Category: News and Trends

Temperatures are hitting record highs in parts of north and central China this week while a severe drought in the east is also threatening crops, as countries across Asia brace themselves for another summer of extreme weather.
China is facing several days of scorching heat, with temperatures set to reach as high as 42 degrees Celsius (107.6°F) in northern Hebei province on Wednesday, the state weather forecaster said.
The National Meteorological Centre (NMC) also warned late on Tuesday of the impact of soaring temperatures on energy supplies, crop production and people’s health.
China has experienced unusually warm weather for much of the year, with average temperatures from March to May at their highest since records began in 1961, according to official data.
More than 20 weather stations in northern Hebei and eastern Shandong provinces logged record high seasonal temperatures during the first ten days of June, NMC said earlier this week.
Northern India is also in the middle of a prolonged heat wave, with temperatures exceeding 50C in late May. The country has recorded nearly 25,000 heat stroke cases and 56 deaths since March, its national disease control center said on June 1.
Record-breaking heat scorched large parts of Asia in April, killing hundreds of people, damaging crops and forcing schools to shut down. Scientists said the heat waves were made worse – and more likely – by human-caused climate change.
Soaring temperatures will continue to envelope northern China until June 20 where the mercury could reach or exceed historical highs in Hebei, Shanxi as well as central Henan province, NMC said.
In Mengyin County in Shandong, local authorities have had to resort to measures like creating artificial rain to combat an unusually severe drought this year, local media reported.
Source:
By Reuters

The correlation between rising temperatures and escalating gender-based violence is having a major impact on women and girls worldwide. The effects of heat stress on social dynamics and individual behavior underscore the urgent need for integrated climate and gender-based violence policy interventions.
Extreme heat fuels violence in ways that are just beginning to be understood. Rising temperatures have an impact on mental health and human behavior, and evidence has shown that warmer temperatures correlate with a 4% increase in interpersonal violence and a 14% rise in intergroup conflicts globally.
But neither heat nor violence affects everyone equally. Women and girls are facing heightened risks from both the direct physical threats of extreme heat and the violence triggered by increasing temperatures and fueled by patriarchal norms.
Extreme heat exacerbates the drivers of violence that enable and normalize violence against women and girls. A 2018 study in Madrid highlighted a 40% increase in the risk of intimate partner femicide following heatwaves, alongside spikes in police reports and helpline calls. Similarly, a 2021 study in Kenya found women in regions hit by extreme weather events, including heat waves, were 60% more likely to report intimate partner violence.
Closer to home, a comprehensive study across India, Pakistan, and Nepal from 2010-2018 tracked nearly 195,000 girls and women aged 15-49. It found that a 1°C rise in average annual temperature correlated with more than a 6.3% increase in incidents of physical and sexual violence.
Notably, India, with the highest rate of intimate partner violence among the countries included in the study, saw the sharpest rise in reported abuse: an 8% increase in physical violence and a 7.3% increase in sexual violence with each degree of temperature rise. In other words, as temperatures climb during extreme weather, so too does the rate of gender-based violence.
In Australia, an analysis of nearly one million reported incidents of gender-based violence over 13 years revealed complex ways extreme heat intersects with social issues. The study found that while reports of domestic, non-domestic, and sexual violence overall increased with temperatures, it was domestic violence indoors that showed the most notable rise during hotter periods, particularly in the summer. This suggests that extreme heat not only raises tempers but also has a more pronounced effect on violence within the home.
When we consider the impacts of heat stress, our focus often centers on its effects on productivity and health. Yet extreme heat also has significant consequences for our social fabric, particularly interpersonal relationships. Currently, 1 in 3 women worldwide have been subjected to physical and/or sexual violence in their lifetimes. Adding extreme heat to the picture only intensifies what is already a significant public health issue and a violation of women’s rights.
Physiologically, heat stress can impair judgment and heighten irritability, potentially leading to increased aggression, with women often bearing the brunt. Sociologically, the pressures exerted by extreme heat further strain family and community dynamics and relationships.
Women from marginalized communities face compounded risks during heatwaves, as factors like immigration status, ethnicity, unemployment, and substance abuse by a partner increase their risk of experiencing gender-based violence. This extreme heat layers onto the existing frustrations, contributing to an atmosphere where pressures more readily boil over into violence.
As temperatures climb during extreme weather, so too does the rate of gender-based violence.In lower-income households, the intersection of heat stress and vulnerability can put women in perilous situations, as they often shoulder the dual pressures of rising domestic tensions and increased household responsibilities. Household economic insecurity is a known driver of intimate partner violence. For many communities, these vulnerabilities are exacerbated by heat stress and the broader climate crisis. Extreme heat can trap women indoors, reinforcing their isolation and dependency, and exacerbating power imbalances that result in higher instances of domestic violence.
In rural areas, where a high heat-related increase in violence has been observed, droughts can force women to travel greater distances to collect water, leaving them at greater risk of sexual violence. Crop failures and economic strains on farming communities can likewise push women to migrate for work and take more significant risks, increasing their exposure to sexual violence and trafficking.
All these factors can place women, their partners, and families under extreme stress, inflating rates of gender-based violence. A study in Bangladesh found a correlation between heatwaves and child marriage, with 50% of 11- to 14-year-old girls and 30% of 15 -to 17-year-old girls more likely to be married.
The risk of violence women may face during heatwaves is a stark reminder that climate change is not only an environmental issue but a social justice challenge that affects the most vulnerable among us. As Asia and the Pacific braces for more severe heatwaves, the silent crisis of violence, often hidden behind closed doors, calls for urgent attention and action.
Some countries in the region do recognize gender-based violence in their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), an important step in integrating gender-based violence in climate-related work. The Cambodia 2020 NDC states that “by exaggerating gender inequality, climate change also reinforces a structural root cause of violence against women and girls”. The Viet Nam 2021 NDC notes that pressure from climate-related stress in the family “increases the risk of domestic violence and violence towards children”.
Given the limited data on the linkages between heatwaves and gender-based violence, more data is required to design interventions to prevent and address gender-based violence before and during heatwaves. Addressing the dual challenges of extreme heat and violence, including gender-based violence, requires coordination among the health sector, disaster management bodies, women’s organizations, and other service providers that work to prevent and address the consequences of gender-based violence.
Green spaces have shown to lower the incidence of violence, stress and depression and provide low-income citizens with much needed respite from poor ventilated homes. Integrating gender-responsive cooling strategies into national and local heat action plans, fostering gender-informed sustainable building designs including for cooling shelters, and providing access to green spaces for everybody, are all initial steps that strengthen women’s resilience to heat and support the well-being of every citizen.
Climate change adaptation which increases women’s resilience to heat stress can be designed to simultaneously address gender-based violence and climate change impacts. In Tajikistan, ADB is providing targeted support for women farmers by providing them with agricultural inputs and production technologies, financing, capacity building, while also providing support services to address gender-based violence. Service providers and healthcare workers need to also be sensitized to the increased risks of gender-based violence during periods of heat stress.
By focusing on the physical and social dimensions of climate change adaptation and resilience to heat stress, we can lay the groundwork for a future where safety, health, quality of life, and dignity of women and girls across the region is integral to the climate change response.
Source:
Asian Development Bank

