Our Blogs

The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change published a new synthesis report yesterday. The document is significant because it was commissioned by 195 governments, and the summary was agreed upon line by line. It is a universally acknowledged fact and a shared foundation for future action.

The report's findings are both terrifying and overly familiar. Every region is suffering from "widespread adverse effects." Almost half of the world's population is "highly vulnerable" to the effects of climate change. The expected consequences will be severe. It comes to the conclusion that there is a "rapidly closing window of opportunity" to secure a livable future.

The report also outlines what we must do now. The UN secretary general, António Guterres, called it a "guide to defuse the climate timebomb". The message is familiar: immediate and deep reductions in greenhouse gas emissions in all sectors, with net zero carbon dioxide emissions by the early 2050s, using known "feasible and effective" solutions.

However, what good is another report? Of course, it's a good stick to beat governments and corporations that aren't doing enough on climate change, whether at the ballot box, in court, or in public opinion.

However, this report will also be used to prepare for the next UN climate talks, known as Cop28, which will be held in the United Arab Emirates in November and December. These are critical discussions for two reasons.

First, they are hosted by a petrostate, and the Cop28 president is Sultan Al Jaber, the CEO of the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company during the day. With an oil state and an oil man in charge, the entire UN process's credibility is jeopardised unless there is a strong agreement that is consistent with the new synthesis report. Cop28 is set to be a global showdown between oil interests and a livable future, with unprecedented clarity.

Second, countries agreed to assess their collective progress towards meeting the Paris agreement's goals on a regular basis. At Cop28, the first "global stocktake" will be completed. It will cover progress on emissions reductions, adaptation to climate change impacts, and the financing required for these efforts.

Cop28 will demonstrate whether the world's governments are willing to publicly confront the obvious failures that will be revealed - and change course.

Is there any hope for a breakthrough? There has been movement within the confines of the UN talks. The final text of Cop26 in Glasgow included a "phase out" of the use of coal. In the final moments, India and China objected rightly, in my opinion, because they use more coal to generate electricity, whereas the US and EU use more fossil gas. The compromise was a less stringent "phasing out" of coal use (unless its emissions are captured).

Given the magnitude of the climate crisis, this episode may appear arcane and feeble. Nonetheless, after 26 years of negotiations, the genie of publicly naming fossil fuels as the problem was finally released.

Last year, India arrived at Cop27 with a call to "phase out" all fossil fuels. While not included in the final agreement, I heard that close to 80 countries agreed to this proposal during the closed negotiations. This year at Cop28, it is possible that enough countries will coerce the remaining countries into agreeing to phase out all fossil fuels as the only credible response to scientists' warnings. Global civil society will be central to such a pact, loudly demanding this as a key demand.

In practice, this would imply that Cop28 would demand that countries submit improved climate plans covering now to 2030, as well as plans covering 2030 to 2035 that are consistent with rapidly phasing out fossil fuel use before 2050.

The second potential breakthrough involves finance. In one way, the Cop27 talks in Egypt were remarkable: the global south came together like never before. The group known as the G77 plus China demanded that the global north pay for the devastation caused by extreme weather events caused by climate change. They obtained a loss and damage fund by banding together. The global south could do it again when it comes to financing the energy transition.

The order is important here. Finance must be prioritised. There is widespread scepticism in the global south that sufficient financing will be available to ensure a rapid and just energy transition. Critically, the current clean-to-dirty energy investment ratio is 1.5 to 1, but it needs to be 9 to 1 by 2030.

The Coalition of Finance Ministers for Climate Action will meet next month in Washington, DC, to see how serious the global north is about raising the trillions required. Will the United States, the European Union, and the United Kingdom work hard to transform the International Monetary Fund, the World Bank, and the larger international financial architecture in order to mobilise resources on the scale required?

The United Nations climate talks are only one component of the solution to the climate crisis. Indeed, what is happening elsewhere is one of the few constant sources of hope. Millions are fighting fossil fuel development in a variety of ways, including direct action, legal action, and climate diplomacy. Every fraction of a degree is significant. According to yesterday's synthesis report, "the choices and actions implemented this decade will have consequences now and for thousands of years." Let us make those actions matter.

