on the emirate’s long history of sustainability, Abu Dhabi Climate Change Strategy will be implemented at an accelerated rate across two pillars: mitigation, which will involve reducing climate emissions while maintaining economic growth; and adaptation, which refers to enhancing the resilience and agility of key economic sectors against climate risks. The strategy will employ 81 initiatives and 12 strategic projects across key areas, including low-emissions vehicles, mangrove restoration, green procurement, building codes, negative emission technologies, decarbonisation, and cleaner renewables.
Dr. Al Dhaheri concluded, “The launch of the Abu Dhabi Climate Change Strategy is another example of the UAE’s climate leadership in the regional and global arena. It follows in the footsteps of being the first nation in the region to ratify the Paris Agreement, the first nation in the region to truly invest in cleaning its power supply by turning to renewables, and the first in the region to set a pathway to net zero by 2050.”
Chamoli, July 15 (ANI): Badrinath highway is blocked due to a landslide at Pagal Nala in Pipalkoti of Chamoli district, Uttarakhand on Saturday. (ANI Photo)
The landslides have blocked several roads, and the Ganga river has crossed the danger mark in Devprayag and the warning level in Haridwar….reports Asian Lite News
Amid continuous rainfall, Balwakot-Dharchula road in Dharchula near the border area of the Pithoragarh district was blocked on Sunday following a landslide, a senior official said.
The landslide also damaged the mobile and power poles on the 200-metre road, affecting mobile and electricity network in the region, he said. Dharchula’s Joint Magistrate, Divesh Shashani, has ordered the company concerned to carry out the road restoration work on an immediate basis.
The heavy rains caused landslides that blocked several roads, even as the Ganga crossed the danger mark in Devprayag and the warning level in Haridwar due to heavy release of water from the dam on the Alaknanda river, news agency PTI reported.
According to officials, the Ganga was flowing at 463.20 metres following which water filled up in Sangam Ghat, Ramkund, Dhaneshwar Ghat and Fuladi Ghat. There was also a tremendous jump in the water level of the Ganga after 2,000-3,000 cusecs of water was released from the dam of the GVK hydroelectric project built on the Alaknanda river.
Meanwhile, the administration has appealed to people to travel only after contacting disaster control department.
As the monsoon fury continued over the northwestern Himalayan region, several roads were blocked and scores of people were stuck and stranded due to landslides.
The Yamunotri Highway number 123 was also blocked on Saturday due to falling debris near Chami village in Pauri Tehsil of Garhwal District in Uttarakhand. As per officials, dozens of vehicles were left stuck on both sides of the road.
Similarly, Badrinath National Highway was blocked near Pagal Nala, Pipaloti due to debris falling off at many places.
The flood rescue operation by the National Disaster Response Force continues in the flood-affected areas of Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Haryana, Uttarakhand, and Delhi, where torrential rainfall and the release of water from barrages have resulted in unprecedented floods, an official statement said.
Rescue ops continue
Amid the devastating rainfall in Uttarakhand, State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) has rescued over 280 people from 42 affected places across the state so far this month, a senior officer said.
“SDRF has been deployed in 42 disaster-affected places in Uttarakhand. SDRF has conducted 36 rescue operations so far this month, in which 284 people have been rescued and shifted to safe places”, said Manikant Mishra SDRF commandant. Notably, heavy rainfall in the state has led to several landslides that have blocked roads and highways, stranding scores of people.
On Sunday itself, Balwakot-Dharchula road in Dharchula near the border area of the Pithoragarh district was blocked following a landslide, a senior official said.
While the Yamunotri Highway number 123 was blocked on Saturday due to falling debris near Chami village in Pauri Tehsil of Garhwal District. As per officials, dozens of vehicles were left stuck on both sides of the road.
The flood rescue operation by the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) continues in the flood-affected areas of Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Haryana, Uttarakhand, and Delhi, where torrential rainfall and the release of water from barrages have resulted in unprecedented floods, an official statement said on late Friday evening.
58 NDRF teams have been deployed in flood-affected states for rescue and relief work in coordination with State administrations. 16 teams of the NDRF have been deployed in Delhi, 11 teams in Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand each, and 10 teams in Punjab and Haryana. (with inputs from ANI)
Flood affected people are seen in Jamshoro district, Pakistan. (Xinhua/IANS)
District administration have evacuated over 900 villagers who were sheltered in government schools in Sahira and Shekhupura Nau villages. …reports Asian Lite News
Pakistan’s National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has issued a warning of medium to high-level flooding in the Sutlej river, directing advisories to provincial officials to ensure protective measures.
