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Climate change: The record summer that scorched Asia
Source: BBC News
Date: 8 Aug 2023
Amid scorching temperatures, Mohammad Shukkur Ali, a 50-something rickshaw puller in Dhaka, Bangladesh, dutifully commutes to work daily. Despite the grueling nature of his physically demanding job, exacerbated this year by record-breaking heat, Ali perseveres due to poverty. In upscale Gulshan, Dhaka, he navigates eight-hour shifts, compelled to don a stifling jacket for entry. Fuel shortages, stemming from the Ukraine conflict, worsen the heat predicament.
Beyond Asia, global cities are grappling with unprecedented heatwaves. Scientists predict July will likely mark the hottest month ever recorded. Alarming reports reveal Asia’s temperatures surged by 2C this year. Heat-related fatalities and health issues surge, making adaptation crucial.
In a warming world, is an air-conditioned future inevitable?
Source: Channel News Asia
Date: 2 Aug 2023
Amid escalating global heatwaves, air-conditioning has assumed a central role, serving as a vital lifeline for millions while raising climate concerns. The International Energy Agency reveals air-conditioning contributes a billion metric tonnes of CO2 emissions annually, exacerbating the climate crisis.
While experts acknowledge air-conditioning’s life-saving benefits, they advocate for greener approaches. Recommendations include increasing renewable energy, developing energy-efficient air-conditioners, and integrating complementary cooling techniques. Despite the potential environmental impact, experts stress that air-conditioning’s role remains crucial, urging the combination of sustainable strategies to address both immediate relief and long-term climate goals.
Financing Fair, Inclusive and Just Transitions to a Sustainable Future
Source: UNFCCC
Date: 2 Aug 2023
Around 200 stakeholders from various sectors gathered in Bangkok for a two-day Just Transitions Forum in July. The event aimed to discuss financing pathways for equitable transitions to a low-carbon and climate-resilient future, aligning with the Paris Agreement and sustainable development.
Notable presentations included South Africa’s plan for a renewable energy-based economy, the EU’s Just Transition Mechanism, India’s Just Transition Finance Roadmap, and the Philippines’ Green Jobs Act. Participants emphasized the need for detailed implementation plans, increased climate finance, and holistic approaches that encompass vulnerable populations. The forum, organized by UNFCCC’s Standing Committee on Finance, will inform COP28 discussions later this year.
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