Source: theguardian.com

MISSOULA, Mont. (AP) — In a speech Tuesday, a virologist and associate professor at Montana State University will discuss her scientific journey and the findings of her honeybee research programme.

The Distinguished Lecturer Series is sponsored by the Provost.

Michelle Flenniken will present her laboratory's findings, which include new viruses and honeybee antiviral defences.

The lecture begins at 7 p.m. in the Hager Auditorium of the Museum of the Rockies.

MSU made the following announcement:

Michelle Flenniken, a virologist and associate professor at Montana State University, will present findings from her laboratory, including the discovery of new viruses and honeybee antiviral defences, on March 21 as part of the 2022-23 Provost's Distinguished Lecturer Series.

Flenniken is the co-director of MSU's Pollinator Health Center and a member of the Department of Plant Sciences and Plant Pathology in the College of Agriculture. "A Serendipitous Scientific Path to Honeybee Virology," her lecture, is free and open to the public. It will begin at 7 p.m. in the Hager Auditorium of the Museum of the Rockies, followed by a reception.

"Honeybees are important plant pollinators, including those that produce fruit, nuts, and vegetables," Flenniken explained. "Unfortunately, since 2008, annual honeybee colony losses in the United States have averaged around 38%, with virus infections contributing to those losses."

According to her, Montana is an important state for beekeeping and honey production. The state provides approximately 200,000 colonies for pollination services, including for almond crops in California, and is consistently ranked among the top five honey producing states in the United States. Flenniken also mentioned that her lab team is well-versed in the molecular biology techniques required to detect, quantify, and discover bee viruses.

"The long-term goal of our lab's research is to reduce virus-related losses of these important pollinators." "She stated. "

Her current research team consists of two graduate students and two undergraduate students. In the last decade, around 20 undergraduate students have been involved with Flenniken's research, which is largely funded by peer-reviewed federal grants, she said.

Flenniken became interested in honeybees while doing postdoctoral work at the University of California, which coincided with the onset of high colony losses in the United States.

"I read about honey bee losses and became interested in this understudied area that combined both of my interests, human health and environmental health," she explained. "Honeybee virology was also a research topic that I knew I could take to a land-grant university and conduct research to address a global problem."

Flenniken claims that bees have a unique immune system. While at MSU, she assisted in the identification of several previously unknown viruses affecting bees and collaborated with research organisations such as the US Department of Agriculture and the Montana Department of Agriculture. She was awarded the prestigious National Science Foundation CAREER Award for early-career researchers in 2017.

Flenniken also teaches genetics and virology courses, and she hopes to inspire students to be curious and think about how they can apply what they learn to address important challenges. She wants to instill confidence in them so that they can pursue their own scientific goals, just as she did.

"This lecture is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and I hope that young people in attendance leave feeling like they, too, can be scientists," she said. 

"I also want to emphasise the importance of honeybees and other pollinators, as well as show attendees more examples of the exciting science going on at Montana State."

Source: nbcmontana.com

The UAE is leading an initiative to put youth at the forefront of the fight against climate change. The country will fund the attendance of 100 international youth delegates to the crucial Cop28 climate summit in Dubai. It will prioritise those from the world's least developed countries, small island developing states, indigenous peoples, and other minority groups.

Dr Sultan Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology and President-designate of Cop28, unveiled the drive on Wednesday at Expo City Dubai, where he addressed climate activists, determined individuals, foreign dignitaries, and business leaders at Al Wasl Plaza.

"I am delighted to announce the International Youth Climate Delegate Programme for Cop28," said Dr Al Jaber, whose role it is to guide and shape the critical talks.

"This initiative will give a special focus to least developed countries and small island states. "It will also provide all participants with training, resources, and the opportunity to advocate on behalf of their countries and communities," he added.

"We may not know what the future holds, but we do know who does. It is you, our children."

