In North Africa, Morocco, Algeria, and Tunisia experience snowfall in mountainous regions, particularly within the Atlas range. Morocco’s Ifrane, often dubbed “Africa’s Switzerland,” regularly sees winter snow and sub-zero temperatures. Algeria’s highlands and Tunisia’s north-western elevations follow similar patterns, though less frequently.

Further south, South Africa and Lesotho stand out as the continent’s most reliable snow zones. Lesotho, in particular, is unique. Sitting entirely above 1,000 metres, it is the only country in Africa where snow falls annually across much of its territory. South Africa’s Drakensberg Mountains also see regular winter snowfall, occasionally extending into lower-lying areas during cold fronts.

Perhaps more surprising are the East African countries on the list, like Ethiopia, Kenya , Tanzania, and Uganda.

Here, snowfall is confined almost entirely to high-altitude peaks. Mount Kenya, Mount Kilimanjaro, and the Rwenzori Mountains host glaciers and seasonal snow despite their proximity to the equator. Community Literacy resources highlight that these regions maintain cold conditions due to elevation exceeding 4,000 metres, where temperatures routinely drop below freezing.

However, climate change is reshaping this reality. Glaciers on Kilimanjaro and Mount Kenya have been shrinking rapidly over the past decades, raising concerns among environmental researchers and local communities.

The visual data above also points to extreme temperature lows across these regions. Morocco has recorded temperatures as low as -23.2°C, while South Africa and Lesotho have dipped below -20°C. Even equatorial countries like Uganda and Kenya have seen sub-zero conditions in mountainous zones.

These figures, while not representative of national averages, illustrate the intensity of cold snaps in specific microclimates.

Snowfall in Africa is more than a meteorological curiosity. It has become a niche tourism driver.

Ski resorts in Morocco’s Oukaïmeden and Lesotho’s Afriski attract both local and international visitors. These destinations offer rare winter sports experiences on the continent, contributing to regional economies and diversifying tourism portfolios traditionally centred on safaris and coastal travel.

 “On a day-to-day basis, our weather has become more extreme," said Celeste Saulo, WMO secretary-general.

Saulo said last year saw a devastating impact of heatwaves, wildfires, drought, tropical cyclones, storms, and flooding on the world, causing thousands of deaths, impacting millions of people, and costing billions in economic losses. 

The last ten years have experienced the hottest seasons so far, with 2025 named as the second or third hottest year on record, at about 1.43°C above the 1850-1900 average,” the report said. 

UN Secretary General António Guterres said planet Earth is being pushed beyond its limits. “Every key indicator is a red flashing flag,’ he said.

Published in observance of World Meteorological Day, the 46-page report covers global temperature, greenhouse gases, ocean heat, and sea level. It also highlighted other climate issues, including sea-ice extent, glacier mass balance, and the introduction of a new indicator for Earth’s energy imbalance.

The ocean continued to warm due to rising absorption of carbon dioxide. It has been absorbing the equivalent of about eighteen times the annual human energy used each year for the past two decades,” the report said. 

While annual sea ice extent in the Arctic was found to be at a record low, the extent of sea ice in Antarctica was the third lowest on record, and glacier melt continued unabated.

The warning from the WMO comes amid conflict between Israel and Gaza, Iran, the U.S.A., Ukraine, Russia, and Sudan. A recent study by researchers from Lancaster and Queen Mary University found that the conflict has generated approximately 33 billion tons of CO₂.

These projects mark the first components of a broader regional strategy to confront a rapidly escalating threat to human health and economic stability.

“Few regions feel the impacts of extreme heat as sharply as South Asia ,” said WMO Secretary-General Celeste Saulo. “We all know that every death primarily due to excess heat can be prevented and heat health action plans are saving lives.” 

Where the funding will go

The South Asia Climate Health Desk, established under the joint programme and implemented with the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology and the India Meteorological Department, will improve how weather and climate data are translated into public health action. 

This desk is expected to develop early warning systems, risk assessments and decision-support tools to help authorities respond before heatwaves peak.

A second initiative, the South Asia Scientific Research Consortium, backed by a Rockefeller Foundation grant to the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Pune, will deepen scientific understanding of how extreme heat affects different populations. 

Under this program, researchers aim to develop tailored heat-risk thresholds to strengthen preparedness plans and community-level adaptation.

Why heat is a major problem in South Asia

In India and Pakistan, pre-monsoon temperatures regularly exceed 50°C. Heat-related mortality across the region now surpasses 200,000 deaths annually. 

Beyond the health toll, extreme heat is eroding productivity. In 2024 alone, India lost an estimated 247 billion potential labor hours due to heat exposure, translating to roughly $194 billion in income losses, according to the Lancet Countdown.

IMD Director General Mrutyunjay Mohapatra said the partnership will strengthen the “science-to-services pathway” and improve early warning support for health agencies.

These investments respond to calls by António Guterres for urgent global action on extreme heat, especially in South Asia, the world’s most populated region.

According to the above graphic , individuals use about 2.2 litres for a full-size dishwasher, roughly 2.7 litres for a slimline model, and a striking 9 litres when washing dishes by hand.

The clear takeaway is that dishwashers often use significantly less water than washing by hand with a running tap.

A standard dishwashing cycle uses between 3 and 5 gallons of water (about 11–19 litres), depending on the model and settings. Newer Energy Star-rated machines are designed to optimise cleaning and water use, drawing only what’s needed per cycle.

By contrast, hand-washing dishes with the tap continuously running can easily use more than 20 gallons (75 litres) for a full load, roughly four to six times more than an efficient dishwasher.

Water efficiency

Household water use is a growing concern in many parts of the world. Kitchens account for a measurable portion of indoor consumption, and simple choices, like dishwasher loading habits or tap control during hand-washing, make a real difference in total water use.

Beyond lowering bills, water efficiency is also about sustainable living. With droughts and water scarcity affecting regions from Australia to parts of Europe and North America, every litre saved at home contributes to broader conservation goals.

Water scarcity is worsening globally

We’re entering a new era where water resources are under intense pressure. A recent United Nations University report described the situation as one of “water bankruptcy”, meaning humanity is using more freshwater than can be replenished through rain, snow and natural storage, and key reserves like aquifers and glaciers are being depleted.

