Wednesday, January 28News That Matters

Climate Actions

Oxford Scientists Unveil World’s Most Complete River Map, Boosting Global Flood Prediction and Climate Planning

Oxford Scientists Unveil World’s Most Complete River Map, Boosting Global Flood Prediction and Climate Planning

Breaking News, Climate Actions, Learning & Developments
In a landmark advancement for hydrology and climate risk management researchers from the University of Oxford have developed the most detailed and accurate global map of river systems ever created. Led by Professor Louise Slater from the School of Geography and the Environment, the new mapping framework called Global RIver Topology (GRIT) offers an unprecedented view of how rivers truly flow, split, and shape the landscapes around them. Rethinking Rivers in a Changing Climate As climate change intensifies rainfall patterns and raises sea levels, the risk of devastating floods continues to grow worldwide. Yet traditional global river maps remain outdated and overly simplistic, assuming that rivers flow in a single, uninterrupted direction. They fail to capture more complex features su...
South Africa Deputy Minister Calls for Bold Financing to Tackle Africa’s Biodiversity Crisis

South Africa Deputy Minister Calls for Bold Financing to Tackle Africa’s Biodiversity Crisis

Breaking News, Climate Actions, Environment
“Biodiversity is not a luxury it is the foundation of our economies, our health, and our survival.” These were the powerful words of South Africa’s Deputy Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Narend Singh, during a landmark address at the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Regional Dialogue held Monday in Cape Town. Facing a sobering reality, Singh urged African nations to rethink how they fund biodiversity conservation as the continent grapples with the rapid decline of ecosystems and species. More than 7,000 species across Africa are currently at risk of extinction posing not only an ecological crisis but a major threat to long-term economic and food security. $200 Billion Global Funding Gap At the heart of Singh’s message was a call to close the vast ...
Climate Disasters Could Trigger Billions in US Mortgage Losses by 2035

Climate Disasters Could Trigger Billions in US Mortgage Losses by 2035

Breaking News, Climate Actions, Fact Check
A new report by risk-modelling firm First Street has revealed that climate-related disasters are rapidly emerging as a critical threat to the US housing market, with the potential to cause over $1.2 billion in mortgage-related credit losses in 2025 alone and up to $5.4 billion annually by 2035. The findings come as the Midwest reels from the deadly tornadoes that struck Missouri and Kentucky, killing at least 25 people and further exposing the vulnerabilities of American communities to intensifying climate extremes. Rising global temperatures are fueling more frequent and destructive weather events, leading to mounting insurance losses, higher premiums, and significant property value depreciation. According to First Street, nearly 19,000 properties could be foreclosed this year due t...
Devastating Windstorm Batters Nepal: Four Dead, Dozens Injured, and Infrastructure Severely Damaged

Devastating Windstorm Batters Nepal: Four Dead, Dozens Injured, and Infrastructure Severely Damaged

Breaking News, Climate Actions, Disasters
Nepal faced a deadly natural calamity on Friday as a powerful windstorm swept through several regions, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake. The storm claimed the lives of at least four individuals, injured 28 more, and caused widespread damage estimated at over NPR 1.08 billion. Authorities and citizens alike were left reeling from the intensity and unexpected nature of the event. Lives Lost Across Multiple Districts Tragically, four people lost their lives in different parts of the country. The victims included 14-year-old Shukna Kewat from Kapilvastu, 54-year-old Rambha Devi Dhanuk from Bara, 30-year-old Mira Bayambu, and 40-year-old Durga Bahadur Pun from Nawalparasi West. Each death represents not only a personal loss for grieving families but also a stark reminder of the ...
WMO and Republic of Korea Forge Strategic Partnership to Strengthen Global Water Resilience

WMO and Republic of Korea Forge Strategic Partnership to Strengthen Global Water Resilience

Breaking News, Climate Actions, Environment
The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) has taken a major step in global water governance by entering into a groundbreaking partnership with the Republic of Korea. This alliance, formalized through two key Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) signed on 14 May 2025, aims to boost international efforts in operational hydrology, flood forecasting, and sustainable water resource management, with a sharp focus on supporting Least Developed Countries (LDCs) and Small Island Developing States (SIDS). Signed by WMO Secretary-General Celeste Saulo and representatives from the Republic of Korea’s Ministry of Environment and the Korea Institute of Hydrological Survey (KIHS), these agreements reflect a united commitment to building water resilience in a rapidly changing climate. A Longstanding ...
Tornado Tragedy Deadly Storms Tear Through U.S. Midwest and South, Claiming 27 Lives

