Tag: climate change

Cry of the Wild: Conservationists around the globe are answering the urgent call to combat catastrophic climate change

Every day seems to bring disturbing news about record global temperatures, devastating wildfires, warming oceans and rising levels of greenhouse gases. In Seoul last month, citizens endured 26 consecutive ‘tropical nights’ of temperatures above 25 degrees Celsius, breaking a century-old record.

This scorching scenario has been replicated around the world. Higher temperatures are creating more frequent extreme weather events with calamitous consequences on communities and the environment. Ocean ecosystems, for instance, are in such a rapid rate of decline that scientists warn of ecological changes that should take millions of years happening within a lifetime.

It is under this challenging environment that bodies like The Nature Conservancy (TNC) are conducting all-important work, and they are under no illusions as to the enormity of the task ahead. “As a global organisation, we’re focused on building the science and the solutions needed to address the biggest conservation challenges of our time: climate change and biodiversity loss,” says Will McGoldrick, TNC’s Managing Director for Asia-Pacific.

Founded in the US in 1951, TNC is an environmental non-profit organisation whose vision is to support a liveable climate, healthy communities and thriving nature. It has more than 5,000 staff working in nearly 80 countries and territories to advance conservation work that benefits nature and people.

“Nature is the planet’s oldest technology for holding global warming in check. Healthy forests, wetlands, grasslands and peatlands store and absorb massive amounts of carbon. Our role is to harness their full potential and connect protection and restoration efforts to economic opportunity for people,” reveals McGoldrick.

He also points out how climate and biodiversity crises disproportionately affect vulnerable and impoverished communities. “So their engagement in the solutions we build for Asia-Pacific is essential,” he says.

Critical goals

Targets set by the Paris Climate Accords, the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework and the UN Sustainable Development Goals outline a way forward in the fight against climate change and environmental protection. The 2015 Paris Agreement bound nations to the promise of limiting any hike in global temperatures to “well below” 2°C above pre-industrial levels – and to aim for only 1.5°C of warming.

Yet, a report on the State of the Global Climate released by the World Meteorological Organization this year made for grim reading. It stated that global temperatures and sea level were at a record high in modern history, and the extent of ice in the Antarctic sea is at a record low.

The Paris Agreement outlined the need for the drastic reduction of greenhouse gas emissions such as carbon dioxide. However, in a worrying summary of the prevailing situation, the annual Global Carbon Budget report indicated that fossil-fuel CO2 emissions hit an all-time high in 2023.

McGoldrick was unequivocal about the challenge ahead: “The evidence is clear: we need to reduce emissions by at least half by 2030 to avoid the most catastrophic consequences. This requires a fundamental transformation of our systems, economies and societies. The window for action is rapidly closing – we have less than a decade to get it right.”

Imperative action

Unless action is taken soon, pessimists predict the world will become a much more dangerous place where flooding, drought, fire and unrest will force millions from their homes and habitats will be destroyed. Extreme heat has been linked to the slump in the growth of marine life by scientists.

“We have no illusions about the magnitude of the interconnected climate and biodiversity crises,” warns McGoldrick. “They require concerted, sustained efforts from all sectors – governments, the private sector, NGOs and communities among them. Only through collective action can we hope to protect nature and livelihoods closely tied to healthy ecosystems.”

TNC has set its own challenging goals for 2030. These include to reduce or store three gigatons of CO2 emissions yearly by using the power of nature and the strength of policy and markets; help 100 million people at severe risk of climate-related emergencies by protecting and restoring natural habitats; and conserve nearly 10 billion acres of ocean, 1.6 billion acres of land and more than 620,000 miles of rivers and 30 million hectares of lakes and wetlands. Finally, they aim to partner with Indigenous People and local communities to support 45 million local stewards whose well-being and livelihoods depend on oceans, freshwater and the land.

“Firmly embedded in the work we do is a commitment to uphold the rights of Indigenous Peoples and local communities to create sustainable economic growth. By doing so, TNC helps create new livelihoods, while delivering results for nature and the climate,” says McGoldrick.

Audacious schemes

To help achieve these goals, TNC is involved in what it describes as “audacious” projects. One such is the Blue Bonds for Conservation model designed to help governments unlock funding for conservation. The scheme aims to promote smarter investment in marine conservation by leveraging debt solutions to create long-term sustainable financing for conservation projects.

Blue Bonds can help governments that have high debt loads and limited access to financial capital achieve their conservation and climate action goals. Typically, TNC works with a country to refinance a portion of its national debt in a way that secures funding for conservation activities, enables valuable returns in planning and protection to improve the resilience of economies and communities, and may reduce the country’s debt burden.