Over 50% of large lakes are shrinking, about 70% of aquifers are declining, and billions of people face water shortages at least part of the year.

Current data show that roughly 2 to 3 billion people experience water shortages for at least one month a year, and projections suggest the number will grow as the population increases and droughts become more frequent. Millions still lack access to safe, reliable drinking water at home.

Antarctica is home to an estimated 44 million penguins, making it by far the largest stronghold for the species. According to World Population Review , this figure includes massive colonies of Adélie, Emperor, Chinstrap, and Gentoo penguins.

After Antarctica, Chile holds the second-largest penguin population in the world, with roughly 13 million birds. Its long southern coastline supports Humboldt, Magellanic, and Gentoo penguins.

Neighbouring regions also play an important role, as the Falkland Islands have approximately 1.2 million penguins, Argentina has around 1 million, and Peru has roughly 4,000 birds.

Penguins are not confined to icy environments. South Africa is home to about 60,000 African penguins, while Namibia supports roughly 26,000. These birds live in temperate climates and depend heavily on sardine and anchovy stocks.

In Oceania, Australia has around 500,000 penguins, mainly Little Blue penguins and New Zealand hosts a similar number, including Yellow-eyed and Little Blue species.

The African penguin is, however, currently classified as endangered by the WWF, with populations declining sharply due to food shortages and human activity.

Countries like Brazil , with about 10,000 penguins, sit at the edges of penguin migration routes. These birds are often vulnerable, as they are far from core breeding grounds and more likely to be affected by changing ocean currents.

Penguins are indicator species. When their populations drop, it signals deeper problems in marine ecosystems. The World Wildlife Fund notes that protecting penguins means protecting fisheries, ocean biodiversity, and climate stability at the same time.

Sixteen provincial-level regions, including Xinjiang, Jiangxi and Hubei, recorded their highest temperatures on record since 1961, the agency said, reflecting the extent of the warming across the country.

Summer conditions were particularly severe. From June to August, the national average temperature stood at 22.3°C, also 1.1°C above normal and tied with 2024 as the hottest summer China has experienced in more than 60 years.

Alongside the rising heat, Beijing also logged its highest annual rainfall since 1961. Both the duration and total precipitation of the rainy season in northern China reached historic highs, highlighting the growing volatility of the country’s climate.

Emissions

The record warmth comes as China remains the world’s largest annual greenhouse gas emitter . In 2020, it released 12.3 billion tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent, accounting for 27% of global greenhouse gas emissions, according to data from the World Resources Institute’s CAIT database.

Despite its emissions profile, China continues to frame itself as “the world’s largest developing country” in international climate negotiations. 

Under the 2009 Copenhagen Accord, China committed to cut its carbon intensity by 40-45% from 2005 levels by 2020 and to source 15% of its energy from low-carbon sources. Its former climate envoy, Xie Zhenhua, has said carbon intensity fell by 48.4% by 2020, with non-fossil fuels accounting for 15.9% of primary energy consumption.

Countries including the United States have called for a reassessment of responsibilities between developed and developing nations, arguing that China’s status as an upper middle-income, and soon potentially high-income, economy should be reflected in its climate ambitions.

New support has been announced for rugby development across Samoa, Fiji and Tonga, highlighting the continued importance of the sport to Pacific identity, youth engagement and regional cooperation. The assistance is aimed at strengthening grassroots structures as well as elite pathways, ensuring that rugby continues to provide opportunities for social development, international representation and economic activity across the three island nations.

Veteran journalist raises concerns over Samoa’s proposed media rules

A senior journalist in Samoa, Autagavaia Tipi Autagavaia, has publicly questioned proposed changes to media regulations, warning that they could have implications for press freedom and journalistic independence. The concerns centre on how the new rules may affect reporting standards, oversight and the ability of the media to operate without undue restriction, sparking broader debate about transparency and democratic safeguards in the country.

Prime Minister calls for human rights to be part of everyday life in Samoa

Samoa’s Prime Minister La’aulialemalietoa Leuatea Polataivao Fosi Schmidt has urged citizens and institutions to treat human rights not as abstract principles but as values embedded in daily life. The call emphasises respect, inclusion and accountability across society, reinforcing the government’s commitment to aligning national development with fundamental rights and social justice.

Samoa releases its updated national climate plan

The Samoan government has released an updated national climate plan, outlining revised strategies to address climate change, resilience and sustainability. The plan reflects the country’s vulnerability to rising sea levels and extreme weather, while setting out policy priorities for adaptation, emissions reduction and international climate cooperation.

Prime minister meets with doctors and nurses on health sector priorities

The Prime Minister La’aulialemalietoa Leuatea Polataivao Fosi Schmidt has held discussions with doctors and nurses to address key issues within Samoa’s health sector. The meeting focused on workforce conditions, service delivery and strengthening healthcare systems, underscoring the government’s focus on improving public health outcomes and supporting frontline medical professionals.

Several areas in the Indian capital reached the maximum measurable AQI level of 500, including industrial zones such as Wazirpur, beyond which official monitoring systems do not register additional deterioration.

Data from the Central Pollution Control Board showed that by mid-afternoon, nearly all of Delhi’s active monitoring stations were in the “severe” pollution category, reflecting widespread exposure to hazardous air.

Authorities attributed the spike to unfavourable meteorological conditions, including weak winds and low temperatures, which trapped pollutants close to the ground and prevented dispersion.

In response, India’s Commission for Air Quality Management ordered the immediate suspension of all outdoor physical activities across Delhi and the surrounding National Capital Region, citing serious health risks, particularly for children.

The commission also enforced the strictest level of emergency pollution controls, including a blanket ban on construction and demolition activities, as part of its graded response plan.

Meanwhile, in Bangkok , average PM2.5 concentrations were reported at 26 micrograms per cubic metre on Saturday, below Thailand’s national safety threshold but still categorised as moderate in several districts.

Eastern and southern parts of the Thai capital recorded the highest readings, with some districts approaching the upper end of the moderate range, according to the city’s Air Quality Information Centre.

“Africans are paying the price for a crisis they did not create. These extremes are becoming the new global normal,” he said.

The president revealed that Kenya declared a national drought emergency in 20 counties just days ago, leaving citizens facing severe hunger and water shortages.

