Facing erasure from climate change, the island nation of Tuvalu is creating a digital twin of itself – preserving its culture, land, and sovereignty in the metaverse while simultaneously fighting for its physical survival. This ambitious project sparks debate, but highlights the urgent realities of climate change for low-lying island nations.
As climate change intensifies, cities around the world are grappling with its effects. Milan is planting millions of trees to combat urban heat, Jakarta is relocating its capital to escape rising sea levels, and San Diego is investing in innovative water recycling to combat drought. Each city offers unique solutions that highlight the global need for climate adaptation.
As climate change intensifies and extreme weather events become more frequent, the insurance industry is exploring new ways to manage disaster risk. Parametric insurance, which pays out based on pre-defined weather parameters rather than physical damage assessment, is emerging as a promising solution for mitigating losses from climate-related disasters. This article examines the potential of parametric insurance, highlighting its advantages, challenges, and successful implementation in various regions.
The inaugural Rainforest Youth Summit 2024 (RAYS2024) kicked off in Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia, uniting global youth and leaders to empower future generations with indigenous wisdom on rainforest conservation and climate adaptation. This three-day summit, held just ahead of the Rainforest World Music Festival, features engaging talks, collaborative discussions, and the opportunity for young leaders to showcase their initiatives and connect with peers from across the globe.
Fitwel has released Version 3 (v3) of its evidence-based healthy building certification standard. This update incorporates the latest public health research, introduces a streamlined user experience, and offers eight distinct scorecards and 140 evidence-based strategies. Fitwel v3 emphasizes climate adaptation, value maximization, and data-driven decision-making. It also introduces a new generation of technology to deliver credible data on health and environmental performance. With over 2.5 billion square feet of real estate assessed using Fitwel, this update strengthens the company’s position as a leader in building health and sustainability.
The warming planet is taking a heavy toll on the US economy, with weather and climate disasters costing over $617 billion between 2018 and 2022. As temperatures rise and extreme weather events become more common, the financial pain for Americans is likely to worsen, leading to higher taxes, pricier housing, and reduced retirement savings.
