Climate Asia's Newsletter - September 2024

Welcome to the September edition of Climate Asia’s newsletter! As leaders and changemakers from across the globe gathered for Climate Week NYC, the sense of shared commitment to tackling the climate crisis has been invigorating. We're excited to share updates that reflect this energy, including the insights from our recent masterclass on 'Gender-Inclusive Climate Strategies: Women Leading Action and Policy.' We also spotlight inspiring climate adaptation stories from our NGO cohort and highlight opportunities, readings, etc. to empower your climate work. Let’s keep the momentum going as we drive sustainable change together!

Climate Asia’s Masterclass Highlights

Climate Asia recently hosted a masterclass on ‘Gender-Inclusive Climate Strategies: Women Leading Action and Policy,’ led by Mamta Borgoyary , the Executive Director, SHE Changes Climate and moderated by Meiyun Seleyi .  

The session explored the intersection of gender and climate action, highlighting the unique challenges women face, including heightened risks from climate disasters like gender-based violence and child marriage, and their underrepresentation in climate decision-making roles despite being 51% of the population. Women’s key contributions to agricultural productivity and climate resilience were emphasized, along with the importance of female representation in parliament for stronger environmental policies.

The session stressed the need to include women’s voices at all levels for effective climate action and discussed strategies to boost women's leadership in policy and grassroots activism. The session concluded with a lively Q&A, where Mamta Borgoyary engaged with the audience, addressing their questions and insights. Watch the full video here.

Real Stories of Locally-Led Adaptation and Resilience

In this edition, we're excited to highlight two inspiring climate adaptation stories from our NGO cohort. SAMVAD and the Women Organisation For Rural Development (WORD) are leading impactful initiatives that empower communities through sustainable practices that enhance livelihoods and conserve natural resources. Here's a closer look at their remarkable work.

WORD: Improving Agriculture and Livelihoods in Telkoi

In the Telkoi area, Women Organisation for Rural Development (WORD) drives climate adaptation with land reclamation, water harvesting, and climate-resilient agriculture. Their initiatives have improved soil moisture, reduced erosion, and boosted productivity for over 50 households, enhancing food security. WORD also supports biodiversity and rural livelihoods by promoting Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFPs) and environmental development.

SAMVAD: Protecting Mahua Trees and Going Plastic-Free

SAMVAD is leading impactful climate adaptation initiatives through community engagement. In Uda Manjhaltand Village, they successfully united the community to conserve 12,800 Mahua trees, inspiring neighboring villages to adopt similar practices. In Podaghumari Village, SAMVAD tackled plastic pollution by replacing plastic with eco-friendly alternatives, turning the village plastic-free.

Exciting Opportunities

Funding Opportunities

1. Early-Stage Social Enterprises Program
2. GAP- Regular Fund
3. Blue Economy ClimAccelerator Malta
4. SBIF CONSERW -Request for Proposal (Environment & Sustainability - Waste Management)

Fellowships

1. Journalist Fellowship for Infrastructure Reporting in Southeast Asia (deadline - today, i.e. 30th September 2024)
2. Echoing Green Fellowship
3. WWF’s Russell E. Train Education for Nature Program (EFN)

Readings for the Month

Surging Seas in a Warming World by United Nations

The report discusses the urgent challenges and impacts of accelerated sea-level rise on coastal areas, islands, and megacities. It emphasizes the need for immediate global action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and enhance coastal adaptation strategies. The report also highlights the opportunity presented by upcoming national climate commitments to address these critical issues. Read the full report here.

Goalkeepers 2024 Report by Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation

The report addresses malnutrition as the world’s worst child health crisis, worsened by climate change. It highlights the significant progress made in global health until 2020, which has since stalled, and emphasizes the urgent need for renewed investments in nutrition to combat the worsening effects of malnutrition and climate change.  Read the full report here.