Creating Change, The initiative will be led by the Cop28 Youth Climate Champion team in collaboration with Youngo, the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change's youth arm. Its goal is to ensure that youth perspectives are at the centre of global policymaking and to serve as a role model for future Cops.

Those who make the cut will have a front-row seat to climate negotiations, a better understanding of the Cop process, and the opportunity to participate in the crucial talks. Participants must be between the ages of 18 and 35, show a commitment to climate issues, and ideally have prior experience in the field. The application period began on Wednesday and will end on April 7. Anyone interested in applying can do so at www.cop28.com.

"Everywhere I go, I make a point of meeting young people, and I'm always encouraged by what I hear," Dr. Al Jaber said.

"You want to be a part of it. You want to be a part of it. You want to make a contribution. You want to make an impact."

Dr Al Jaber also called on all parties of the UNFCCC to "include young people in your delegations and give them the opportunity to participate in a meaningful way".

It happened on the same day that the UAE officially fired the starting gun for the journey to Cop28. With only eight months until the key climate summit from November 30 to December 12, the day-long event at Expo City Dubai sought to build momentum.

The challenge to cut emissions was outlined in a conversation between Shamma Al Mazrui, Minister of Community Development and Cop28 Youth Climate Champion; Razan Al Mubarak, UN Climate Change High-level Champion; Mariam Al Mheiri, Minister of Climate Change and Environment; and Shreya KC, a Nepalese representative for Youngo, the UNFCCC's official youth arm.

They also discussed how environmental protection measures are critical to the fight and how those most vulnerable to climate change must be heard at the summit.
 

Workshops and discussions, In keeping with the announcement, the event focused heavily on youth. Climate workshops for school children, youth debates on climate change, a sustainable marketplace, farming and cooking stations, and an intergenerational dialogue with senior citizens were all part of the event.

It drew participation from schools, universities, youth climate advocates, sustainable farmers, and other key players in order to galvanise action ahead of the critical climate talks.

"As future leaders, scientists, entrepreneurs, and climate activists, your energy and youth will make a difference," Dr. Al Jaber told the Al Wasl Plaza audience.

"Learn everything you can about the climate crisis. Bring your passion, focus, and courage to the task of turning that challenge into an opportunity. You have the power to transform problems into opportunities. We rely on you to help us achieve real results. Let us join forces to connect minds and co-create a better future for all."

The Cop climate summit in Egypt last year resulted in the establishment of a loss and damage fund to assist developing countries in dealing with the consequences of climate change. However, questions about how it will operate and who will contribute to the fund will be addressed at Cop28.

The Dubai summit will also seek to accelerate progress on emissions reductions and increase funding for adaptation measures. It will also include what is known as a "global stocktake" for the first time. This will be the first assessment of global progress in addressing climate change since the Paris agreement in 2015.

All of these climate talks are laying the groundwork for a difficult summit beginning in November.

Source: thenationalnews.com

Blackberry honey is a unique and intriguing variety of honey that has captured the attention of people all around the world. For centuries, honey has been utilised for its medicinal and nutritional properties, and blackberry honey is no exception. This monofloral honey type is collected by honeybees from the nectar of blackberry blossoms, resulting in a flavour that is complex and rich. The sweetness of the honey is delicately balanced by the tartness of the blackberry, creating a taste that is both bold and refined.

Apart from its delightful taste, it is also known for its numerous health benefits: 

It is rich in antioxidants and antibacterial properties that can help to boost the immune system and prevent infections. 

Additionally, it contains vitamins and minerals that can help to promote healthy digestion, reduce inflammation, and improve overall well-being.

Blackberry honey has played a significant role in various cultures around the world:

In some parts of Europe, for instance, blackberry honey is regarded as a delicacy and is often used as a gourmet ingredient in recipes. 

In other regions, such as China and Japan, it is used in traditional medicine for its therapeutic properties. 

In fact, blackberry honey has been utilised for centuries in traditional medicine practices as a natural remedy for a variety of ailments, including sore throats, coughs, and even skin conditions.