Ruto also cautioned that rapid changes driven by artificial intelligence , digital technology, and electrification could deepen global inequalities if not aligned with environmental protection and human dignity.

“If this transformation is not aligned with environmental protection, equity, and human dignity, we risk building a new high-tech economy on the old foundation of extraction, exclusion, and pollution,” he warned.

He called for a stronger, more coordinated role for the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), stressing that closer collaboration within the UN system is essential for “coherent, cost-effective, and inclusive” global environmental governance.

Ruto further highlighted Africa’s growing leadership in shaping climate solutions, noting the continent’s Climate Summits held in Nairobi (2023) and Addis Ababa (2025).

“[Africa] is not only a victim of the climate crisis, but a co-architect of global solutions,” he said.

More than 170 national delegations gathered in Nairobi for the UNEA session, held under the theme ‘Advancing Sustainable Solutions for a Resilient Planet.’

PM2.5 is particulate matter smaller than 2.5 micrometres in diameter, particularly dangerous as it can penetrate deep into a person’s lungs and enter their bloodstreams, bringing severe health risks.

The critics say four towers scattered across the city will barely touch the scale of the problem, and point out that pollution in the air doesn’t stay neatly around these intersections, it spreads city-wide.

Some ask: “Why not just plant more trees?” They’re low maintenance, don’t need electricity and can soak up CO2. However, whilst small particles can get trapped by their leaves, trees are far less effective at removing PM2.5 and PM10 particles from the air than these air purifiers.

Nonetheless, Jaipur's air pollution is continuing to worsen. This November, the Air Quality Index there was above 200, deemed a "severe" health risk, for 5 consecutive days. Across India, researchers say 1.7 million people die each year from diseases related to high PM2.5 levels. Winter brings the worst conditions , as less wind and cooler temperatures keep pollutants close to the ground.

Whilst new technologies may help at the margins, experts say India will ultimately need to address the root causes of its air pollution- like vehicle emissions, stubble burning, industrial output and thermal power plants.

These filters are one of several measures introduced by the Indian government to combat worsening air quality, says Devendra Goyal from NGO Enviro Concept, "the government is going to minimise the [use of] fossil fuels like coal and diesel, and start the work on solar green energy."

Still, analysts remain doubtful that India can cut pollution quickly enough to avoid escalating public frustration.

The latest breakdown, illustrated by The World in Maps, shows forested land ranging from less than 5% in some states to nearly 90% in others, casting light on the country’s environmental strengths, vulnerabilities, and responsibilities.

According to data from the U.S. Forest Service, states in the Southeast and Northeast top the charts. Maine leads the country with approximately 89% forest coverage, followed closely by New Hampshire at 79% and West Virginia at 79%. These densely forested states act as vital carbon sinks, absorbing millions of tons of CO₂ every year.

On the opposite end of the spectrum, Great Plains states such as North Dakota (2%), South Dakota (3%), and Nebraska (3%) have the lowest forest coverage in the nation. These areas are dominated by vast grasslands and agricultural regions, which play important ecological roles of their own, but absorb far less carbon than forest-heavy regions.

The Western U.S. presents a mixed picture. California has 33% forest coverage, though the state continues to battle massive wildfire seasons that have reduced forest density and threatened biodiversity.

Oregon (49%) and Washington (53%) remain among the most forested states, but both have experienced increasingly destructive fires driven by extreme heat and prolonged drought. The National Interagency Fire Centre reports that wildfire seasons are lasting longer and burning more acreage than ever before.

These patterns come into sharper focus amid urgent global discussions about climate resilience. Just this year, the United Nations called for accelerated reforestation efforts worldwide in response to rising temperatures and more frequent natural disasters.

The UN Environment Programme warns that deforestation worldwide accounts for nearly 11% of carbon emissions, making forest preservation and restoration an essential part of the climate fight.

In the U.S., forests contribute far more than scenic beauty. They support wildlife habitats, provide clean air, protect watersheds, and fuel rural economies. States with higher forest coverage, such as Georgia (67%) and Alabama (71%), rely heavily on sustainable timber industries. Meanwhile, states with lower coverage are exploring prairie conservation and agricultural sustainability to balance environmental needs.

“From the beginning, I did not doubt that we would make the best COP of all COPs,” Lula said.

He also underscored the event’s global visibility, insisting that major cities and governments now recognise Brazil’s leadership on climate and environmental issues. “Today, I am certain that China knows Belém. … Berlin knows Belém … Russia knows Belém,” he told reporters, adding that the summit had also captured attention within Brazil itself.

Lula singled out public engagement as one of the most striking features of this year’s edition. He welcomed the large-scale, orderly participation of activists involved in the “Summit of the Peoples,” a parallel mobilisation whose delegates submitted a consolidated climate action proposal to the government .

COP30 continues in Belém through late November, with organisers reporting some of the highest levels of civil society and Indigenous presence in the summit’s history.

The Nile, which stretches an extraordinary 6,650 km, remains not only the longest river in Africa but one of the longest on Earth. It threads through 11 countries, from Burundi and Uganda to Sudan and Egypt, forming the backbone of agriculture and life along its banks.

Nearly 300 million people depend directly on the Nile Basin for survival.

Flowing west to east, the Niger River, at 4,200 km, is the lifeline of West Africa, curving through Guinea, Mali, Niger and Nigeria before emptying into the Gulf of Guinea.

It supports millions of farmers and fishers and anchors some of the region’s largest urban centres. The Niger Basin Authority notes that the river sustains over 160 million people in nine countries.

In Central Africa, the Congo River runs 4,700 km, carving through one of the world’s largest rainforest ecosystems. It carries more water than any river in Africa and is second only to the Amazon globally.

The Congo Basin is home to over 80 million people and provides critical carbon storage for the planet, a fact repeatedly emphasised in global climate discussions.

To the south, the Zambezi River, which spans 2,600 km, crosses Zambia, Angola, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe and Mozambique. It is the river behind Victoria Falls and fuels major hydroelectric projects such as the Kariba and Cahora Bassa dams, which power much of southern Africa.

Despite the continent's numerous water resources, the Horn of Africa continues to experience climate-driven droughts alternating with destructive floods, which amplify tensions over Nile water rights.

Hydropolitics, the politics of water, is increasingly shaping diplomatic relations. The Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), for instance, remains a focal point of negotiation between Ethiopia, Sudan and Egypt.

