German-Bhutan Himalaya Society’s Post

This week, the Scottish Government released its Scottish National Adaptation Plan 2024-2029. The plan outlines how the Scottish Government will address the impacts of climate change. It is an important document for people and organisations across Scotland, including those in our Highland region. Over the next five years, the Adaptation Plan commits to delivering over 200 policies and actions, including: - Investing approximately £400 million to make our railways more resilient; - Developing adaptation plans with all health boards; - Improving flood warning and preparedness; - Enhancing coordination at a regional level through adaptation partnerships; - Taking a strategic approach to adaptation financing; - Strengthening our Community Climate Action Hubs; - Continuing commitment to the Adaptation Scotland programme. Highland Adapts is proud to be among the first regional adaptation partnerships in Scotland, alongside Climate Ready Clyde and Climate Hebrides. The Adaptation Plan outlines an ambition to extend mature regional collaborations on adaptation to all of Scotland by 2029, and Highland Adapts is committed to helping achieve this goal. This includes strengthening and broadening our own regional collaboration, as well as supporting and learning from other partnerships across Scotland. The work of regional partnerships like Highland Adapts will help propel the more than 200 specific policies and actions set out in the plan. How do these policies and actions intersect with your own work? We are keen to hear your thoughts on how the Highland region can take advantage of the opportunities outlined in the new Adaptation Plan. Read the full plan here: https://lnkd.in/eciVrSct

🌍 Join Resurgence’s Global Climate Action iLab Roundtable at COP29! Resurgence is excited to host a thought-provoking roundtable at COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan, with the UN High-Level Climate Champions and Marrakech Partnership. If you’re attending COP29 don’t miss this unique opportunity to join global thought leaders in assessing the path to climate resilience for urban communities. 𝗦𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗙𝗼𝗰𝘂𝘀: "𝗘𝗮𝗿𝗹𝘆 𝗪𝗮𝗿𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗖𝗹𝗶𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗥𝗶𝘀𝗸 𝗜𝗻𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: 𝗔𝗿𝗲 𝗪𝗲 𝗼𝗻 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗰𝗸 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗙𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗻𝘀𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗔𝗹𝗹 𝗨𝗿𝗯𝗮𝗻 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝗯𝘆 𝟮𝟬𝟯𝟬?" 🗓 Wednesday, 20 November 2024 🕔 17:00-18:30 Azerbaijan Time (GMT +4) 📍 Special Event Room - Hirkan, Area B, Blue Zone Our roundtable will bring together a diverse mix of voices from our DARAJA #EarlyWarningService, United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR), The World Bank, Red Cross Red Crescent Climate Centre, civil society & grassroots organisations, government policy makers and youth advocates. Speakers will testify on the successes, challenges, and gaps in creating inclusive Early Warning and Risk Data Systems - crucial for achieving universal access by 2030. Together, we’ll discuss what’s working, where the gaps lie, and identify actionable steps for advancing these critical targets. 𝗞𝗲𝘆 𝗢𝘂𝘁𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗲𝘀: 𝗛𝗶𝗴𝗵𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗦𝘂𝗰𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗲𝘀: Explore effective financing and progress within human settlements for 2030 climate solutions. 𝗔𝗱𝗱𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗻𝗴𝗲𝘀: Tackle specific barriers and outline strategies to overcome them. 𝗙𝗼𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗖𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗮𝗯𝗼𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: Drive practical commitments from participants to enhance early warning and access to climate information. 𝗠𝗼𝗱𝗲𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗼𝗿: Mark Harvey, CEO, Resurgence 𝗙𝗲𝗮𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲𝗱 𝗚𝗹𝗼𝗯𝗮𝗹 𝗧𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀:  Dr. Ladislaus Chang'a / IPCC / Tanzania Meteorological Agency | Sheela Patel / Climate Champions Global Ambassador / SDI. (Slum Dwellers International) |  Dr. Animesh Kumar / UNDRR;  Bapon Shm Fakhruddin, PhD, / Green Climate Fund |  Joanna Masic / The World Bank |  Hanan Rabbah / Sudan Meteorological Authority (SMA) | Regina O. / Kounkuey Design Initiative | Savina Carluccio / International Coalition for Sustainable Infrastructure (ICSI) | Dr. Aditya V. Bahadur / Red Cross Red Crescent Climate Centre | Luganda David Nsiyonna / Network of Climate Journalists of Greater Horn of Africa (#NECJOGHA)#NECJOGHA)#NECJOGHA)#NECJOGHA) | Dr. Dina Zayed / ODI Global | Dr.Ahmed Amdihun / ICPAC IGAD | Joshua Amponsem / Green Africa Youth Organization (GAYO) /  Youth Climate Justice Fund| Manuel de Araújo, PhD/Mayor, Quelimane City, Mozambique | Lai Ling Lee Rodriguez / Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) | Monica Schroeder / Build Change. 🔗 More details: https://bit.ly/4fiLRs5 #COP29 #ClimateAction

