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Drones, Reaching New Heights in Nepal’s Fight Against Climate Change
Source: World Bank Group
Date: 26 Jul 2023
In response to increasing climate-induced disasters and evolving geohazard risks in South Asia, including Nepal, authorities are progressively employing drone technology.
Drones, or unmanned aerial vehicles, provide detailed real-time information through orthophotos and maps, facilitating disaster response and risk assessment. The Himalayas are experiencing escalating impacts of climate change, with glacial melt and severe monsoon rains causing devastating floods and landslides.
Nepal, positioned at the heart of these changes, has embraced drones since the 2015 earthquake. Despite challenges such as regulations and data reuse, Nepal’s burgeoning drone ecosystem is setting an example for resilient climate and disaster response. The World Bank is actively working to enhance this ecosystem through capacity building and partnerships.
Climate change: the chilling reality of baking cities
Source: Financial Times
Date: 29 Jul 2023
Rising global temperatures lead to more frequent, intense, and prolonged heatwaves, particularly impacting heat-trapping cities. NASA researchers highlight that humans can endure a maximum of six hours at a wet-bulb temperature, combining air temperature and humidity, of 35°C due to difficulties in cooling down through sweating.
NASA’s climate models predict critical wet-bulb temperatures could be reached by 2050 in South Asia, the Gulf, and the Red Sea, with some US states hitting the limit in 50 years. Even less severe heatwaves can be deadly in unprepared regions. Heatwaves have cost $16tn globally, hitting low-income areas the hardest. Cities must adapt, potentially altering property values and migration patterns.
Combating climate change & its horrific impact
Source: Tribune India
Date: 27 Jul 2023
Simultaneous heatwaves shatter records in North America and Europe, confirming continued global temperature surge. Climatic shifts provoke extreme weather and disasters, seen in Himachal Pradesh’s devastating rainfall and losses exceeding Rs 8,000 crore.
IPCC’s 2023 report blames human activity for 200 years of global heating, resulting in dire consequences like rising sea levels, glacial lake formation, and increased diseases. Developing nations bear the brunt, with India vulnerable to crop failure and climate impacts. Addressing this crisis necessitates reducing emissions, fortifying health systems, and compensating affected countries. India aims to curb emissions via renewable energy and green technology, already exceeding COP21 commitments.