In this blog, we will delve into the cultural significance of blackberry honey in different regions of the world and explore its use in traditional medicine and folklore. We will examine the various ways in which blackberry honey has been used throughout history and highlight some of the unique characteristics that make it such a valuable and sought-after type of honey. By the end of this post, you will have a deeper appreciation for this exquisite honey and its many health benefits.

It is mainly produced in North America, Europe, and Asia: 

Wild blackberry honey is the most sought-after variety, as it is harvested from wild blackberry bushes that grow in natural habitats. Raw blackberry honey is also highly valued as it retains all its natural enzymes and nutrients. Blackberry honey is darker in colour than most other types of honey and has a distinctive taste that is both sweet and tangy.

In North America, It is primarily produced in the Pacific Northwest and the eastern United States. It is widely used in traditional medicine as a natural remedy for sore throats, coughs, and colds. In fact, many people swear by blackberry honey as a natural alternative to cough syrup. It is also used to soothe and heal wounds, burns, and other skin irritations.

Blackberry honey is also used in Native American cultures as a ceremonial food. The Cherokee people, for example, use blackberry blossom honey in their sacred ceremonies, as they believe it has the power to purify the body and soul. It is also used in traditional Native American medicine to treat a wide range of ailments, including arthritis, stomach problems, and even cancer.

In Europe, blackberry honey is produced primarily in the Mediterranean region, where blackberry bushes are abundant. It is highly valued for its flavour and is often used as a sweetener in desserts and baked goods. In some parts of Europe, it is also used as a natural remedy for digestive problems and is believed to have anti-inflammatory properties.

In the Middle East and Asia, it is also highly valued for its medicinal properties. In traditional Chinese medicine, blackberry blossom honey is used to treat coughs, sore throats, and other respiratory problems. It is also used to improve digestion and boost the immune system.

In India, It is used in Ayurvedic medicine, which is one of the world's oldest systems of medicine. Ayurvedic practitioners use blackberry blossom honey to treat a wide range of ailments, including arthritis, diabetes, and heart disease. It is also believed to have a calming effect on the mind and body and is often used in meditation practices.

In conclusion, It is a unique and highly valued variety of honey that is used in traditional medicine and folklore in many different parts of the world. Its rich, complex flavour and numerous health benefits have made it a favourite among honey lovers and health enthusiasts alike. Whether used as a natural remedy for sore throats and coughs or as a sweetener in baked goods and desserts, blackberry honey has a special place in the hearts and minds of people all over the world. So the next time you come across a jar of blackberry.

In honey bees (Apis cerana), undertakers perform "undertaking behaviour" to remove dead bodies. The undertakers rely on a signal associated with death to perform this behaviour. However, it remains unclear how undertakers instantly recognize dead honey bees.

In a study published in the Entomologia Generalis journal, researchers from the Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden (XTBG) of the Chinese Academy of Sciences investigated signals used by undertakers to detect death in honey bees. They compared body temperature and CHEs of living and dead bees using semi-volatile sampling, GC, and GC-MS. They then analysed how body temperature affects CHEs using thermal imaging and simulation.

The researchers also tested the antennal perception of bees toward specific cuticular hydrocarbons (CHCs) using GC-electroantennographic detection. They performed inhibition and release bioassays with synthetic CHCs and other honey bee pheromones, as well as heating apparatus. 

The removal of body parts is related to the cuticle area, not specific to the gland; life/death signals are cuticular in origin; major chemical differences between live and dead bees are low levels of CHEs in dead bees. In addition, temperature and vapour pressure analyses indicated that body heat-induced CHE was responsible for inhibiting undertaking behaviour. Bioassays with heating apparatus, CHC regulation, and cross pheromone addition confirmed that body heat-induced CHE was responsible for inhibiting undertaking behaviour.

In this study, dead bees were removed at different speeds depending on the amount of wax on their bodies. The removal was dose-dependent, and bees with lower CHEs were removed faster. Other tactile or non-volatile cues, which were always included in controls, showed no inhibition. 