🌍✨ Exciting News! ✨🌍 We are proud to announce that our very own Regina O. will be one of the 𝗙𝗲𝗮𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲𝗱 𝗚𝗹𝗼𝗯𝗮𝗹 𝗧𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀 during the Resurgence -hosted session at COP29 Azerbaijan. Regina will join other experts to discuss: "𝗘𝗮𝗿𝗹𝘆 𝗪𝗮𝗿𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗖𝗹𝗶𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗥𝗶𝘀𝗸 𝗜𝗻𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: 𝗔𝗿𝗲 𝗪𝗲 𝗼𝗻 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗰𝗸 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗙𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗻𝘀𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗔𝗹𝗹 𝗨𝗿𝗯𝗮𝗻 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝗯𝘆 𝟮𝟬𝟯𝟬?" Stay tuned for updates from the session! #COP29 #ClimateAction #EarlyWarningSystems #COP29 #COP29Azerbaijan

Early Warnings and Climate Risk Information is not reaching those most affected. Join Resurgence, United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR), SDI. (Slum Dwellers International) and Regina O. from Kounkuey Design Initiative next week in #Baku #COP29 to discuss practical solutions to a complex challenge.

New Post: Countdown to Critical Conference for Small Island Developing States — Global Issues - https://lnkd.in/g5ScMWzQ Pigeon Point in the north of Saint Lucia, one of 39 Small Island States which will be represented at the critical SIDS4 in Antigua. Credit: Alison Kentish/IPSby Alison Kentish (saint lucia)Sunday, May 26, 2024Inter Press ServiceSAINT LUCIA, May 26 (IPS) - The International Conference on Small Island Developing States convenes every 10 years, with the upcoming SIDS4 event scheduled for Antigua and Barbuda. As the world’s 39 SIDS prepare to chart their survival in the face of climate change, IPS is on- the-ground coverage of the event.Delegates from small island developing states (SIDS) worldwide are meeting in Antigua and Barbuda to strategize for the next decade.The Conference of Small Island Developing States takes place every ten years. This year will mark the fourth meeting. Known as SIDS4, the May 27–30 conference’s theme, Charting the Course Toward Resilient Prosperity, holds immense significance for the future of the world’s 39 SIDS. Despite their minimal contribution to climate change, SIDS are particularly vulnerable to its impacts. The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change warns that, in the absence of mitigation and adaptation measures, these islands could become uninhabitable due to the impacts of climate change.SIDS grapple with limited financial, technical, and institutional resources, hindering their ability to effectively mitigate and adapt to the negative effects of climate change. Leaders like Prime Minister Mia Mottley of Barbados have consistently appealed to the global community for innovative financing mechanisms for SIDS and for special agreements such as temporary debt repayment suspensions immediately following a natural disaster.SIDS4 will explore opportunities for collective action.“The 39 small islands, home to approximately 65 million people, are stewards of the ocean and gatekeepers to some of our planet’s most important biodiversity. However, these countries are grappling with a series of overlapping crises that threaten their very existence,” UN High Representative for the Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries, and Small Island Developing States Rabab Fatima said on May 24 in a statement.“The case for ensuring enhanced global support for these vulnerable island nations is clear. It means building a more sustainable economy, creating a more robust resilience against climate change, building a state-of-the-art early warning system for all, and safeguarding biodiversity. This is not just about generating revenue through industries for SIDS but also helping prevent additional costs that can result from climate change, soil erosion, pollution, floods, or natural disasters.”The High Representative for SIDS, who is also the Special Ad

