UN Study shows increasing risks of forest fires in Asia . . .
A study released Wednesday by the United Nations Environment Program shows how climate change and land-use change will make wildfires worldwide more frequent and severe in the years ahead. The report says the risks of uncontrollable and extreme wildfires in arid areas, such as the devastating Australian bushfire in 2019-2020, will be twice as likely by the end of the century. The report concludes that even previously unaffected areas such as tropical forests in Southeast Asia and the Pacific will be at risk of increased wildfires if greenhouse gas emissions do not stop increasing.
Perceptions on fighting climate change vary by region . . .
While the effects of climate change will impact everyone, a recent World Economic Forum survey shows significant differences in perceptions across the globe. For example, consumers in East and South Asia have a similar perception regarding the role of their governments in fighting climate change, with only about 40 per cent of respondents seeing their governments’ efforts to protect the environment as satisfying, compared to 60 per cent globally. But respondents from both regions regard their individual responsibility differently: South Asian consumers rank highest globally for feeling responsible for taking action as individuals, at 84 per cent, versus 57 per cent for East Asians, and 64 per cent globally. South Asian consumers are also more concerned than consumers in East Asia about wildlife decline and plastic pollution.
Fiji takes action . . .
The impacts of climate change in Asia are already visible, especially in the Pacific, where many island nations are in danger of disappearing. Fiji is already taking action by relocating dozens of villages in the southern part of the island at risk of disappearing underwater. And to help and empower children to be more respectful of their environment, a group of Fiji-based authors has created a 10-book adventure series for children that tells the islands’ own stories related to the effect of climate change. Authorities want to ensure children in Fiji remain engaged as they see their future leadership on this issue as the region’s only hope.
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