At the highest end of the scale is Ankara, where snowfall probability reaches 99%, consistent with long-term observations from the Turkish State Meteorological Service, which documents regular annual snowfall in the Turkish capital.

Similarly, Tehran records a 97% likelihood of snow. Its position at the base of the Alborz Mountains has long made winter snowfall a normal occurrence in the Iranian capital.

By contrast, several Gulf capitals, including Riyadh, Abu Dhabi, Doha, and Muscat, are shown with no measurable chance of snow. Data from the World Bank Climate Change Knowledge Portal supports this assessment, with average winter temperatures in these cities staying far above freezing levels.

Between these climatic extremes lie countries such as Jordan and Iraq. Amman shows a 40% probability of receiving snow, reflecting both its elevation and its periodic winter storms.

Baghdad, listed at 7%, rarely records snowfall, though it did experience a notable event in early 2020, a weather anomaly widely covered at the time.

The World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) has reported that although global temperatures continue to rise, cold-air outbreaks and winter extremes remain possible due to climate variability and atmospheric disturbances.

"There is an 80% chance that at least one year between 2025 and 2029 will be warmer than the warmest year on record (currently 2024). And there is an 86% chance that at least one year will be more than 1.5°C above the pre-industrial level. The report does not give global predictions for individual years," WMO reports.

For centuries, the Dutch have reclaimed land from the sea using polders (enclosed tracts of drained land) and a complex network of dikes, canals, and pumping stations. The country’s lowest point, the Zuidplaspolder, sits about 6.76 meters below sea level.

Today, roughly 9 million people , more than half the population, live in areas that would flood without active water management.

The entire system is maintained by the “Delta Works,” a world-renowned flood defence network built after the devastating 1953 North Sea Flood that killed more than 1,800 people.

According to the Royal Netherlands Meteorological Institute ( KNMI ), sea levels along the Dutch coast are rising about 3 to 4 millimetres per year, roughly double the global average.

Land subsidence adds to the threat as parts of the west are sinking as peat soils dry and compact. The government’s Delta Programme 2025 warns that even a 1-meter sea-level rise could overwhelm existing defences by 2100, forcing massive infrastructure upgrades and potentially displacing thousands of residents.

Utrecht University researchers caution that a rise of 2 to 5 metres, which could occur in worst-case global warming scenarios, would make large parts of the Netherlands “unlivable” without dramatic adaptation.

The Netherlands’ situation is not isolated. From Venice to Bangladesh, low-lying regions face similar risks from sea-level rise and coastal flooding. Yet few countries have done as much as the Dutch to prepare.

Still, climate activists warn that even Dutch innovation has limits. Last week, artists installed red figures in Amsterdam’s canals to protest inaction on the climate crisis ahead of COP30 in Brazil, noting that “one-third of the Netherlands already lies below sea level.”

In theory, the higher a country’s vulnerability to climate change , the more aid it should receive. In practice, however, the study finds that this logic only applies to grants. For grants, higher climate vulnerability increased both the chance of selection and the amount of funding per capita.

For return-based instruments, the relationship was rather inverted, such that the more vulnerable a country, the less likely it was to receive loans or investments.

“Study results also underscore the continued value of grant funding, especially for countries with the greatest funding need where return-based investments are less likely, and the need to explore ways return-based instruments might succeed in high-need countries,” the study indicated.

Return-based instruments are typically used by development banks or private financiers who expect at least partial repayment. This, the study revealed, makes them risk-averse; in contrast, grants provided by public donors or multilateral agencies are driven by humanitarian and development goals, targeting the poorest and most exposed countries.

Grants dominate in Africa and Small Island Developing States (SIDS), which are highly vulnerable but considered financially risky.

The analysis, covering 124 countries across the Global South between 2013 and 2022, found that only about one-third of all projects actually targeted both climate adaptation and biodiversity protection together, even though the two goals are deeply interconnected.

The study, published in World Development, drew on data from 230 government and non-governmental funders, both bilateral and multilateral, tracking the flow of climate and nature aid. 

Of the 182,834 projects reviewed, about 55,900 aimed to address both climate adaptation and biodiversity. Yet only 6,200 treated both issues as core priorities; the rest treated one as a co-benefit of the other.

“Thirty percent of the 182,834 projects, climate and/or biodiversity projects explicitly sought to contribute to both climate adaptation and biodiversity objectives. Of these 55,907 projects, approximately 6,208 had both climate adaptation and biodiversity as their principal objective. Other projects had either climate adaptation or biodiversity as the principal objective and had the other as a significant objective,” the study found.

That means most projects still treat climate adaptation and biodiversity conservation as separate missions, despite increasing evidence that their success depends on one another.

The study said the link is clearest in two sectors, agriculture and environmental protection, which together accounted for roughly half of all dual-purpose projects. These areas, the authors suggested, offered the greatest potential for synergy, such as climate-smart agriculture, mangrove restoration, or forest-based carbon projects that support both ecosystems and livelihoods.

Most importantly, the study found that Asia dominated the climate funding between 2013 to 2022, with the top five recipients of climate adaptation finance being Bangladesh, India, Ethiopia, Indonesia and Vietnam.

Between 2013 and 2022, Bangladesh, India, Ethiopia, Indonesia, and Vietnam together received 25% of all international climate adaptation funding to the Global South , according to a new study published in World Development.

According to the study, "Thirty percent of the 182,834 projects climate and/or biodiversity projects explicitly sought to contribute to both climate adaptation and biodiversity objectives. Of these 55,907 projects, approximately 6,208 had both climate adaptation and biodiversity as their principal objective."

“Bangladesh, India, Ethiopia, Indonesia, and Vietnam were the top 5 recipients of climate adaptation funding. These 5 countries together make up for a quarter of the total funding during the study period,” the study found.

"Vietnam and India also appear in the top 5 of total biodiversity investments," the study also found.

Here is a breakdown of total climate adaptation investment, per capita adaptation investments, total biodiversity investments, per hectare biodiversity investments, and total mixed investments.

Bangladesh

The delta nation, crisscrossed by rivers and facing sea-level rise and cyclones, has long been the face of climate vulnerability. But it’s also been proactive.