Interesting article from the Khmer Times on the Mitigation and Adaption Strategies in Cambodia 🔎 “Cambodia has unveiled a bold $2 billion plan to tackle climate change, with a focus on safeguarding its most vulnerable sectors – water resources, agriculture, and infrastructure – by 2030” ✨ “In addition to adaptation, Cambodia is also committed to reducing its greenhouse gas emissions. Chanthoeun revealed that nearly $6 billion will be invested by 2030 to support emission reduction initiatives. This includes projects that contribute to Cambodia’s national commitments under the Paris Agreement” 🌏 “By 2050, the country’s average temperature is expected to increase by 1.0 to 2.6°C, causing longer droughts and more frequent tropical storms. Without significant adaptation efforts, a 2°C temperature rise by 2100 could lead to a 9.8% loss in GDP by 2050” 💡 “These investments are crucial for the country’s efforts to build resilience against the impacts of climate change, which are expected to intensify over time” #ClimateChange #Adaptation #Mitigation #ParisAgreement

Ahead of the major climate summit, the COP29, happening on November 2024 in Azerbaijan, the Pacific Island Nations come together in various conferences to voice out their concerns on the impacts of climate change on their land and to rally the international community for support, and to do more to address the climate crisis. These nations are on the front lines in the fight against climate change, disproportionately facing many climate change threats head-on, even though they are only responsible for 0.03% of global GHG emissions. Many of their islands are low-lying, often atolls or other islands that rise only a few feet above sea level. Sea level rise from climate change is encroaching on their lands, leading to coastal flooding, saltwater intrusion, and contamination, affecting their valuable freshwater supplies and crops. Tropical cyclones can have devastating impacts, particularly on small island nations. For instance, Cyclone Winston struck Fiji in late February 2016, becoming the most destructive cyclone in the country’s history. It affected over half a million people, about 60% of the country’s population, and resulted in damages totalling F$2 billion (approximately US$0.9 billion), accounting for more than 20% of its GDP. Tuvalu is another SIDS that is facing the threat of sea level rise daily. Its nine islands, comprising tiny atolls, have a mean elevation of just 2 metres (6.56 feet), and sea levels have risen by 15 centimetres (5.91 inches) over the past thirty years. Their sea level rise rate is one and a half times the global average. The island nation has accepted that a time will come when they relocate their populations, leading them to make a climate treaty with Australia, which in 2023 announced that it will welcome 280 Tuvaluans annually. They have reasons to do so. Although Tuvalu has just 26 square kilometres of land, its archipelago stretches out to encompass an exclusive economic zone of some 900,000 square kilometres. It receives around US$30 million for fishing licenses from foreign fishing fleets annually and at least $10 million yearly from selling its .tv internet domain. Kiribati is another island country in the Central Pacific Ocean that is highly vulnerable to climate change. The ocean is encroaching steadily inland, contaminating its underground wells and leaching salt into the soil. To prepare for this event, in 2014, Kiribati purchased a piece of land in Fiji as a potential home for i-Kiribati displaced by rising seas. Migration options such as mobility pathways into other countries are an effective climate adaptation response in a global system that lacks governance mechanisms to protect climate-threatened communities like these small island nations facing daily threats from climate change. #AdaptationStrategy #ClimateChangeConferences #ManagedRetreat https://lnkd.in/gMegACYV