“Blue Bonds are a game-changer for ocean conservation and economic growth,” says McGoldrick. “By issuing these bonds, governments can tap into significant financial savings, freeing up resources to invest in natural resources that drive their economies. Local communities, in turn, see their livelihoods and cultural heritage protected; and donors who provided the original seed funding realise incredible leverage on their philanthropic investment – a multiplier of up to 40 times”

Ocean drive

He points out the important role the ocean makes to our lives, supplying half the oxygen we breathe and sustaining fisheries that provide food and income for more than three billion people. “Coral reefs, oyster beds and seaweed forests shelter marine life and protect our shores by reducing wave energy and storm surges,” he says.

TNC is advancing Blue Bonds in island and coastal countries in the Caribbean, Africa, Latin America, the Pacific Islands and the West Indian Ocean. The scheme is part of the drive to support the two billion people living near the oceans.

A great success story that highlights the important work TNC is doing came just months ago. They helped secure a US$35 million debt-for-nature swap between the US and Indonesia that will fund community-based conservation work in the latter’s Bird’s Head and Lesser Sunda seascapes. Described as being years in the making, the deal was signed in July 2024 and helps divert funds to a jewel of the natural world which is home to some of the world’s most ecologically significant coral reefs.

Donors step up

Philanthropy is going to play an increasingly vital role in the fight against climate change and habitat loss. A Californian philanthropic coalition launched its own satellite last month to help track global methane emissions, while an anonymous donation to the tune of US$14 million enabled TNC in April to support the Queensland government’s purchase of Vergemont Station – a remote cattle ranch larger than Yosemite National Park in California.

Representing the single-largest donation to buy land for conservation in Australia’s history, the Vergemont acquisition helps protect a unique biodiversity haven. It safeguards the headwaters of Lake Eyre Basin, the source of one of the last remaining free-flowing arid river systems in the world, and will join existing national parks to create a conservation corridor of about 1.4 million hectares, including key habitats for endangered wildlife.

“Our donors are the backbone of our conservation efforts,” reveals McGoldrick. “A diverse group of people who come from all walks of life, they are united by a shared passion for protecting the natural world and preserving biodiversity. They believe in a science-backed approach to conservation and in our proven track record of effective strategies with tangible outcomes.”

Also in April, TNC joined the Mongolian government and community partners to launch the US$198 million Eternal Mongolia initiative to preserve the world’s last great expanse of intact temperate grasslands, sand dunes, lakes, mountains and over 13,000 kilometres of winding rivers.

Nature’s way forward

TNC considers nature-based solutions as an essential piece of the puzzle to tackle impending environmental catastrophe. These are actions that address societal challenges such as climate change and disaster risk by protecting, sustainably managing and restoring natural or modified ecosystems. The key habitats of the oceans, for instance, are vital for climate stability. Coastal wetlands – such as mangroves, salt marshes and seagrass meadows – draw in carbon as they grow and store it in rich, underwater soils.

“Propelling nature-based solutions and protecting biodiversity are imperative – we have years not decades to shift to nature-positive business practices and to drive the urgent, concerted action needed to safeguard our planet’s future,” says McGoldrick of this pivotal moment in human history.

Heat Resistance: Tips to keep hydrated and avoid heatstroke as the world gets rapidly warmer

Global warming is not only a threat to the planet as a whole; it also affects the health of every individual inhabitant. July was reportedly the hottest month on record around the globe, and the number of heat-stressed days is only set to increase.

Indeed, a study published in The Lancet estimated that about 356,000 deaths worldwide were related to heat in 2019. And the World Meteorological Organisation is now warning of global warming breaking through the crucial 1.5°C cap above pre-industrial temperatures in the next five years.

With record-tumbling baking-hot spells happening more frequently, it is vital that we keep our cool and take precautions to safeguard our well-being.

Hong Kong warning system

The authorities in Hong Kong are acutely aware of the severity of the situation. A new three tier Heat Stress at Work Warnings system was introduced earlier in the summer to help tackle heatstroke among those working outdoors or without air-conditioning. If the Hong Kong Observatory’s Hong Kong Heat Index (HKHI) hits 30, this will trigger a recommended rest time for each hour of labour depending on whether the workload is “light”, “moderate”, “heavy” or “very heavy” and the level of the alert (amber, red or black). The heat index uses data that considers relative humidity, the intensity of sunlight, temperature and hospitalisation rate.