According to the NDMA warning, flooding is expected near Ganda Ginghwala, Kasur, during the next 24 to 48 hours as the water level around the area continued to rise.
“The water level of Ganda Singhwala was about 20.50 feet at 4 p.m. (Wednesday), which rose to 20.90 feet by 7 p.m. in the wake of water relased by India. The severity of a flood is considered if the water level crosses 19.5 feet,” an NDMA official said.
Earlier, several villages were washed away after flood water breached protective walls of the rivers and entered into the surrounding areas of Mastaykay, Mahiwala, Dhoopsari and Bhikiwind.
Standing crops across hundreds of acres of land were also destroyed and submerged.
District administration have evacuated over 900 villagers who were sheltered in government schools in Sahira and Shekhupura Nau villages.
“We have set up more relief camps in the flood hit areas. It is expected that about two dozen villages and hamlets may submerge in the coming 24 to 48 hours if the water level continued to rise at this pace,” a district official said.
“The administration of the flood-prone areas should continue monitoring the sensitive areas, especially at the river Chenab’s Trimmu and Ravi’s Jassar areas until July 20,” the NDMA said.
Moreover, the weather advisory has also forecasted scattered thunderstorms and rains of light to moderate intensity in parts of Punjab and the capital Islamabad in the next 48 hours.
This may also contribute to the rising water levels of all major rivers of the Indus River System, causing more intensified flooding.
The Indus River System Authority (IRSA) also released at least 283,200 cusecs of water from various rim stations with an inflow of at least 325,700 cusecs on Wednesday.
“The water level in the Indus river at Tarbela Dam was 1,517.31 feet, which was at least 119.31 feet higher than its dead level of 1,398 feet. Water inflow and outflow in the dam were recorded at 143,200 cusecs and 140,000 cusecs respectively,” it said.
The water level in the Jhelum at Mangla was recorded at 1,198.60 feet, which was at least 148.60 feet higher than its dead level of 1,050 feet.
The next 24 to 48 hours remain critical for many areas of the Punjab province as water levels are swelling at fast pace, triggering flood threat alarms and putting thousands of acres of standing crop fields along with surrounding localities, villages, towns and cities at high risk.
Almheiri praised the national efforts in climate action across various relevant sectors….reports Asian Lite News
The UAE Council for Climate Action, in its second meeting for 2023, chaired by Mariam bint Mohammed Almheiri, Minister of Climate Change and the Environment, discussed at the SEE Institute Headquarters in Sustainable City Dubai the latest developments in the country’s preparations to host the COP28 conference this year, and the latest efforts to enhance the country’s climate action.
During the meeting, Mariam bint Mohammed Almheiri emphasised the importance of continuing efforts and enhancing partnerships that the UAE Council for Climate Action carries out among various governmental and private sectors, which effectively contributes to achieving climate neutrality in the UAE by 2050, aiming to create a more sustainable future for future generations.
Almheiri praised the national efforts in climate action across various relevant sectors.
She said: “The UAE plays a leading global role in climate action by adopting a unique approach aimed at achieving climate neutrality through gradual emissions reduction. This has been highlighted recently through the announcement of the third version of the second National Determined Contributions (NDC) report for the UAE, in which we aim to reduce carbon emissions by 40 percent by 2030 compared to the business-as-usual scenario.”
She added: “In order to achieve these goals, the UAE seeks to invest in sustainable technologies in all sectors in cooperation with federal and governmental institutions and the private sector, and to enhance clean and renewable energy sources. In addition to playing a major role on the global level. As part of the Year of Sustainability and our preparations to host the COP28 conference in the UAE this year, we seek to highlight our efforts in climate action and shed light on our vision to contribute to global efforts to address the implications of climate change and build a better future for humanity.”
I chaired earlier the UAE Council for Climate Action second meeting for 2023 at the SEE Institute premises in Sustainable City Dubai, in which we discussed the latest developments in the UAE's preparations to host the COP28 this year, and the latest efforts to strengthen the… pic.twitter.com/njjIX2yxvc
— Mariam Almheiri | مريم المهيري (@mariammalmheiri) July 12, 2023
During the meeting, the important updates of the national plan for the country’s preparation to host the Conference of the Parties (COP28) were discussed, along with the latest developments and achievements related to the low-carbon development strategy and the national monitoring, verification, and reporting system. Additionally, transformative projects such as the carbon market, the development program for national adaptation, the national dialogue for climate ambition, and the Climate Ambassadors program were reviewed.