Between 2013 and 2022, Bangladesh received a total of $2,882 million in climate adaptation funding; climate adaptation funding per capita of $17.63; total biodiversity funding of $654.5 million; biodiversity funding per hectare of $4,432, and total mixed funding of $471 million.

India

India ranks second with climate projects ranging from solar irrigation and urban cooling to water conservation and ecosystem restoration. India received climate adaptation funding of about $2,753 million; climate adaptation funding per capita of $1.996; total biodiversity funding of $2,929 million; biodiversity funding per hectare of $891.0; and total mixed funding $903.9 million.

The study indicated that "the differences between the top and bottom recipients of funding are large: average per capita investments of the top 10 countries over the period 2013–2022 are US$ 930, with Tuvalu receiving per capita funding as high as US$ 4257, compared to less than US$ 1 for the bottom 10 recipient countries."

Ethiopia

Ethiopia ranks third, and many of its projects focus on restoring degraded land and improving food security , areas that also generate biodiversity co-benefits.

The country received climate adaptation funding of about $2,600 million; climate adaptation funding per capita of $23.72; total biodiversity funding of $1,267 million; biodiversity funding per hectare of $1,115; and total mixed funding of $1,351 million.

But despite being one of Africa’s most climate-exposed nations, Ethiopia still receives far less per capita than smaller or more stable countries, showing that vulnerability alone doesn’t guarantee funding.

Indonesia :

With its vast tropical forests, peatlands, and coastlines, the country is both a carbon sink and a climate hotspot. Indonesia received climate adaptation funding of about $2,409 million; climate adaptation funding per capita of $9.029; total biodiversity funding of $1,320 million; biodiversity funding per hectare of $689.5; and total mixed funding of $781.1 million.

Further stating that "climate adaptation funding and biodiversity funding were strongly and positively correlated. This finding is supported by spatial analysis, which shows that countries receiving relatively high amounts of both climate adaptation funding per capita and biodiversity funding per hectare are roughly located around the equator."

Vietnam:

Home to one of the most polluted cities, Hanoi, Vietnam, receives the fifth-largest share of the global climate adaptation funding. Vietnam received $2.188 billion in total climate adaptation funding, equivalent to $23.33 per capita. It also received $1.526 billion in total biodiversity funding, or $4,606 per hectare in biodiversity funding. In total, it received $768.8 million.

The study, published in World Development, examined US$163 billion in climate adaptation funding and US$91 billion in biodiversity investments and found that Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), often described as the “ground zero” of global warming, lags far behind other regions in both the amount of money received and the likelihood of being selected for funding.

The researchers, Charissa Bosma, Lars Hein and Daniel C. Miller, found a paradox that countries that are most exposed to rising temperatures, drought, and floods are less likely to be chosen for climate adaptation projects than those with lower levels of vulnerability.

“Sub-Saharan Africa makes up for a bit more than one-third of funding flows for both objectives (37 and 35 percent, respectively). Roughly 40 percent of climate adaptation and 35 percent of biodiversity funding was invested in South Asia, East Asia, and the Pacific. Latin America received about one-quarter of the biodiversity funding, compared to 13 percent of the total climate adaptation funding. The Middle East and North Africa accounted for slightly less than 10 percent of adaptation funding and only 6 percent of the total biodiversity funding,” the study disclosed.

Even after accounting for regional and multi-country aid packages, Africa’s underfunding trend persisted. While regional programs exist, they have not been enough to offset the imbalance in country-level disbursements.

“These variations suggest that regional funding influences the magnitude of some estimates, but does not fundamentally alter the overall pattern of underfunding observed for Sub-Saharan Africa,” the study further stated.

However, the study further noted that one major factor shaping where the money goes is governance quality. Countries with stronger institutions, political stability, and regulatory quality were more likely to attract both climate and biodiversity funding, regardless of their vulnerability levels.

That means well-governed middle-income nations, such as Vietnam or Colombia, often attract more financing than poorer but highly vulnerable African countries. 

That figure is backed by the United States Department of Agriculture Foreign Agricultural Service (USDA FAS), which, in its “China: Fresh Deciduous Fruit Annual” report , estimates China’s apple production at approximately 48 MMT for the marketing year 2024/25.

By comparison, the graphic shows the European Union producing around 11.1 million t, the United States roughly 4.9 million t, Türkiye about 4.2 million t and India around 2.5 million t. These broadly match the USDA data, which states world apple production for 2024/25 is projected at about 84.0 million metric tons.

Why does this matter? The numbers reveal how dominant China has become in the apple market and suggest shifts in global fruit-trade flows. In China’s case, higher-yielding varieties and modern orchard practices are helping to maintain high production even as some older orchards are replaced or acreage consolidated.

At the same time, other major producers are facing headwinds. For instance, the EU’s apple crop is forecast to fall by more than a million tonnes in 2024 because of pollination problems and spring frosts.

These developments come amid broader global trends: changing consumer preferences, rising demand for healthy fresh produce, and supply chain challenges stemming from climate and trade dynamics. For example, as China boosts its own production, its imports of apples and other fruits may shift, affecting exporters around the world.

With climate-related risks such as droughts , frost, and unseasonal weather increasing, the production of apples is not immune to disruption. The USDA-FAS emphasises that while global apple production is expected to stay near 84 million metric tons in 2024/25, losses in some regions offset gains elsewhere.

The European Union (EU) and China are tied at the top, each producing around 140 million metric tonnes of wheat, solidifying their status as the world’s wheat powerhouses.

The global wheat landscape in numbers

The latest USDA report paints a clear picture of where the world’s wheat comes from. Here’s how the top 10 producers stack up (in 1,000 metric tonnes):

Together, these nations account for over 90% of global wheat output, underscoring how concentrated global production remains in just a handful of regions.

Wheat is one of the most important staple crops in the world — providing about 20% of global calorie intake. But in 2025, wheat’s role is more than just feeding people. It’s also at the centre of discussions on food security, climate resilience, and global trade stability.

Recent global developments — from conflicts in Eastern Europe to climate-related droughts and floods — have kept wheat in the spotlight. For example, Ukraine’s 23 million-tonne output continues to be affected by the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war, while Australia’s lower yields are tied to extended dry conditions linked to El Niño.