"This study confirms that CHEs are a useful life signal for sensitive and straightforward death recognition used by undertakers,"said Wen Ping, the first author of the study.

Source: phys.org

Honey has been used for its medicinal properties for centuries, and raw chestnut honey is no exception. This unique type of honey has a rich, dark colour and a distinctive flavour that sets it apart from other varieties of honey. But what makes chestnut honey so special, and how can it be used to treat respiratory and digestive ailments?

First, let's take a closer look at chestnut honey itself. This type of honey is produced by bees that collect nectar from the flowers of chestnut trees. The resulting honey has a higher mineral content than other types of honey, including potassium, magnesium, and zinc. It also contains antioxidants, which can help to protect the body against oxidative stress.

One of the key benefits of chestnut honey is its antibacterial properties. Studies have shown that it can be effective against a range of bacteria, including Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. This makes it a valuable tool in the fight against respiratory and digestive infections, which are often caused by bacterial overgrowth.

In traditional medicine, chestnut honey has been used to treat a variety of respiratory ailments, including coughs, colds, and bronchitis. Its antibacterial properties help to fight off the infection that is causing the symptoms, while its soothing properties help to relieve inflammation and irritation in the respiratory tract.

To use chestnut honey for respiratory ailments, it is best to take it raw, either on its own or mixed with warm water or tea. Raw chestnut honey is unprocessed, which means that it retains all of its beneficial properties. It is also important to choose a high-quality honey that has not been adulterated with other substances.

In addition to its respiratory benefits, chestnut honey is also beneficial for digestive health. It has been shown to be effective against Helicobacter pylori, a type of bacteria that can cause stomach ulcers and other digestive problems. By killing off this bacteria, chestnut honey can help to relieve the symptoms of digestive ailments and promote overall digestive health.

To use chestnut honey for digestive ailments, it is best to take it raw, either on its own or mixed with warm water or tea. It can also be used as a natural sweetener for foods and drinks, which can help to reduce the amount of sugar and artificial sweeteners in your diet.

Apart from respiratory and digestive ailments, chestnut honey has been used for various other health conditions in traditional medicine. For example, it has been used to treat skin infections, wounds, and burns. The antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties of chestnut honey can help to prevent infections and promote healing in damaged skin.

Chestnut honey can also be used as a natural remedy for allergies. It contains small amounts of pollen from the chestnut tree, which can help to desensitise the body to other types of pollen. This can help to reduce the severity of allergy symptoms, such as runny nose, sneezing, and itchy eyes.

In addition to its medicinal properties, chestnut honey is also a delicious and versatile ingredient in cooking and baking. Its rich, nutty flavour makes it a popular choice for drizzling over toast, yogurt, or oatmeal. It can also be used to sweeten tea or coffee, or as a glaze for meats and vegetables.

When purchasing chestnut honey, it is important to choose a high-quality product that has not been adulterated with other substances. Look for raw chestnut honey, which has not been processed or heated, as this will retain all of the beneficial properties of the honey. You can also look for organic or unprocessed honey, which is less likely to contain pesticides or other harmful additives.

Overall, chestnut honey is a unique and valuable ingredient that can be used for both medicinal and culinary purposes. Its antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties make it an effective natural remedy for respiratory and digestive ailments, as well as other health conditions. If you are looking for a natural way to support your health and wellness, consider incorporating chestnut honey into your daily routine.

Geohoney, a global pollination and green tech honey company, is pleased to announce a special offer in honour of the upcoming International Day of Forests. This year, the company is offering a 15% discount on all of its honey products to raise awareness of the importance of forests and honey bees and our dependence on forest ecosystems for food, air and water.

The International Day of Forests is observed on March 21st every year to raise awareness of the importance of forests and trees to the survival of all living creatures on Earth. Forests are essential for maintaining the health of our planet, and they are home to countless species of plants and animals, including the honey bee. Honey bees play a crucial role in pollinating trees and plants in forests, which in turn provide food and habitat for countless species of wildlife.