The meeting also reviewed progress made on the Net Zero 2050 Strategic Initiative, and what has been achieved so far. In addition, details of the third update of the country’s second Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) report, which was recently adopted by the Cabinet as part of the country’s commitment to the goals of the Paris Climate Agreement, were discussed. This includes reducing carbon emissions to 182 million tons of carbon dioxide equivalent by 2030.
In relation to transformative projects – Carbon Trading, a digital platform will be developed, and services in this regard will be developed. As for the project of developing the National Adaptation Program, the meeting highlighted meetings with strategic partners.
In this regard, the National Dialogue for Climate Ambition will be held on the National Action Plan, and sessions on the knowledge gap in national work programmes with the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change will be conducted.
The meeting was attended by Mohammed Saeed Al Nuaimi, Acting Undersecretary of the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, Dr. Amna Al Dahak Al Shamsi, Assistant Undersecretary for Care and Capacity Building Sector – Ministry of Education, Abdulrahman Mohammed Al Nuaimi, Director General of Ajman Municipality and Planning Department, Dr. Saif Mohammed Al Ghais, Director General of the Environment Protection and Development Authority in Ras Al Khaimah, and Asilah Abdullah Al Mualla, Director General of the Fujairah Environment Agency. In addition, several representatives from various federal and government entities in the country were present.
خلال منتدى تحفيز التمويل المناخي المقام في المملكة المتحدة:
- سلطان الجابر ينقل تحيات قيادة الإمارات إلى جو بايدن وتشارلز الثالث، ويلتقي عدداً من وزراء الحكومة البريطانية.
- الجابر: بفضل رؤية القيادة، الإمارات تواجه التحديات العالمية بذهنية إيجابية ووسائل مبتكَرة وتحرص على بناء مستقبل أفضل للجميع.
- COP28 سيستضيف للمرة الأولى منتدىً رفيع المستوى للشركات التجارية والمؤسسات الخيرية .
- يجب الالتزام بتوفير مبلغ الـ 100 مليار دولار من التمويل المناخي السنوي الذي تم التعهد به عام 2009، والمؤشرات الأخيرة مشجعة.
ويندسور في 13 يوليو /وام/ أكد معالي الدكتور سلطان أحمد الجابر، وزير الصناعة والتكنولوجيا المتقدمة، الرئيس المعيَّن لمؤتمر الأطراف "COP28"، أن دولة الإمارات تعمل وفق رؤية وتوجيه القيادة، على مواجهة التحديات العالمية بذهنية إيجابية ووسائل مبتكَرة، وتحرص على التعاون مع شركاء يتبنّون نفس الرؤى والأفكار والتوجهات في العمل المناخي لتحقيق التنمية المستدامة وبناء مستقبل أفضل للجميع في كل مكان.
جاء ذلك خلال مشاركة معاليه في مناقشات رفيعة المستوى حول التمويل المناخي، مع كلٍ من جلالة الملك تشارلز الثالث، ملك المملكة المتحدة لبريطانيا العظمى وأيرلندا الشمالية، وفخامة جوزيف بايدن، رئيس الولايات المتحدة الأمريكية، وعددٍ من كبار المستثمرين وقادة العمل الخيري، وذلك على هامش فعاليات منتدى تحفيز التمويل المناخي المقام في المملكة المتحدة، لبحث سبل تعزيز هذا التمويل بطرق مبتكَرة تسهم في تفعيل العمل وتحقيق انتقال منطقي وعملي وتدريجي وعادل في قطاع الطاقة.
ونقل معاليه تحيات القيادة في دولة الإمارات إلى الرئيس الأمريكي جو بايدن، وجلالة الملك تشارلز الثالث، مؤكداً حرص الإمارات على تعزيز الشراكة القائمة مع البلدين الصديقين في المجالات المختلفة.
