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Urgent Action Needed in South Asia to Curb Deadly Air Pollution
Source: World Bank
Date: 14 Dec 2022
South Asia suffers from severe air pollution, with nine of the world’s ten most polluted cities. The pollution causes two million premature deaths annually and significant economic costs. The World Bank report emphasizes the need for coordinated policies and investments to achieve clean air in the region. Concentrations of fine particulate matter (PM 2.5) are up to 20 times higher than the WHO’s safe levels. The report highlights that air pollution is exacerbated by various sources, including industrial activities, solid fuel combustion, waste burning, and cremation. Regional cooperation is essential to address the interdependent nature of air quality. The report suggests a three-phased roadmap involving monitoring, abatement, and economic incentives.
How Bhutan could provide the blueprint for climate-smart forest economies
Source: World Economic Forum
Date: 15 Dec 2022
Bhutan, a carbon-negative country with a rapidly growing population, is striving to create a climate-smart forest economy to meet urban housing demands while maintaining its forest cover. A climate-smart forest economy manages forests to optimize climate benefits by maximizing carbon absorption and minimizing emissions. Bhutan aims to create a circular regenerative construction economy through this initiative, partnering with organizations like Bauhaus Earth, Arup, and the Climate Smart Forest Economy Program. The plan involves selecting the best trees for harvest, using engineered wood for construction, re-skilling the workforce, and emphasizing sustainability. Three pilot projects, including an affordable housing project, will demonstrate the potential of timber construction.
Bangladesh takes another step in leading global climate adaptation
Source: Daily Star
Date: 20 Dec 2022
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina formally launched the new Global Hub on Locally Led Adaptation (LLA) in Dhaka along with the foreign minister and environment minister, and Ban Ki-Moon, head of the Global Center on Adaptation (GCA). The new Global Hub on LLA will be located in the Dhaka office of the GCA, which is located in the Department of Environment (DOE) headquarters.