As a company dedicated to sustainable and eco-friendly practices, Geohoney recognizes the vital importance of preserving forests and protecting honey bees. That's why we're offering this special discount to encourage people to support our mission and help raise awareness of these critical issues.

“We are thrilled to offer this special discount on our honey products in honour of International Day of Forests," said Mr. Basem Barry, CEO of Geohoney. "We believe that it's essential to raise awareness of the importance of forests and honey bees to the health of our planet, and we're committed to doing our part to protect them."

Geohoney offers a variety of honey products, including raw honey, monofloral honey, and many different honey products like honeycomb, royal jelly, bee pollen and honey chocolate. All of our products are made with the highest quality ingredients and are sustainably sourced from local farmers and beekeepers.

To take advantage of this special offer, simply visit our website www.geohoney.com and avail the 15% off offer at checkout. This offer is available for a limited time only, so be sure to act fast to take advantage of these savings.

In addition to this special offer, Geohoney is committed to supporting sustainable practices, protecting the environment, saving the bees and spreading the awareness through our websites and social media presence. We work closely with our trained farmers and beekeepers to ensure that our products are sustainably sourced, and we are dedicated to minimising our environmental impact through eco-friendly packaging and shipping practices.

By choosing Geohoney for your honey needs, you can feel confident that you're supporting a company that is dedicated to protecting our planet and its vital ecosystems. So why not take advantage of this special offer and try some of our delicious honey products today? Not only will you be getting a great deal, but you'll also be doing your part to support the health and well-being of our planet.

About Us: Geohoney is a global pollination and green tech honey company that is dedicated to promoting sustainable and eco-friendly practices. We offer a wide variety of honey products made from the highest quality ingredients, all sourced from local farmers and beekeepers. Our mission is to protect honey bees and the natural ecosystems that support them while providing delicious, healthy, and sustainable honey products to our customers.

Honey bees use the waggle dance as a means of communication to let their nestmates know where to get the best food.

According to scientists, honey bees employ social learning to hone their so-called "waggle dancing" abilities by imitating more seasoned companions. The honey bees use waggle dance as a means of communication to direct their nestmates to the finest sources of food.

The researchers noticed that bees that did not learn to dance by watching others made disorganised, mistake-filled movements. The research team said that the results, which were reported in the journal Science, show that the waggle dance is a sophisticated form of communication used by these bees and is influenced by social learning.

According to them, passing down common knowledge from one generation to the next is "a characteristic of culture" and is a behaviour that is common among both humans and animals. We are starting to realise that, like people, animals can transmit knowledge essential to their survival through communities and families, according to study author James Nieh, a professor in the Department of Ecology, Behavior, and Evolution at the University of California San Diego in the US.

"Our recent research demonstrates that we may now incorporate insects in such social learning."

Honey bees have been doing the waggle dance for some time to signal other colony members to a good source of pollen, nectar, or water. However it wasn't obvious whether this dance was learnt or intrinsic (preprogrammed). Five experimental colonies were created by the researchers using immature bees that were just one day old. Each movement in a waggle dance, where bees move their bodies in figure-eight patterns, translates to information regarding food, including direction, distance, type, and quality of the meal.

The study's first author, Dr. Dong Shihao of the Chinese Academy of Sciences in China, said: "As these bees grew older, we watched the colonies until we saw the first waggle dances, and then we saw the same dancers 20 days later when they had more experience foraging and dancing."

The study discovered that a week or two after hatching, the bees started to dance despite having no prior experience. These bees made disorganised dances with "severe mistakes in direction and distance," the researchers found, but they did so. The researchers discovered that the bees' directionality increased with age, but they persisted in exaggerating the length of their dances.

This is in line with recent research from Queen Mary University of London that revealed the bumblebee, a different species of bee, learned to solve difficulties by imitating its peers.

Professor Lars Chittka of sensory and behavioural ecology at Queen Mary University of London commented on the honey bee study, saying that it "is thought that the waggle dance is one of the most astonishing discoveries of animal communication - a symbolic language in an insect.