While Europe and China dominate, India’s expanding wheat production is closing the gap. The South Asian giant has invested heavily in high-yield seed varieties and irrigation infrastructure. However, with population growth and rising domestic demand, much of India’s wheat stays at home rather than entering the export market.

Russia and the United States remain critical exporters, supplying key markets in Africa and the Middle East. Meanwhile, Canada and Australia continue to set benchmarks for grain quality and sustainability, even as they face increasing climate risks.

The sharp decline has left boats stranded and large stretches of riverbed exposed, revealing piles of rubbish along the banks. Local fishermen report that the river continues to fall by five to seven centimetres each day. “In other years it dropped, but very little,” said one fisherman to Viory, “now it’s impressive how the river keeps dropping.”

Transport workers warn that the situation is crippling river-based commerce. Low water levels have forced the Naval Prefecture to impose restrictions on cargo capacity between Vallemí and Concepción, as navigation becomes increasingly difficult. Despite recent rainfall, local media report that the drought persists in the key areas feeding the river’s flow — a sign, experts say, of the growing vulnerability of South America ’s water systems amid changing climate patterns.

The country now produces an impressive 212 million metric tons (MMT) of milk annually, far surpassing the European Union’s 150 MMT and the United States’ 103 MMT.

The data, visualised by World Visualized, highlights the top global milk producers for 2025. After India, the European Union and the United States maintain their strong positions, followed by China (42 MMT), Russia (34 MMT), Brazil (28 MMT), New Zealand (22 MMT), the United Kingdom (16 MMT), Mexico (14 MMT), and Argentina (11 MMT).

India’s dominance is fuelled by a vast network of small-scale dairy farmers, many of whom rely on milk production as their primary source of income. The country’s decentralised dairy model, coupled with strong domestic demand, continues to drive growth. In contrast, the European Union ’s production is more export-oriented, while the United States relies on industrialised, high-efficiency systems that cater to both local and international markets.

Globally, milk production remains a key indicator of food security and economic stability. But in 2025, the industry faces mounting challenges. Climate change, trade tensions, and rising feed costs are reshaping dairy operations around the world.

Countries such as New Zealand and Brazil have experienced reduced yields due to droughts, while China is investing heavily in local production to reduce its dependency on imports.

In Europe, the “Green Deal” continues to push farmers toward more sustainable livestock practices, including reducing methane emissions. Meanwhile, the U.S. dairy industry is experimenting with innovation-led solutions, from low-emission feed to carbon-neutral farming, to meet growing consumer demand for environmentally responsible food.

Beyond production numbers, milk is deeply tied to global nutrition trends. The Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) reports a steady rise in dairy consumption, particularly in Asia and Africa, driven by rapid urbanisation and population growth.

However, shifting trade policies, geopolitical tensions, and climate-driven disruptions are all influencing how and where milk moves across borders. The Russia-Ukraine conflict, for instance, has affected agricultural supply chains in Europe, while changing relations between China and the United States continue to impact dairy trade flows.

The data in the image shows Cambodia at 16.6%, Vietnam at 11.9%, Myanmar at 20.8%, the Philippines at 9.1%, Indonesia at 12.6%, Thailand at 8.7%, and Malaysia at 8.2%. Some of these figures represent decreases from 2021; for example, Cambodia saw a drop of 6.2 percentage points, and Vietnam declined by 3.0 points.

These numbers come in line with World Bank data on the broader measure of agriculture, forestry, and fishing’s share of GDP globally.

As Southeast Asian economies grow and diversify, the share of agriculture in GDP often falls. That’s natural in development: the industry and services sectors tend to expand faster than farming. The image confirms that trend: many countries show declines between 2021 and 2024.

This doesn’t mean agriculture is unimportant, far from it. It remains vital for food security, rural employment, and exports. What the shrinking share often signals is that productivity improvements in nonfarm sectors are outpacing gains in agriculture.

A report from ISEAS notes that despite agriculture’s role in regional food systems and exports, it faces increasing pressures from trade volatility, land use change, and climate stress.

Climate change adds urgency to the picture. According to the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), in Southeast Asia, more than 100 million smallholder farmers depend on farming, yet they face increased heat, erratic rainfall, and extreme weather.

Between 2008 and 2018, natural disasters and climate extremes caused roughly USD 21 billion in production losses across the region.

These environmental pressures may further erode agriculture’s share of GDP if farmers can’t adapt, threatening livelihoods and food supply.

The World Bank is responding to these pressures by directing more financing to agribusiness and agriculture. In 2024, it announced it would double its agri-finance and agribusiness commitments to USD 9 billion annually by 2030.

This pivot aims to support technology, infrastructure , climate resilience, and better value chains in food systems.

One real-world example of agriculture’s power: In the Philippines, the sector rebounded sharply in 2025, driving the country’s fastest annual growth in some time. According to Reuters, the Philippines posted 5.5% year-on-year growth in Q2 2025, largely led by a 7% increase in agricultural output.

In a significant show of political cooperation, President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah and the All People’s Party (APP) have agreed to strengthen collaboration aimed at advancing Namibia’s socio-economic development agenda. The leaders highlighted shared priorities such as poverty reduction, youth empowerment, and equitable access to resources. This partnership underscores a growing recognition among Namibian political actors that cross-party alliances are essential to achieving long-term national goals. Observers see the collaboration as a strategic move that could consolidate stability ahead of the 2025 elections, signalling a shift toward a more consensus-driven political culture in the country.

President Nandi-Ndaitwah meets IPC leadership to foster dialogue

Continuing her outreach efforts, President Nandi-Ndaitwah met with leaders of the Independent Patriots for Change (IPC) to discuss strategies for inclusive governance and sustainable development. The meeting focused on aligning national development programs with community needs, especially in rural and underserved regions. Both sides emphasised the importance of transparency, accountability, and social cohesion. Analysts view this as part of the President’s broader effort to bridge political divides and ensure that diverse voices contribute to policymaking. The talks also reflected a deepening culture of political consultation that could define the early phase of Nandi-Ndaitwah’s administration.

Namibia and GCF to boost funding for youth climate projects

Namibia has announced a strategic collaboration with the Green Climate Fund (GCF) to expand financing for youth-led climate action initiatives. The partnership aims to empower young entrepreneurs and innovators developing sustainable solutions in renewable energy, waste management, and agriculture. President Nandi-Ndaitwah hailed the agreement as a landmark opportunity to align Namibia’s development agenda with its environmental commitments. The initiative also seeks to position Namibia as a regional leader in green innovation, supporting the country’s efforts to mitigate the effects of climate change while driving youth employment and capacity-building programs.