كما شارك معاليه في منتدى "تحفيز التمويل المناخي" الذي عقده معالي غرانت شابس، وزير أمن الطاقة والحياد المناخي في المملكة المتحدة، وجون كيري المبعوث الرئاسي الأمريكي الخاص للمناخ، بحضور مارك كارني، المبعوث الخاص للأمم المتحدة المعني بالعمل والتمويل المناخي، ومجموعة من قادة الشركات التجارية والمؤسسات الخيرية في مجالات التمويل والاستدامة والعمل المناخي، حيث وجه معاليه دعوة مفتوحة إلى كافة الأطراف لرفع سقف طموحاتهم استعداداً لـ "COP28" والاستمرار في تحفيز المؤسسات التجارية والخيرية في المملكة المتحدة والولايات المتحدة للقيام بذلك.
وبهذه المناسبة قال معالي الدكتور سلطان أحمد الجابر إن لقيادتَي الولايات المتحدة والمملكة المتحدة دور حاسم في الوفاء بتعهدات التمويل المناخي وجذب مزيد من رأس المال، مضيفاً أن من الضروري الوفاء بالالتزام بتوفير مبلغ الـ 100 مليار دولار من التمويل المناخي السنوي الذي تم التعهد به في عام 2009، ومنوهاً بأن المؤشرات الأخيرة مشجعة وتدل على أنه سيتم الوفاء بهذا الالتزام.
وأكد معاليه على الحاجة الملحّة إلى زيادة التمويل المخصص للمناخ من مليارات إلى تريليونات الدولارات، من أجل تحقيق الأهداف العالمية الخاصة بالمناخ والتنوع البيولوجي والتنمية المستدامة، وقال: "من أجل تحقيق هذه الأهداف يجب جمع وتحفيز رأس المال على جميع المستويات الحكومية والخاصة والخيرية، لأن رأس المال والتمويل من أهم عوامل التمكين الحاسمة في العمل المناخي، وهناك حاجة ملحة لتوفير التمويل بشروط ميسَّرة وبتكلفة معقولة للجميع في أنحاء العالم".
وأضاف أن "تغير المناخ مشكلة عالمية تتطلب استجابة عالمية فعلية، وعلى جميع المؤسسات المالية الفاعلة العمل ضمن إطار جديد من التعاون والتكاتف لتمكين التمويل المناخي بالقدر اللازم والنطاق المنشود وبالسرعة التي يحتاج إليها العالم، لذلك يسعدني الإعلان أن مؤتمر الأطراف "COP28" سيستضيف منتدىً رفيع المستوى لدعم دور الشركات التجارية والمؤسسات الخيرية في العمل المناخي، والتركيز على تذليل الصعوبات التي تعوق تحقيق التقدم المنشود، وعرض النماذج الناجحة وتحديد فرص التعاون والإبداع المشترك وتسريع الإنجاز". كما جدد معاليه التأكيد على ضرورة إجراء تطوير جذري لمؤسسات التمويل الدولية وبنوك التنمية متعددة الأطراف، وأوضح أنه من أجل استثمار المبالغ المطلوبة، يجب تبني آليات جديدة لتخفيف المخاطر وتحفيز القطاع الخاص للعمل في مجال المناخ على نطاق واسع. وقال: "نحتاج إلى تطبيق نهج شامل ومتكامل مدعوم بأطر تعاونية فعالة، وألّا نكتفي بالإصلاحات التدريجية".
وخلال مناقشته البيانات التي قدمتها المؤسسات التي حضرت المنتدى، قال معالي الدكتور سلطان الجابر إن المبادرات مثل "منتدى تحفيز التمويل المناخي" تتيح فرصاً رئيسة لتحقيق التقدم المنشود، فالتمويل الذي أعلنت عنه اليوم بعض الجهات الفاعلة والرائدة في القطاع الخاص والمنظمات الخيرية العالمية هو بالفعل ما نحتاج إلى تحقيقه استعداداً لانطلاق "COP28".
وأشاد معاليه أيضاً بالتقدم الذي حققته مبادرة مختبر استثمارات القطاع الخاص التابعة للبنك الدولي في التوصل إلى حلول لمعالجة الصعوبات التي تعوق تمويل القطاع الخاص للعمل المناخي، وأكد أن دعم وتحفيز استثمارات القطاع الخاص في مقدمة أولويات رئاسة مؤتمر الأطراف "COP28"، معرِباً عن تطلعه إلى ضم توصيات المختبر القابلة للتطبيق إلى أجندة عمل "COP28" حول التمويل المناخي.
