Climbers to mark 70 years of Everest summit amid climate concerns
Source: Al Jazeera
Date: 26 May 2023
As the mountaineering community commemorates the 70th anniversary of Mount Everest’s first conquest in 1953, climate change casts a shadow on the world’s highest peak. Rising temperatures, melting glaciers, and erratic weather patterns pose growing concerns. The Sherpa community, deeply rooted in Everest’s vicinity, witnesses these changes firsthand. Prominent Sherpa activist Ang Tshering has long campaigned to safeguard the Himalayan peaks from global warming’s impacts. Recent research reveals that Everest’s glaciers have lost 2,000 years of ice in just 30 years, significantly affecting the region. Nepal’s government and mountaineering community plan to celebrate Everest Day on May 29, but the urgency of addressing climate change’s toll remains evident.
Climate change resilience in Bangladesh: Learnings from a journey of courage and hope
Source: The Daily Star
Date: 29 May 2023
Bangladesh, ranked 7th among the top 10 nations most affected by climate change, showcases the resilience of its residents in the face of adversity. I recently visited a project, supported by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), focusing on financing climate change adaptation solutions locally. Extreme weather conditions disproportionately affect the poor and women, making empowerment crucial. During a 10-day expedition, we met individuals like Sharitan Chachi, who found strength after losing her home to river erosion. Despite limited resources, locals displayed unwavering hospitality and resilience, transforming their lives through empowerment and entrepreneurship. Their unyielding spirit serves as a powerful reminder of human potential in the face of adversity.
Taking stock of climate action and setting priorities for climate-resilient future
Source: Kuensel
Date: 26 May 2023
Bhutan recently hosted a two-day stocktaking conference called the “Bhutan Climate Roundtable” to assess the country’s climate change adaptation and mitigation efforts. The Thimphu conference was the first of its kind in the country, demonstrating Bhutan’s commitment to addressing the pressing issue of climate change.