Procurement bill sparks corruption concerns, warns IPPR

The Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR) has raised alarms about the government’s proposed procurement bill, warning that it could inadvertently create loopholes for corruption if not carefully revised. The IPPR’s report argues that certain provisions may reduce oversight and transparency in public spending, particularly in state contracts. Civil society organisations have echoed these concerns, urging the government to consult widely before finalising the bill. The Ministry of Finance, however, maintains that the legislation will modernise procurement systems and improve efficiency. The debate highlights a growing public demand for accountability as Namibia continues to reform its governance frameworks.

ECN awards 2025 election ballot paper contract to South African firm

The Electoral Commission of Namibia (ECN) has awarded the 2025 national election ballot paper printing contract to a South African firm, a decision that has generated both interest and scrutiny. The ECN explained that the choice followed a transparent tender process and that the selected company demonstrated the capacity to meet security and delivery standards. Critics, however, have questioned the reliance on a foreign firm for such a sensitive task, suggesting that the government should prioritise local capability development. The ECN has defended its decision, assuring the public that all necessary measures will be taken to guarantee electoral integrity and efficiency.

Mongolia’s Prime Minister Gombojavyn Zandanshatar has issued a strong appeal to government officials, urging them to concentrate on their core duties and work toward preventing the nation’s growing weather-related hardships. The warning comes as the country faces another harsh seasonal cycle, with the potential of a dzud , the deadly winter phenomenon that kills livestock and devastates rural livelihoods, looming large. The Prime Minister emphasised that energy and resources should be directed toward supporting communities at risk, rather than getting caught up in political disputes.

Mayor Nyambaatar calls on enterprises to comply with Mongolia’s water law

In Ulaanbaatar, Mayor Nyambaatar has called on public and private enterprises to fulfil their obligations under the Law on Water of Mongolia, warning that non-compliance will no longer be tolerated. His statement highlights growing environmental concerns over unsustainable water use, especially as urban expansion continues to strain resources. The mayor pointed out that many industries, particularly in construction and manufacturing, have failed to implement water conservation and recycling systems. This negligence, he noted, directly affects the city’s ability to maintain clean and accessible water for residents. Nyambaatar’s administration plans to conduct audits and impose penalties on enterprises that ignore their environmental responsibilities.

Judicial council elects new judges in third session

Mongolia’s Judicial General Council held its third session, during which several new judges were elected, a move aimed at strengthening the independence and efficiency of the nation’s legal system. The appointments are part of an ongoing effort to modernise the judiciary and restore public trust following concerns over corruption and political interference in the courts. The new judges are expected to bring renewed focus on transparency and procedural fairness. Legal experts have welcomed the move, noting that fresh appointments can help balance workloads and enhance case management, particularly in regional courts.

President Khurelsukh to pay a state visit to India

In a significant diplomatic step, President U. Khurelsukh is set to embark on a state visit to the Republic of India, further strengthening bilateral relations between the two Asian democracies. The visit aims to deepen cooperation in trade, renewable energy, mining, and regional security. Mongolia and India have long shared strong cultural and historical ties, rooted in Buddhism and mutual respect. Recent years have seen growing collaboration under the “Strategic Partnership” framework, with India supporting Mongolia in key areas such as digital infrastructure, energy transition, and education.

Despite this overwhelming lead, global banana markets are facing turbulence—from extreme weather to rising trade frictions and disease outbreaks.

The FAO Banana Market Review 2024 reports that global banana exports dipped slightly last year, hit by droughts, floods, and outbreaks of the Fusarium TR4 fungus.

Exporters like Ecuador and the Philippines suffered most, while producers such as India and Nigeria, whose bananas are largely consumed domestically, remained resilient.

Meanwhile, major trade tensions are brewing. Colombia, one of the top exporters, is lobbying the U.S. to remove a 10 % tariff on its bananas to stay competitive with Latin American rivals enjoying better trade access.

The climate crisis is also now the greatest long-term threat to the fruit’s future. Research warns that two-thirds of Latin American banana-growing regions could become unsuitable by 2080 due to heat stress and rainfall volatility.

At the same time, Ecuador’s export sector faces a new security challenge of drug traffickers using banana containers for smuggling, a phenomenon dubbed “narco-bananas”

With over 150 million tonnes produced globally, the banana remains the world’s most popular fruit, but also one of the most fragile. FAO experts predict modest output growth in 2025, tempered by tighter export margins and climate volatility.

According to recent data confirmed by the Energy Institute’s Statistical Review of World Energy 2025, a surprising number of nations, particularly in Africa, have overwhelmingly renewable electricity grids.

Here are the top 10 countries with the highest share of renewable electricity production:

What these numbers show is that countries often overlooked in global energy conversations are, in fact, global leaders when it comes to renewable reliance. Much of this dominance comes from hydropower, supported in some cases by biomass and smaller-scale solar and wind systems.

In places like DR Congo and Ethiopia, vast river systems provide clean electricity, while in Kenya and Tanzania, investments in geothermal and hydropower have transformed their national energy profiles.

The 2025 Statistical Review of World Energy highlights the significance of these shifts in a broader global context. Worldwide, energy demand rose by around 2% in 2024, but electricity demand grew even faster at nearly 4%, creating pressure to expand capacity quickly.

For the first time, low-carbon electricity sources (renewables plus nuclear) accounted for more than 40% of global electricity production, thanks largely to record additions of solar and wind. Yet fossil fuels continue to rise in absolute terms, showing the world is still in a difficult transition phase.

Africa’s dominance in renewable share is not just about resources, but also about constraints. Many of these nations lack the infrastructure to rely heavily on coal, oil, or gas. Electricity demand is relatively low compared to industrialised economies, which means that even modest renewable installations can supply the majority of power.

At the same time, dependence on hydropower makes these systems vulnerable to drought and climate variability, raising questions about resilience and reliability.

Globally, the conversation around renewables is moving beyond capacity building to issues of finance, policy, and grid integration. Recent news reflects a major pact cut public funding for fossil fuels by as much as 78% in 2024, while clean energy investments in 2025 are projected to reach $2.2 trillion, nearly double fossil fuel financing.

