resiience
Newsletter
A new climate fund aims to aid developing countries
The new UN Loss and Damage Fund aims to be a game-changer in climate finance by providing quick and direct relief to regions affected by climate disasters like floods, droughts, and heatwaves.
In short:
- The new climate fund board will include 14 members from developing countries and 12 from developed nations, with the World Bank acting as its temporary host.
- Concerns persist regarding the World Bank's history and potential influence, though progress has been made toward meeting UNFCCC conditions.
- With no clear funding goal set, the fund is expected to raise substantial amounts and has received pledges totaling $661 million so far.
Key quote:
“If you don’t have a vision of a trillion dollar fund, if you create a fund which is just channeling a couple of millions, sorry, it’s a disrespectful waste of time.”
— Harjeet Singh, Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty Initiative
Why this matters:
The fund represents a pivotal shift toward addressing climate damage in developing nations, which have contributed the least to climate change but face disproportionate consequences. Read more: Mourning family and climate change in the age of loss and damage.
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Newsletter
Hawaii faces an unprecedented challenge as wildfire impacts coral reefs
In the wake of the Lahaina wildfire, scientists and locals grapple with the potential toxic runoff into Maui's coral ecosystems. Audrey McAvoy reports for the Associated Press.
In short:
- The Maui wildfire presents a unique opportunity to study the effects of urban fire runoff on coral reefs, including toxics from burned materials.
- Local residents, deeply connected to the sea for food and recreation, express concerns over the safety of ocean waters and marine life.
- Initiatives are underway for water quality monitoring and environmental protection, emphasizing the need for patience and further research.
Key quote:
“I know a lot of people keep asking, ‘Is the water safe? Can we go out? Is it safe to fish and eat the fish?' We just want to reinforce the message that we know it’s frustrating, but if people can be patient. We’ve never encountered anything like this.”
— Russell Sparks, Maui aquatic biologist at the state Department of Land and Natural Resources
Why this matters:
The Lahaina wildfire and its toxic aftermath presents another scenario of the far-reaching threats that climate change imposes on communities, ecosystems, and public health policies. Chemical fallout, contaminated runoff and ecosystem threats can come from any number of sources.
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David Attenborough warns ‘nature is in crisis’ but ‘we have the solutions’
Broadcaster spoke as Save Our Wild Isles campaign launched in Scotland to halt destruction of nature in the UK.
Could floating solar farms survive out at sea?
Engineers are working on building solar farms robust enough to survive in the open ocean.
A boil-water notice in Houston made national news. In rural Texas, it’s a way of life.
Rural communities face compounding reasons they can’t improve their water infrastructure, including inflation and a lack of human resources.
Newsletter
Tribe seeks to adapt as climate change alters ancestral home
Raymond Naranjo sings for rain, his voice rising and falling as he softly strikes his rawhide-covered drum. The 99-year-old invites the cloud spirits, rain children, mist, thunder and lightning to join him at Santa Clara Pueblo, where Tewa people have lived for thousands of years on land they call Kha’p’o Owingeh, the Valley of the Wild Roses.
In Colorado, a storied valley blooms again
The San Luis Valley’s Acequia Institute is raising new traditions from multicultural roots.
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