On the first day of 2024, a magnitude 7.5 earthquake was recorded by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) near the northern coast of the Noto Peninsula on the west coast of Honshu, Japan. The Japanese Meteorological Agency (JMA) reported the earthquake as magnitude 7.6. According to USGS, it is not uncommon for agencies’ measurements to…
In an era where climate change exacerbates the frequency and intensity of natural disasters, the importance of robust Early Warning Systems (EWS) cannot be overstated. The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Istanbul Regional Hub, in collaboration with the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) Regional Office for Europe and Central Asia, recently conducted…
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) recently published an insightful article, shedding light on the implications of Generative AI (GenAI) on gender through a value chain approach, with a focus on human rights. The article, produced by the Aapti Institute and commissioned under the Business and Human Rights in Asia program funded by the European…
On May 27, 2024, the Asian Disaster Preparedness Center (ADPC) published a critical review study aimed at enhancing Bangladesh’s capacity to manage water resources in the face of climate change. The study, titled “Bangladesh: Adapting to a Changing Climate by Water Accounting,” is a technical paper produced by ADPC’s Climate Resilience and Risk Governance Department….
Over recent years, Sri Lanka has experienced a rise in both the frequency and intensity of floods. This escalation is linked to changing climate patterns that bring more intense rainfall over shorter periods, overwhelming the existing infrastructure and natural waterways.Sri Lanka was hit by devastating floods in early June 2024 which resulted in the deaths…
A volcanic eruption in the Philippines has forced at least 684 schools to close, affecting about 385,000[1] students, with nine schools converted into evacuation centers, Save the Children said.Following the eruption on Monday, Mount Kanlaon volcano on Negros Island in central Philippines is on Alert Level 2, the highest level since the eruption, which indicates…
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) today approved a $170 million policy-based loan to improve India’s health system preparedness and capacity to respond to future pandemics.The Strengthened and Measurable Actions for Resilient and Transformative Health Systems will support the government’s National Health Policy 2017, which aims to provide quality healthcare services to all.“The COVID-19 pandemic has…
The ‘Friends of Water’ restore and revive traditional local water sources in the arid northwestern Indian stateBeneath the sprawling canopy of a ‘khejri’ (Spunge) tree in Kanasar village, in the northwestern Indian state of Rajasthan, a group of women adorned in vibrant attire sing a heartfelt song about water and its significance. Their colourful clothes…
Climate change represents a major global challenge of the twenty-first century, with the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) warning of increased frequency and severity of extreme temperature events. This shift in climate conditions is impacting all sectors and populations, contributing to issues such as heat fatigue and heat stroke. Proactive measures are urgently needed…
Every year on June 5th, World Environment Day (WED) captures global attention, spotlighting critical environmental challenges. This significant day, coordinated by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), serves as a call to action for governments, organizations, and individuals worldwide. In 2024, the theme “Our Land. Our Future. We are #GenerationRestoration” focused on the urgent need…