The continuing El Niño weather phenomenon led to record rainfall and flooding beginning April 27, 2024 and continuing through mid-May in Rio Grande do Sul, a state in southern Brazil. Warm water in the Pacific Ocean, affected by El Niño, and very high temperatures in the South Atlantic Ocean contributed to humidity and increased the amount of rainfall. While flood waters have receded in some areas, the impacts continue,
From the end of April to mid-May, the area received rainfall three times higher than the usual year-to-date average. On May 15, Reuters reported that some parts of the state had received more than 25 inches of rain in May. Located on the Guaiba River, Porto Alegre, the state’s capital, is usually a bustling city home to 1.3 million people. The airport remains closed and will likely not reopen in 2024. Many roads remained damaged well into June, reducing access for residents to essential supplies such as food, water and gas.
Many streets flooded after the Guaíba River breached its banks in early May, reaching a high of 17.5 feet, breaking the previous record set in 1941 of 15.7 feet. While it subsided throughout late May and June, it started rising again in mid-June and is now at 10.8 feet, several inches above flood alert stage, as of June 20.
Many rivers in southern Brazil remain at one of three risk levels: attention, alert or flood (with flood being the highest) as of June 20. More rain is expected and saturated ground means rivers will continue to overtop the banks.
These stunning photo essays from The Washington Post and New York Times highlight the immense destruction caused by the flooding. Needs will be high for years to come.
One of several major flooding events in Brazil in recent years, the 2024 floods emphasize the need for early warnings for all and a better response to El Niño, La Niña, and other weather patterns and climate change impacts.
Following the floods in Brazil in 2022, Reuters reported the flooding “[underlines] a lack of urban planning in low-income neighborhoods throughout much of Brazil, where shantytowns are often built on hillsides prone to collapse. The destruction also comes as scientists begin to question whether abnormal rain cycles in Latin America’s largest nation could be a result of climate change.”
A recent paper from the Grantham Institute for Climate Change says that because there had not been severe flood events in Porto Alegre this “led to reduced investment, and maintenance of its flood protection system … This, in addition to the extreme nature of this event, contributed to the significant impacts of the flood and points to the need to objectively assess risk and strengthen flood infrastructure to be resilient to this and future, even more extreme, floods.”
The researchers also drew a link between poverty and flood protection systems. If there is not serious mitigation, they feel that the ongoing impacts of climate change will continue to “perpetuate inequalities in urban environments. Unprotected regions, typically inhabited by lower-income populations, face higher risks of flooding and associated impacts. This disparity creates a poverty trap, where those in unprotected areas are more susceptible to flood-related disasters, leading to repeated losses and hindered economic progress. Addressing these issues requires a comprehensive approach to urban planning and flood management that prioritises equitable protection and development.”
Source:
disasterphilanthropy.org

