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Compiled by Purnima Joshi.
The week saw the release of ‘Climate Change 2021: the Physical Science Basis’, as the first part of the report by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) as its Sixth Assessment Report — its latest evaluation of the state of Earth’s climate and the impact on the planet and life forms. The report warns that global temperatures have already risen by about 1.1 degrees Celsius from pre-industrial times, and warns that the 1.5-degree-Celsius threshold was likely to be breached before 2040.
Among other reads in this issue below, BlackRock and other major financial institutions are working on plans to accelerate the closure of coal-fired power plants in Asia; China's emergency response to power shortages and demand for more coal continues to raise questions about its commitment to meet climate action goals; and Australia rejects climate targets despite a damning UN report.
Happy Reading!
CLIMATE CHANGE
India may see more heat waves, droughts, cyclones: IPCC report
Indian Express, 10 Aug 2021
Increasing heat waves and droughts, rainfall events and a likelihood of more cyclonic activity — this is what is in store for India and the subcontinent over the coming decades, according to a report released by the Intergovernmental Panel
on Climate Change (IPCC) on Monday.
CORPORATE
BlackRock joins Citi and HSBC in plan to close coal plants early
Brisbane Times, 4 Aug 2021
BlackRock and other major financial institutions are working on plans to accelerate the closure of coal-fired power plants in Asia in a bid to phase out the use of the worst man-made contributors to climate change.
StanChart CEO says companies must act on climate change, can't bank on governments
CNA, 10 Aug 2021
Companies should not rely on governments to reach agreement at a global summit on climate change this year, but rather take more action themselves, Standard Chartered CEO Bill Winters said on Tuesday.
CHINA
China to release updated climate plans 'in near future': Envoy
The Straits Times, 3 Aug 2021
China's climate envoy on Tuesday (Aug 3) said the world's most populous nation would release its updated plans to reduce carbon emissions "in the near future" as nations prepare to meet later this year for a pivotal global conference.
China's Call for More Coal May Defy Climate Goals
Radio Free Asia, 6 Aug 2021
China's emergency response to power shortages and demand for more coal are raising questions about its ability to meet its climate change goals.
Why China's climate policy matters to us all
BBC News, 6 Aug 2021
China's carbon emissions are vast and growing, dwarfing those of other countries.
Experts agree that without big reductions in China's emissions, the world cannot win the fight against climate change.
FOOD
Australia rejects climate targets despite damning UN report
CNA, 10 Aug 2021
Australia's conservative prime minister rejected growing calls Tuesday to adopt more ambitious emissions targets, insisting the country was doing enough to tackle climate change.
With climate uncertainty rising, Asia looks to gene editing to meet growing food demands
GeneticLiteracyProject, 11 Aug 2021
There are about 688 million people undernourished in the world, of which 351 million – more than half — live in the Asia- Pacific region. Further, there are growing concerns that the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic may have undone whatever gains were achieved towards food security in the region.
ADDITIONAL READS
Sharks and tuna might be extinct by the time your kids grow up – but there is hope
CNALuxury, 8 Aug 2021
Coe says climate change could affect sports calendars
WTop News, 8 Aug 2021
CGM's Asia-Pacific Climate Digest is compiled by communications consultant Purnima Joshi.
With over two decades of experience in corporate communications, Purnima combines her skills in creative and communication along with her passion for working for the community.
She has worked on a multitude of projects in waste management, circular economy, building active citizenship in the community, some of which have won awards.
These also include a project on building climate resilience for UNICEF as well as some award-winning projects. She has been associated with several NGOs in an advisory capacity for over 10 years.
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