But, it had previously been written off as being "simply natural" and, as a result, less amazing in the eyes of many.

"The discovery that - at least in part - this behaviour must be learnt opens up a wholly new perspective: that perhaps the dance language was, at its early evolutionary roots, based on individual innovations that at first spread by social learning, only to be later cemented into partially hardwired, more innate routines," continued Prof. Chittka, who is also the author of the new book The Mind Of A Bee.

Source: www.independent.co.uk

WASHINGTON: Climate change is already taking place, and as temperatures rise, oceans warm, sea levels rise, and already precious freshwater resources in some areas decrease, its consequences will only worsen. Conflict and migration will be exacerbated by this, especially in the Middle East and Africa's poorest and most vulnerable countries.

This was one of the comments from attendees during a panel discussion on the topic of "Climate Injustice?," which was held on Wednesday at the Middle East Institute in Washington. How less developed countries are bearing the brunt of climate change.

In comparison to wealthy, industrialised Western countries, many poorer nations contribute less to the carbon emissions that produce climate change, but they bear the brunt of its repercussions, according to Mohamed Mahmoud, director of the institute's Climate and Water Program.

According to him, three primary elements determine which nations are most likely to suffer from the effects of climate change both now and in the future.

First of all, when sea levels rise, countries with extensive coastlines and island states run the risk of losing land mass and flooding. Moreover, the influx of saltwater could "compromise" their supply of fresh groundwater.

Second, even slight increases in global temperatures can have a significant impact on countries with a high heat index, particularly those that are close to the equator and get a lot of solar radiation. The third and most crucial aspect, according to Mahmoud, is the present scarcity of fresh water in several nations.

The Middle East and North Africa region is home to all of these broad groups, which makes the distinction between them interesting, he continued. The likelihood of crises due to climate change increases as more of these problems are faced by nations in the region.

The panellists concurred that a country's ability to effectively combat the impending challenges of climate change is greatly influenced by its economic power, or lack thereof.

East African nations, for instance, which are already suffering from the worst drought in decades and have fragile economies, will be less able to deal with the effects of climate change than, say, a Gulf country like Bahrain, which is water-stressed but much better equipped economically to handle potential challenges.

Mahmoud stressed the importance of nations' financial capability to solve climate change-related issues, particularly their ability to pay for the tools and technologies they require to handle their particular issues. The right education and training must also be a part of the overall plan to lessen the effects of climate change, he continued.

Financial stability is crucial, but according to Ayat Soliman, the World Bank's regional director for sustainable development for Eastern and Southern Africa, there is a certain amount of "injustice" in how various countries are impacted by the global issue of climate change.

She claimed that "we notice climate charts are increasing in terms of its intensity" across Africa and the Middle East. She stated that several parts of Africa, for instance, are going through their worst drought in years and that millions of people are going hungry.

Since some of the most vulnerable individuals in the world are being impacted by climate change in Africa, Soliman predicted that there will be a large-scale migration as a result. According to a World Bank study, nearly 90 million people will be forced to leave their houses and find new residences over the course of the next 20 years as a result of the effects of climate change. The already pressing problem of food security in less developed countries will be exacerbated by this.

Soliman predicted that the majority of those packing up and moving will be the poor, the weak, and those who live in rural areas. Conflicts all across the world are and will continue to be caused by climate stress.

The president and co-founder of the Mediterranean Youth Climate Network, Hajar Khamlichi, stated that young people in the most severely affected areas have a crucial role to play in the successful implementation of international agreements that guide global action on climate change. As a result, it is crucial that they participate in the process and are heard, which is not always the case.

He added that this failure has an impact on national and international policies to combat the effects of climate change. "The voice of young people is not heard in the Arab World," he stated.

While impoverished nations disproportionately shoulder the burden of the climate problem, attendees at a Middle East Institute event warned of unrest and mass migration.

They said that numerous countries in the Middle East and Africa include all of the key elements that determine how vulnerable a country is to climate change.

Source: arabnews.com