South America actually stretches farther from north to south than its northern counterpart, 5,100 kilometres compared to North America’s 4,300 kilometres.

South America’s sheer length, from the Caribbean coast of Colombia to the windswept southern tip of Chile and Argentina, makes it one of the most geographically diverse regions on Earth.

Within its span lie the dense Amazon rainforest, the soaring Andes mountains, and the icy reaches of Patagonia. This unique diversity has positioned South America as a central player in environmental and economic debates.

The Amazon, often referred to as the “lungs of the planet,” is crucial in the fight against climate change, yet it faces escalating threats from deforestation and rising global temperatures.

Meanwhile, the continent’s natural resources, particularly lithium reserves in the Andes, have placed it at the heart of the renewable energy transition and the race for green technology supply chains.

North America, while shorter in length, holds its own place of prominence. From the Arctic archipelagos of Canada down to the tropical lowlands of Panama, it encompasses a vast array of ecosystems in its 4,300 kilometres.

Its influence, however, extends far beyond geography. The continent remains central to global trade and politics, with U.S. elections and policy decisions echoing across the world .

The economic and political weight of North America complements its diverse landscapes, from boreal forests to deserts and tropical regions.

This lopsided distribution arises largely because the Northern Hemisphere contains more landmass, including Asia, Europe, most of North America, and a large portion of Africa, which in turn supports dense urbanisation, infrastructure, and economic activity.

When you see that 87% number, it’s more than a curious statistic; it underscores how global power, investment, and influence tend to cluster. Countries with massive populations like China, India, the United States, and most of Europe all lie north of the Equator. Their sheer demographic weight drives innovation, consumption, and geopolitics.

Because so many people and economies are concentrated in one half of the planet, the Northern Hemisphere often commands more attention in global policy, infrastructure, and climate response. Investments in logistics, digital infrastructure, energy grids, and finance tend to gravitate toward where the demand and population are.

Meanwhile, countries in the Southern Hemisphere, though rich in natural resources and biodiversity, often face challenges of remoteness, lower infrastructure density, and lesser influence in some global forums.

In 2025, the weight of Northern Hemisphere populations carries fresh implications in a world grappling with climate change , supply-chain stress, geopolitical competition, and migration pressures.

Consider climate risk: coastal megacities in the Northern Hemisphere, from New York to Mumbai to Tokyo, host hundreds of millions of people living in low-lying zones vulnerable to sea level rise. Governments must plan infrastructure resilience precisely where the most people live.

On trade and supply chains, disruptions in Asia, Europe, or North America can ripple far and wide, because so much of global manufacturing, consumption, and transport passes through northern hubs. When China or Europe issues a supply chain warning, it tends to cascade faster.

In a notable international development, U.S. Senator Ted Cruz officiated the signing of a USTDA grant agreement with Terra Metals Inc. and Metalex Commodities to support Zambia’s Kazozo Copper–Cobalt Project. While the project is located in Zambia, Bhutanese observers are watching closely as such initiatives influence global commodity prices and the critical minerals market, sectors that indirectly affect Bhutan’s trade balance and its own aspirations to diversify its economy beyond hydropower.

biBerk offers guidance on storm damage insurance

Business insurance provider biBerk has published detailed insights on preparing for storm damage, emphasising the steps businesses should take before and after severe weather events. Bhutan’s policymakers and private sector stakeholders have been increasingly interested in risk-mitigation tools as the country faces intensifying monsoon seasons and climate change–related disasters, making this guidance particularly relevant to local enterprises and insurers.

THREE business insurance outlines risk management essentials

Another major development in the business sector is THREE Business Insurance’s release of a comprehensive guide on risk management, business insurance essentials, and common mistakes to avoid. This comes at a time when Bhutan is pushing to strengthen its SME sector as part of its economic recovery and modernisation strategy, underscoring the need for robust risk protection mechanisms.

Rule of law as a foundation for governance reform

A key policy discussion this week focused on the necessity of adhering to international rule of law standards to create a fair and transparent governance system. For Bhutan, which is known for its constitutional monarchy and Gross National Happiness framework, the conversation reinforces its ongoing judicial and administrative reforms aimed at strengthening public trust and aligning with global norms.

Bhutan engages in the 3rd Indo-Pacific economic conclave

Bhutan participated in the 3rd Indo-Pacific Economic Conclave, underscoring its growing engagement with regional and global economic forums. The discussions at the conclave covered trade facilitation, infrastructure development, and strategies for sustainable growth in the Indo-Pacific region. For Bhutan, participation in such events is critical to integrating its small but strategically located economy into wider economic corridors.

The High-Level General Debate begins Tuesday, September 23, where world leaders deliver keynote addresses.

Tradition and protocol determine who speaks first. By long-standing custom, Brazil opens the General Debate, followed by the United States as host. After those two, the order generally follows the rank of the speaker (heads of state, heads of government, etc.) and the time of registration requests.

This year’s first five speakers include:

These leaders are expected to set the tone for the assembly, highlighting their national priorities and how these align (or clash) with global concerns.

The opening five speakers are not only symbolic because of order—they represent different regions with distinct pressures. Brazil, leading as the first speaker, faces issues such as deforestation, the Amazon, and balancing economic growth with environmental responsibility.

The U.S. speech under President Trump will likely underscore immigration, national security, and U.S. views on multilateral cooperation. Indonesia, Turkey, and Peru each bring their own domestic and regional challenges; political stability, human rights, and climate vulnerability that also tie into global debates.

What is driving UNGA80?

UNGA80 is unfolding at a moment of global tensions and accelerating challenges. The war in Gaza and conflict in Ukraine loom large, demanding urgent attention from member states. Climate change , technology ethics (especially around AI), gender equality, and human rights remain high on the agenda.

Another urgent theme is institutional reform of the UN itself. Secretary-General António Guterres is pushing through a wide set of proposals (sometimes referred to as “UN80”) aimed at boosting UN effectiveness in peace, security, and human rights work. These are being closely watched and contested.

Gender equality and the role of women in leadership are also front and centre. UN Women, among other bodies, is hosting events reflecting on gains over the past decades, as well as warning of pushback. The 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration & Platform for Action will be marked.