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 vary due to different sensors and methods. Dozens of aftershocks were also recorded.
The quake caused severe shaking in Nanao, with light shaking in Tokyo. The quake also prompted a tsunami of nearly three feet in Japan. JMA initially issued a major tsunami warning, the first since Japan’s 2011 earthquake and tsunami, but eventually reduced it to an advisory. Two reactors at the Shika nuclear power plant on the Noto peninsula survived but experienced temporary power outages due to damage. William Frank at MIT described what set this earthquake apart from others, namely that the quake was not due to subduction but rather part of an “earthquake swarm.”
Wajima, a city in Ishikawa Prefecture, was among the areas most affected by the earthquake. Many of the city’s 23,000 residents heeded tsunami evacuation orders and fled. But the city still had most of the total number of casualties. Dramatic images showed the devastation in Wajima. Seven weeks after the disaster, many survivors remained in limbo, living in evacuation shelters and unsure of their future, including whether the region will fully recover economically and culturally. Results from a survey released on March 18 showed about 30% of the residents in the cities of Wajima and Suzu, in Ishikawa Prefecture, were yet to return to their towns.
Earthquakes are among the most devastating natural hazards. Japan introduced regulations to protect buildings from earthquakes in 1981 and is renowned for its disaster preparedness. Japan’s investments, mandates and engineering practices adapted to seismic risk have saved lives during past earthquakes. However, many buildings in the affected areas may not have been built to withstand a strong earthquake. For example, many of Wajima’s traditional wooden homes collapsed.
While natural hazards, such as earthquakes, are inevitable, their impact on society is not. Disaster risk results from the interaction between a natural hazard, such as an earthquake, and the physical, economic, environmental or social characteristics that make people and communities exposed and vulnerable. For this reason, the Center for Disaster Philanthropy does not use the term “natural disaster” and instead refers to these events simply as a disaster. How we talk about disasters matters.
Lessons from the 2011 earthquake and tsunami that occurred off the northeastern coast of Honshu, Japan’s main island, may have been applied during this disaster. An analysis of smartphone location data during the Jan. 1, 2024 quake shows about half of users began to evacuate within six to seven minutes of the initial quake. During the 2011 quake, it took residents more than twice as long to evacuate. Preparedness activities like drills and increasing awareness of what to do during disasters can minimize the impact.
Source:
disasterphilanthropy.org

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 a comprehensive mapping exercise of EWS stakeholders across Central Asia. The findings of this exercise underline the urgent need to enhance early warning mechanisms, emphasizing proactive disaster risk management (DRM) to safeguard communities against future calamities.
One of the critical insights from this exercise is the need for a paradigm shift in disaster management. Historically, many regions have adopted a reactive approach, responding to disasters as they occur. However, the report recommends a transition towards proactive DRM, prioritizing resilience and sustainability over mere risk concentration. This approach involves comprehensive strategies that address all hazards, engage all sectors of society, consider the entire disaster life cycle, and emphasize forward-thinking risk reduction policies. Such a future-oriented approach is essential for building resilient communities that can withstand the increasing threats posed by natural disasters.
A key recommendation from the exercise is the expansion of regional and national EWS stakeholder lists through systematic mapping exercises. By broadening the scope of stakeholder involvement, the roles and responsibilities of various entities in the early warning cycle can be better understood and coordinated. This comprehensive understanding is crucial for ensuring that every link in the early warning chain is robust and effective.
The report also highlights the importance of fortifying the entire value chain of EWS. This includes improving the understanding of risk, enhancing data collection, and refining monitoring and forecasting capabilities. Effective dissemination of warnings and ensuring prompt responses are equally critical. By strengthening each of these components, risks can be mitigated, and communities can be better protected, paving the way for a resilient future for all.
Moreover, the report calls for improvements in policy and regulatory frameworks to prioritize early warning systems. In particular, it advocates for a focus on people-centered Multi-Hazard Early Warning Systems (MHEWS) in the region. Restructuring the institutional architecture to allow greater inclusivity and participation of all stakeholders in the early warning process is also recommended. This inclusive approach ensures that early warnings are more effective, reaching those most vulnerable in a timely manner.
The Early Warning for All (#EW4All) initiative is a crucial global effort aimed at enhancing the reach and impact of EWS. The report suggests replicating successful models and scaling up efforts across Central Asia to contribute to this initiative. By doing so, the region can significantly improve its resilience to natural disasters, ensuring that early warning systems are not just a tool for survival but a cornerstone of sustainable development.
In conclusion, the findings of the EWS stakeholders mapping exercise underscore the necessity of a proactive, inclusive, and comprehensive approach to disaster risk management in Central Asia. By implementing these recommendations, the region can build a resilient future, where communities are better prepared, risks are minimized, and the impacts of disasters are significantly reduced.
Source:
United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction

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 Union, delves into the risks that GenAI poses to women and gender minorities and offers strategies for mitigation grounded in the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (UNGPs).
As artificial intelligence continues to evolve, it has become increasingly clear that its applications, particularly GenAI, can have significant impacts on different segments of society. The article systematically examines these impacts, emphasizing the human rights risks associated with GenAI, particularly for women and gender minorities. The risks are multifaceted, ranging from perpetuating existing gender biases to creating new forms of discrimination, and the consequences can be profound.
A key aspect of the article is its focus on the Gender Dimensions of the UNGPs. These guiding principles provide a comprehensive framework for businesses to respect and support human rights, including those of marginalized and vulnerable groups. By applying the UNGP lens, the article offers a structured approach to understanding and mitigating the risks posed by GenAI, ensuring that technological advancements do not come at the expense of gender equality.
The value chain approach taken in the article is particularly noteworthy. By examining the entire value chain of GenAI, from development to deployment, the article highlights the various points at which human rights risks can emerge. This approach not only helps in identifying potential risks but also in developing targeted mitigation strategies that can be implemented at different stages of the GenAI lifecycle.
One of the key recommendations offered in the article is the need for robust regulatory frameworks that prioritize human rights, with a specific focus on gender equality. These frameworks should be designed to hold businesses accountable for the impacts of their AI technologies, ensuring that they are developed and used in ways that are fair and equitable. Additionally, the article calls for greater inclusion of women and gender minorities in the development of AI technologies, recognizing that diverse perspectives are crucial for creating AI systems that are truly inclusive.
In conclusion, the article published by the UNDP provides a critical analysis of the gender implications of GenAI, offering valuable insights and recommendations for businesses, policymakers, and civil society. As AI continues to shape the future, it is imperative that its development is guided by principles that uphold human rights and gender equality. By adopting the strategies outlined in the article, we can ensure that GenAI serves as a tool for empowerment rather than a source of discrimination.

Source:
UNDP

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. It focuses on developing a comprehensive framework for climate-inclusive water accounting (WA) specifically tailored for the agricultural sector in Bangladesh.
In Bangladesh’s deltaic environment, where the dependency on water is exceptionally high, efficient water management is crucial, particularly for agriculture. The ADPC’s study assesses the current status of water accounting practices in the country, addressing eleven critical questions to evaluate the effectiveness of existing systems. The findings of this study are expected to serve as a technical reference and knowledge base for integrating water accounting into the broader water governance process. By doing so, the country can design a climate-informed water accounting system that addresses the unique challenges faced by its agriculture sector.
The responsibility for implementing water accounting in Bangladesh lies primarily with the Ministry of Water Resources (MoWR). However, the ADPC’s report highlights the need for collaboration with other key ministries, including the Ministry of Agriculture (MoA) and the Ministry of Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives (MoLGRD&C). The report is therefore directed not only to the MoWR but also to the MoA, MoLGRD&C, and other relevant agencies that will play a vital role in the successful adoption of this framework.
The review conducted by ADPC focuses on the agricultural sector’s water use, particularly in the sub-sectors of crop production, fisheries, and livestock. Agriculture remains the largest consumer of Bangladesh’s freshwater resources, making it imperative to adopt scientifically recognized techniques like water accounting. Such measures are essential for the efficient management of water resources, ensuring food security in the face of growing demand and increasing climate vulnerabilities.
As Bangladesh continues to grapple with the challenges posed by climate change, the ADPC’s work represents a significant step forward in building resilience within the country’s agricultural sector. By adopting a climate-inclusive water accounting framework, Bangladesh can better manage its water resources, safeguarding both its agricultural productivity and its population’s food security.
Source:
Asian Disaster Prepardeness Center