وأوضح معاليه أن المملكة المتحدة والولايات المتحدة، تضمان اثنين من أكبر الأسواق المالية في العالم، مؤكداً أن ما تم الإعلان عنه اليوم من جانبهما من إجراءات وتمويل يجب أن يتكرر على نطاق عالمي للحفاظ على إمكانية تحقيق هدف تفادي تجاوز الارتفاع في درجة حرارة الأرض مستوى 1.5 درجة مئوية.
Dr. Al Jaber restated his call for major reform of international financial institutions and multilateral development banks…reports Asian Lite News
Dr. Sultan Al Jaber, COP28 President-Designate, has participated in high-level discussions on climate finance with US President Joe Biden and H.M King Charles III, alongside leading investors and philanthropists, in a visit to the UK to advance innovative climate finance to deliver climate action and a just energy transition.
During his visit, Dr. Al Jaber attended a forum on Climate Finance Mobilisation convened by the UK Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, the Rt Hon. Grant Shapps MP and the US Special Presidential Envoy for Climate, John Kerry.
The forum was attended by UN Special Envoy for Climate Action and Finance, Mark Carney, as well as private sector and philanthropic leaders from finance, sustainability, and climate action. Dr. Al Jaber encouraged all parties to set their ambitions high ahead of COP28 and continue to galvanise UK and US-based businesses and philanthropists to do the same.
Dr. Al Jaber said, “The leadership of the US and UK is crucial to both fulfil climate finance pledges and mobilize further capital. We must deliver on the $100bn of annual climate finance promised in 2009, and I have been encouraged by recent assurances that this pledge will be fulfilled. However, we need to mobilise trillions, not billions, of dollars if we are to reach our climate, biodiversity and SDG targets.
“To achieve this we need to mobilise capital at all levels, public, business and philanthropic. Capital and finance are critical enablers of climate action. But to unleash its power, it must be available, accessible and affordable throughout the world.”
Dr. Al Jaber added, “Climate change is a global problem that requires a global solution. All financial actors must work within a new framework of solidarity to enable climate finance at the scale, scope and speed that the world needs. As an outcome of today’s meetings, I am pleased to announce that COP28 will host a High-Level Business & Philanthropy Delivery Forum, during the World Climate Action Summit. The forum will focus on removing barriers to progress, showcasing what is working, and identifying opportunities for co-creation, collaboration, and acceleration.”
Dr. Al Jaber restated his call for major reform of international financial institutions and multilateral development banks, and added “To invest the amounts required, we must build the right risk mitigation instruments that incentivize private sector action at scale. This is not a time for incremental reform. We need a holistic approach underpinned by collaborative frameworks.”
Discussing the announcements made by organisations in attendance, Dr. Al Jaber continued, “Initiatives like the Climate Finance Mobilisation Forum provide a key avenue for progress. The funding announced today by some of the world’s leading private sector actors and philanthropists is exactly what we need to see ahead of COP28.”
During his visit, Dr. Al Jaber also welcomed progress on the World Bank’s Private Sector Investment Lab which will be charged with developing solutions to address barriers to private sector climate finance. Dr. Al Jaber said, “Capital is a key enabler of climate action, and catalyzing private investments is a key priority for the COP28 Presidency. I look forward to actionable recommendations coming out of the Private Sector Investment Lab that can be integrated into COP28’s climate finance agenda.”
He concluded that “The UK and US are home to two of the largest financial markets in the world. Their action and the funding announced today is vital to keep 1.5C within reach and must be replicated on a global scale.”
People walk out of the Louvre Museum aimd a heatwave in Paris, France, July 13, 2022. (Xinhua/Gao Jing/IANS)
In Italy, temperatures could reach as high as 48.8 degrees, prompting authorities to issue a red alert for 27 cities this week…reports Asian Lite News
A blistering and deadly heat wave, which the Italian Meteorological Society has named Cerberus after the three-headed monster that features in Dante’s ‘Inferno’ as a guard to the gates of hell, is sweeping across parts of southern Europe.
“The earth has a high fever and Italy is feeling it firsthand,” Luca Mercalli, head of the Italian Meteorological Society, told CNN on Wednesday.
As a result of the heat wave, temperatures are expected to surpass 40 degrees Celsius in parts of Spain, France, Germany, Greece, Croatia and Turkey, reports the BBC.