Yesterday marked an important milestone as the city of Amman launched its second Climate Action Plan (CAP), marking a transformative step towards accelerating climate action by setting a roadmap towards becoming carbon neutral by 2050 aligned to the Paris Agreement. The development of CAP has been a partnership between C40 Cities, UNDP and UN-Habitat and personally I enjoyed working with these fantastic partners. Capital of Jordan and a C40 member since 2015, Amman is home to 4.2 million people (43% of Jordan’s population), one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world and a major centre for investment in the Middle East region. However, a slew of climate-related challenges such as change in rainfall patterns leading to flash floods, rising temperatures, and an increase in extreme weather occurrences have left Amman increasingly vulnerable to the ongoing climate crisis. This CAP reflects the Greater Amman Municipality’s commitment and reiterates Amman’s net zero target while integrating climate goals across all its operations in order to enhance the quality of life of the citizens. It also reflects the evolving context of increasing institutional capacities and partnerships for mainstreaming climate change. I congratulate His Excellency Mayor of Amman Dr. Yousef Al-Shawarbeh and the Greater Amman Municipality for visionary leadership that has successfully reflected in strengthening the Climate Action Plan supporting Amman’s ongoing journey of becoming a sustainable and resilient city. https://lnkd.in/djQDJkeH Shruti Narayan Nisreen DaoudNjoud Abdeljawad C40 Cities UNDP UN-Habitat (United Nations Human Settlements Programme)

🌍 Building climate resilience in the Western Balkans 🌱 Last month, a series of workshops were held across Tirana, Pristina, Skopje, Belgrade, and Banjaluka, focusing on the urgent need for climate resilience and smart energy systems in the Western Balkans. As the region faces increasing vulnerability to extreme heatwaves, floods, and erratic rainfall, focusing on adaptive, cross-sector solutions has never been more critical. Key takeaways from the discussions: ✅ Vulnerability to climate extremes highlights the need for resilient energy systems throughout the region ✅ Renewable energy is gaining momentum, especially in Albania and North Macedonia ✅ Integrated approaches linking energy, infrastructure, public health, and mental well-being are crucial to addressing climate impacts ✅ Climate change is pushing young people to reconsider traditional livelihoods, driving the need for sustainable development and job creation A special thanks to Dr.hc.Violeta Bulc and the Ecocivilisation team for spearheading these essential conversations. Climate Strategies is thrilled to have supported this initiative. For more details, read the complete workshop summary on Ecovilisation’s website: https://lnkd.in/dBG4pSve   Youth Ecological and Security Zone (EcoZ), the Center for Environmental Research and Information (Eko-svest), Recycling Albania, the Center for Environment (Centar za životnu sredinu/Center for Environment), and the Environment Improvement Center (Centar za unapređenje životne sredine / Environment Improvement Centre).

📢 Strengthening Climate Resilience in Tana River County, Kenya! 🌍  As the world confronts the harsh realities of climate change—rising temperatures, shifting seasons, and more extreme weather events—vulnerable communities face increasing threats to their livelihoods and ecosystems. Delaying adaptation only adds to the challenges. NetHope has launched the Tana River Connectivity and Resilience Project in Kenya with the generous support of the Internet Society Foundation. Climate change has intensified natural hazards in Tana River County, with droughts and floods impacting a third of its population. Our project empowers local communities by enhancing climate-resilient communication systems. We focus on improving infrastructure, building local capacity, and establishing Community Early Warning Systems (CEWS), aligning with COP29’s emphasis on Adaptation and Resilience. Learn more about the Climate Intersections program here: https://lnkd.in/gCrbTAxK Together, we’re working towards a safer, more resilient future! #NetHope #ClimateIntersections #ClimateChange #COP29 #NetHopeAtCOP29 #ClimateAction #ClimateJustice #ClimateEquity #DigitalResilience #Climate #DigitalforClimate #ClimateAdaptation #ClimateFinance #Localization