Environment

The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) has confirmed that 2025 ranked as one of the three warmest years on record, underscoring the relentless grip of human-driven climate change even amid natural cooling influences.

Once feared extinct, the tiger (Panthera tigris) now stands as a symbol of India’s ecological resurgence. But as the national survey gains momentum, scientists and forest officials warn that habitat space, prey availability and human pressures could test future gains.

The holding centres often lack necessities like water and sanitation, and the people held there are lucky if they even receive two meals a day, as food stocks are often too low to supply enough meals. The need for blankets and winter kits is increasing.

The meeting also reviewed management of construction and demolition (C&D) waste, with emphasis on designating C&D waste sites, stopping demolition activities during peak pollution periods, and partnering recycler associations for scientific disposal.

The funds, primarily structured as low-interest concessional loans through Germany's development bank KfW, will target key priority areas aligned with India's ambitious climate goals and the broader framework of the Green and Sustainable Development Partnership (GSDP), launched in 2022.

A groundbreaking new report by the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD) reveals that the region requires approximately USD 12.065 trillion from 2020 to 2050 to adequately fund climate adaptation and mitigation efforts.

One of the starkest examples is Imja Lake in Nepal’s Everest region. Until the 1960s, it was only a relatively small pool of meltwater high in the mountains.

Bangladesh ranks among the world’s most climate‑vulnerable countries while contributing less than one per cent of global GHG emissions, facing recurring climate induced disasters that damage agriculture, infrastructure and livelihoods, with annual climate finance needs estimated at over USD 26 billion, especially for adaptation and loss and damage.