In Italy, temperatures could reach as high as 48.8 degrees, prompting authorities to issue a red alert for 27 cities this week, including Rome, Florence and Bologna.
Very high temperatures in central and southern Italy are predicted for Friday, when the capital Rome could see record-breaking temperatures between 40 and 45 degrees Celsius, CNN reported.
On Tuesday, a 44-year-old road construction worker died in hospital after he collapsed by the side of the road in the northern Italian city of Lodi.
“We are facing a wave of abnormal heat at unbearable levels. Perhaps it should be the case that during the hottest hours all useful precautions are taken to avoid tragedies like the one that happened today in Lodi,” CNN quoted politician Nicola Fratoianni, who has petitioned for regulations to protect workers during the ongoing heat wave, as saying in a Twitter post.
In Rome, several tourists collapsed due to heat stroke on Tuesday and Wednesday, including an unnamed British tourist who passed out in front of the Colosseum in Rome.
The UK Met Office said that temperatures will peak on Friday.
Europe’s hottest ever temperature of 48.8 Celsius was recorded near Syracuse on the Italian island of Sicily in August 2021.
The 2022 heat wave killed 61,672 people in Europe, with Italy accounting for the highest fatality rate with around 18,000 deaths.
The Central government contributes 75 per cent to the SDRF in general States and 90 per cent in northeast and Himalayan states…reports Asian Lite News
Amid destrcution caused due to monsoon in several parts of the country, the Ministry of Finance has released Rs 7,532 crore on Wednesday among 22 state governments for the respective State Disaster Response Funds (SDRF).
The amount has been released as per the recommendations of the Ministry of Home Affairs. In a press release, the finance ministry said the guidelines have been relaxed in the wake of heavy rains across the country, and the funds have been released as immediate assistance to States without waiting for the utilisation certificate of the amount provided to the States in the last financial year.
The Central government contributes 75 per cent to the SDRF in general States and 90 per cent in northeast and Himalayan states.
The annual Central contribution is released in two equal instalments as per the recommendation of the Finance Commission. As per the guidelines, the funds are released on receipt of Utilisation Certificate of the amount released in the earlier instalment and receipt of a report from the State Government on the activities undertaken from SDRF.
The SDRF is to be used only for meeting the expenditure for providing immediate relief to the victims of notified calamities like cyclone, drought, earthquake, fire, flood, tsunami, hailstorm, landslide, avalanche, cloud burst, pest attack and frost and cold wave.
Allocation of SDRF funds to the States is based on multiple factors like past expenditure, area, population, and disaster risk index. These factors reflect States’ institutional capacity, risk exposure, and hazard and vulnerability.
Based on the 15th Finance Commission recommendations, the Central government has allocated Rs 128,122.40 crore for SDRF for years 2021-22 to 2025-26. Out of this amount, the Central government’s share is Rs 98,080.80 crore.
With the current release, the total amount of Central share of SDRF released to the State governments so far has gone up to Rs 42,366 crore.
Yamuna water level continuously rising
Delhi Minister Atishi on Wednesday said that government is prepared to deal with any unforeseen situation amid rising levels of the Yamuna River in the national capital.
Atishi said the necessary arrangements have been made for the people being shifted to relief camps. While speaking to ANI, Atishi said, “More than a thousand people have been evacuated and relief camps have been set up for them. We have made all necessary arrangements including fans, bathrooms, medical facilities and others in relief camps. The water level is continuously rising in the Yamuna River and we are prepared to deal with any unforeseen situation.”
She further stated that water from Haryana should be released towards Delhi in a controlled manner.
“Water level has not risen due to monsoon rains. The water is coming from Himachal, Haryana towards Delhi so it should be released in a controlled manner,” she said.
The water level in Yamuna, which is in spate in Delhi, reached its highest-ever level on Wednesday at 207.55 metres, breaching a 44-year record.
The water level was 207.48 metres at 12 noon on Wednesday, Delhi Flood Control Department officials said.
In this regard, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal called an emergency meeting in the wake of the rising level of water in Yamuna.
In a bid to ensure the safety of the public, Delhi Police on Wednesday imposed Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) in flood-prone areas of the national capital as preventive measures.
The prohibitory orders have been enforced as a precautionary measure to prevent any untoward incident during the monsoon season.
“Going with the present situation, two police stations located in flood-prone areas in North East Delhi have been ordered to shift to higher floors and other police stations in the vicinity have been instructed to be on alert as Yamuna River has breached the danger level and the water level continues to rise,” an official said.