Tornado Tragedy Deadly Storms Tear Through U.S. Midwest and South, Claiming 27 Lives

Breaking News, Climate Actions, Disasters
A series of violent storm systems tore through the U.S. Midwest and South this weekend, leaving at least 27 people dead and causing extensive destruction across multiple states. The most severe impact was reported in Kentucky, where 18 lives were lost, including a veteran firefighter, as tornadoes ripped through communities with devastating force. Kentucky Suffers the Heaviest Toll Governor Andy Beshear confirmed that 17 of the Kentucky fatalities occurred in Laurel County, with another tragic death in Pulaski County. Homes were flattened, vehicles were overturned, and entire neighborhoods were left unrecognizable. Emergency responders are continuing search-and-rescue operations, with fears that the death toll may rise as debris is cleared and more victims are discovered. The ...
Career In Sustainability: Youth Must Have These Skill

Career In Sustainability: Youth Must Have These Skill

Breaking News, Climate Actions, Learning & Developments
Youth Want to Act on Climate But Feel Ill-Prepared A global report released today by the Capgemini Research Institute in collaboration with UNICEF’s Generation Unlimited paints a sobering picture of how young people perceive their role in climate action. Titled Youth Perspectives on Climate: Preparing for a Sustainable Future, the report highlights that while young people are increasingly motivated to tackle climate change, a lack of green skills remains a major obstacle. According to the research, 61% of 16–24-year-olds believe acquiring green skills would lead to new career opportunities. Yet, less than half (44%) of them feel they actually possess the skills needed for today’s green economy. This gap is stalling their ability to transition into meaningful, climate-focused jobs. Cli...
India Proposes Five-Point Global Plan to Protect Mountains at Sagarmatha Sambaad

India Proposes Five-Point Global Plan to Protect Mountains at Sagarmatha Sambaad

Breaking News, Climate Actions, Environment
India reaffirmed its climate leadership at the international stage on Friday, as Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Bhupender Yadav, addressed the inaugural Sagarmatha Sambaad in Kathmandu, Nepal. Representing India at the high-level global dialogue on “Climate Change, Mountains, and the Future of Humanity,” Yadav unveiled a five-point global action plan to protect fragile mountain ecosystems and foster climate resilience across borders. The summit brought together environment ministers, climate leaders, and policymakers from around the world to discuss the rapidly escalating impacts of climate change on mountain regions, especially the Himalayas. Honouring Sagarmatha: A Shared Heritage Opening his address, Yadav praised Nepal’s initiative in convening the ...
Scorching Heat Grips Uttar Pradesh as Banda Hits 46.2°C

Scorching Heat Grips Uttar Pradesh as Banda Hits 46.2°C

Breaking News, Climate Actions, Disasters
Banda district in Uttar Pradesh recorded the highest temperature in India on Friday, reaching a searing 46.2°C, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). This extreme heat has prompted a severe heatwave warning across many parts of the state, expected to persist until Sunday. Eastern Uttar Pradesh, in particular, is bearing the brunt of the heatwave, with temperatures remaining well above normal levels. The IMD has cautioned residents about the ongoing heat stress, while the possibility of light rainfall in some eastern areas remains minimal. In response, the state government has directed all district administrations to enforce precautionary measures to protect public health. The health department is on high alert, preparing for a potential surge in heat-related illness...
Global Unity on Climate Change: Sagarmatha Sambaad Underscores Urgent Call for Action

Global Unity on Climate Change: Sagarmatha Sambaad Underscores Urgent Call for Action

Breaking News, Climate Actions, Environment
World leaders, climate experts, and international delegates gathered in Nepal for the Sagarmatha Sambaad, where they reaffirmed their collective commitment to combat climate change with special focus on its mounting impact on mountainous regions. The summit emphasized collaboration, environmental justice, and urgent global action to secure the planet’s future. Summit Opens with Global Backing for Nepal’s Climate Vision The three-day Sagarmatha Sambaad began with a strong show of international support for Nepal’s climate leadership. Nepali Foreign Minister Arzu Rana Deuba highlighted the growing global consensus in support of safeguarding fragile mountain ecosystems, acknowledging endorsements even from non-mountainous nations that recognize the interconnectedness of climate impac...