Workers deemed to be involved in “very heavy” workloads during an amber alert will be recommended to take 45 minutes of rest after working 15 minutes every hour. Those involved in this level of intense physical activity are advised to cease work completely if the HKHI hits 32 or above – red and black warnings. Workers at lower intensity of physical labour would be advised to rest for varying periods of time (or even suspend work).

The warning system is operated by the Labour Department with the Observatory assisting to broadcast the message, which can be received via the GovHK Notifications or MyObservatory mobile applications. The guidelines inherent in the warning system are only voluntary measures, though, and are not legally binding. A construction worker in Hong Kong lost his life from heatstroke this summer during an amber heat alert.

Water everywhere

The Department of Health’s Centre for Health Protection (CHP) consistently urges the community to take heed of necessary measures against heatstroke and sunburn in very hot weather. “The public should carry and drink plenty of water to prevent dehydration while engaging in outdoor activities,” warned a CHP spokesperson recently.

The importance of staying properly hydrated during hot summer days has long been advocated by medical professionals. Water is known to perform vital functions such as regulating body temperature, flushing waste from the body, supporting a healthy immune system, lubricating and cushioning joints, as well as promoting healthy digestion and improving memory, alertness, mood and sleep quality.

Some health experts suggest consuming 13 cups of beverages a day, including water. However, this total depends on the level of activity, climate and overall health. Hot and humid places mean people tend to sweat more and it is important to keep water on hand. Drinking before, during and after a workout is also essential.

Dehydration danger

Tips for optimum hydration include ingesting a glass of water (about 8 fluid ounces) upon waking and before bedtime, drinking throughout the day, infusing water with slices of fruit, vegetables or herbs, and using a favourite water bottle to encourage fluid uptake.

Not all liquids are recommended, though. “Those engaged in strenuous outdoor activities should avoid beverages containing caffeine, such as coffee and tea, as well as alcohol, as they speed up water loss through the urinary system,” said the CHP spokesperson.

The World Health Organization (WHO) advises to check the colour of urine, and to drink more if it is dark. They warn against drinking distilled water as it leaches all-important electrolytes.

Apart from dark urine, there are a multitude of signs of possible dehydration such as thirst, flushed skin, headache, fatigue, increased body temperature, dizziness, irritability, constipation and nausea. Possible options to try to alleviate the situation include drinking electrolyte-infused water, Pedialyte, Gatorade, coconut water and watermelon, which contains 92 percent water.

Combatting heatstroke

Some groups are more vulnerable to heatstroke than others. According to the CHP, children, the elderly, the obese and those with chronic illnesses, such as heart disease or high blood pressure, “should pay special attention”.

These dos and dont’s will help reduce the risk of heatstroke:

  • – Wear loose and light-coloured clothing to reduce heat absorption and facilitate sweat evaporation and heat dissipation.

  • – Avoid vigorous exercise and prolonged activities like hiking or trekking as heat, sweating and exhaustion can place additional demands on the physique.

  • – Perform outdoor activities in the morning or the late afternoon.

  • – For indoor activities, open all windows, use a fan or use air-conditioning to maintain good ventilation.

  • – Do not stay inside a parked vehicle.

  • – Reschedule work to cooler times of the day. If working in a hot environment is inevitable, introduce shade in the workplace where practicable.

  • – Start work slowly and pick up the pace gradually. Move to a cool area for rest at regular intervals to allow the body to recuperate.

The WHO advises keeping a good supply of medicines, batteries and frozen or tinned food at home to avoid frequent trips to the shops during especially hot days.

Sunlight protection

As the sun blares down on these days of increasing heat, the Ultraviolet (UV) Index released by the Hong Kong Observatory is a helpful tool. When the UV Index is high (6 or above), avoid direct exposure of the skin and the eyes to sunlight.

The following measures will help protect against UV damage when out in the sun:

  • – Wear long-sleeved and loose-fitting clothes.

  • – Wear a wide-brimmed hat or use an umbrella.

  • – Seek a shaded area.

  • – Don UV-blocking sunglasses.

  • – Apply liberally a broad-spectrum sunscreen lotion with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 15 or above, and reapply after swimming, sweating or towelling off.

  • – When using a DEET-containing insect repellent, put on sunscreen first, then the repellent.

Cold comfort

While there is plenty for the public to do and be aware of to adapt to extreme heat, measures on an individual level and government action plans like those adopted in Hong Kong do not tackle the root cause of the problem. Global warming is a result of climate change generated most significantly by greenhouse gas emissions. Until we get serious about curtailing these, our heat stress is only going to get worse.