Delhi government has already evacuated people living in low-lying areas and shifted them to safer places at higher altitudes.
Police personnel and Civil Defence Volunteers are at such locations and advisories are being issued to people to keep away from the river.
Meanwhile, 2500 tents have been set up in 6 districts of the national capital to which people are being shifted. Those living in the affected areas are being shifted to these camps set up at higher places.
“If the water level of Yamuna rises, the Kejriwal government is ready to deal with every situation,” Delhi Minister Saurabh Bharadwaj said.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) had on Tuesday issued an ‘orange’ rainfall alert for Delhi. (ANI)
The Third Update of the Second NDC marks a nationwide emissions reduction commitment with clear targets set for all domestic sectors…reports Asian Lite News
Following the UAE Cabinet’s approval of the Third Update of the country’s Second Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) under the Paris Agreement, the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE) announced a comprehensive roadmap to achieving 40 percent emission reduction by 2030 compared to business as usual.
The Third Update of the Second NDC marks a nationwide emissions reduction commitment with clear targets set for all domestic sectors. This will bring the entire nation together, including the public and private sector, to accelerate the UAE’s journey to Net Zero emissions by 2050.
Mariam bint Mohammed Almheiri, Minister of Climate Change and the Environment, said the Third Update of the Second NDC marks a step-change in the nation’s approach to greenhouse gas emission reduction.
“In the Year of Sustainability, when our nation hosts COP28, this milestone announcement underlines our national commitment to more ambitious climate action. The UAE believes that climate action across every aspect of our economy is vital for creating a prosperous future.”
“The UAE, under the leadership of our President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, views climate action not only as a strategic imperative for the environment and our future generations, but also as an opportunity for sustainable economic growth and socially inclusive prosperity,” Almheiri said.
“We have progressively raised ambition in less than three years, highlighted by the commitment to reduce emissions by 23.5 percent in our Second NDC; decreased this further to 31 percent in our Second Updated NDC; and pushed our efforts even further to reach a reduction of 40 percent in our Third Update of our Second NDC compared to business as usual.”
A bold approach with clear targets
Despite being officially classified as a developing country, the UAE has taken a further step in its commitment and is following the model of developed countries for its Third Update of its Second NDC by using fixed level and base year targets.
Accordingly, net greenhouse gas emissions will be reduced from an expected 208 MtCO2e, as announced in the Updated Second NDC in 2022 to 182 MtCO2e by 2030. This marks an absolute emissions reduction of 19 percent compared to the 2019 base year level.
The UAE’s voluntary and proactive new approach ensures that its emission reduction goals are transparent and easier to track, resulting in beneficial outcomes that align directly with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
All domestic sectors such as power and water generation, heavy industry, transport, waste, buildings, and agriculture will collectively reduce emissions as per specific sectoral targets. The nation has developed a concrete implementation roadmap, including improved governance structures and new policy initiatives.
The new update also reflects the UAE’s commitment to the outcomes of Paris Agreement’s goal of limiting global warming to below 2 degrees while pursing all measures to limit it to well below 1.5 degree by end of this century.
A Pro-Climate, Pro-Growth Strategy
The Third Update of the Second NDC builds on the UAE Cabinet’s approval of the recently announced updated UAE National Energy Strategy 2050 and comprehensive National Hydrogen Strategy, which has emerged as one of the most important clean energy sources available today.
The UAE plans to triple its investments in renewable energy in the coming seven years and establish a specialised national research and development centre for the hydrogen sector.
All these reflects the UAE’s ‘pro-climate, pro-growth’ philosophy – the desire to reduce the UAE’s environmental footprint, while driving economic, social, and sustainable opportunities that climate action creates.
Pan-Governmental Action
The Ministry of Climate Change and Environment engaged all entities in a nationwide process to update the NDC, with all levels of government (including federal-, emirate-, and city- and municipality-level) working together to develop the roadmap to reach 2030 targets.
The UAE conducted over 100 bilateral meetings with public and private entities, as well as dedicated workshops, creating more than 110 opportunities for stakeholders to contribute to the process, resulting in around 800 feedback submissions. These were closely considered by the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment as part of the development of the updated NDC. Throughout the process, the Government considered the needs of vulnerable groups, including youth, women, children, and people of determination.
