A Personal Observation Recently, I found myself wandering along the winding streets of Bhaktapur, only to be startled by how much the city wells have changed. Where the wells dug by the hands of this community used to always be abundant and reliable, they now sit close to empty. The water that does gather in them is brownish, sometimes partially hidden beneath weeds or floating debris, and nobody considers it safe to drink. This isn’t just something happening here; it’s a snapshot of what’s going on across many parts of Nepal, something I saw myself as I visited different neighborhoods for this very assignment. There’s no escaping the fact that climate change mixed with rapid, often uncontrolled development is making life harder for our city’s traditional water systems. I was reminded that Nepal has made big commitments to managing water better and preparing its towns to withstand new challenges, all central themes at this year’s global COP30 summit. Bhaktapur’s Water Wisdom, Then and Now For folks in Bhaktapur, water has always meant a lot more than just something to fill containers; it's been part of shared routines and neighborhood identity. Ask around the city, and many will tell stories of families relying on the ponds, and canals not just when times were good, but especially when rain was short. Recently, though, both locals and visitors have noticed a big change. The once-reliable wells, places where people chatted and lent a hand, now often sit still and shallow, sometimes covered with algae and surrounded by fewer people than before. Instead of fetching water in groups, more households are phoning water tankers or stretching out daily supplies. The scene is fresher than ever in everyone’s memory: it feels much more like a signal that our trusted systems need urgent care and modern adaptation, not just fond memories. People across Bhaktapur and other towns point out familiar culprits. As more water is pumped up, the ground table keeps falling. Construction projects crisscross old waterways, sometimes blocking or breaking up paths where water used to travel naturally. And then there’s the unpredictability of rainfall, sometimes intense, sometimes missing making life harder for every community. This is no longer a hidden problem: neighbors, community groups, and local researchers are talking about it everywhere in Nepal. Why This Local Story Matters Globally What strikes me most is how perfectly Bhaktapur’s current dilemma matches the call to action ringing out at COP30. The world is finally talking about the power of community action practical adaptation rooted in culture and real-world problem solving. Ancient systems like our ponds and canals weren’t just traditions; they were built with a deep understanding of land, water, and seasonal rhythms. If we bring back these communal efforts of clearing, fixing, and reconnecting the old water networks, Bhaktapur could once again offer security when the rains don’t come, and teach other towns how to do the same. Traditional waterwork isn’t just local heritage. Done right, its cutting edge climate strategy, fitting exactly with the priorities in Nepal’s plans and the solutions global leaders want to see. What Real Adaptation Looks Like What’s perfectly clear from my documentation photos, conversations, and observations is that solutions won’t come from either officials or residents alone. The people running our city need to treat water heritage maintenance as a real investment in the future, not just something for festivals or tourist photos. But equally, lasting change means everyone pitches in. Workshops in schools, youth-led cleanups, open conversation about new threats and old successes all rebuild the sense of shared responsibility. To me, fixing an old pond or hiti isn’t about sentimental longing; it’s practical. Every rupee put into restoration creates a buffer against the kind of water stress we now face. If leaders at COP30 take these lessons seriously, Bhaktapur’s story may eventually help guide communities facing similar struggles elsewhere. Standing by those shallow, weedy wells, the message is simple: resilience doesn’t start with outside experts. It starts when local people and city officials work as partners, using the wisdom still alive in historic places like Bhaktapur. The world is ready for practical blueprints, and I believe our city can help write one worth following.

Climate change negotiators are heading to the 30th UN Climate Change Conference (COP 30) in Belém, Brazil, after a year that saw tense geopolitical showdowns, devastating climate change-fuelled events and the announcement that the average global temperature has exceeded 1.5°C above its pre-industrial level over a calendar year. The saying goes that "Life begins at 30", and we wait to see if Brazil can inject more impetus into the COP meetings. Evidence of rising impacts of warmer temperatures at the 10th anniversary of the Paris greement can be used to propel transition finance after last year's messy squabbles on terminology. UNEP recently highlighted the "yawning gap" in adaptation finance for developing countries, at a time when we saw another "unprecedented" disaster in the Caribbean. Given the location by the world's largest rainforest, it is a significant opportunity to shed a light on biodiversity risks in the supply chains. Every person carries a unique assignment in this world; some are called to build companies, others to work within them and drive their missions forward. Realizing this difference has changed the way I think about and approach every opportunity. As a Youth for COP and participant to The Climate Reality Project for me, it’s not just about representation; it’s about alignment, ensuring that each step contributes to the purpose I was created for and to the vision I’m building through clean energy and innovation. Opportunities like COP30 remind us that climate action is not a competition but a collaboration of many callings working toward one goal of a sustainable planet for all. 2025 marks another milestone for the Paris Agreement. Countries are supposed to submit the third round of so-called nationally determined contributions (NDCs) to the agreement. These are the national climate plans that countries put forward every 5 years. The expectation is that these plans are progressively more ambitious—that they constitute parties’ best efforts and they should be informed by the outcomes of the global stocktake, which is this process of taking stock of where we’re at in implementing the goals of the Paris Agreement. The new NDCs were supposed to be submitted in February 2025. However, few countries had submitted by that time. More arrived over the summer, but some big emitters have yet to submit them formally. A big question is how well these national climate plans are designed. Looking at the outcome of the first global stocktake, the expectation is that these NDCs are aligned with a 1.5°C pathway and that they cover all sectors and greenhouse gases. Another key question is how this third round of NDCs responds to the calls formulated in the global stocktake decision to transition away from fossil fuels and ramp up renewable energy capacity. Whether the NDCs will be formally discussed in Belém remains to be seen. While there’s been media attention on the submission process and several country coalitions are calling for a space to reflect on this latest round, it might surprise some people to hear that NDCs are not technically on the agenda in the negotiations at the moment. As CoP-30 nears, efficient and credible carbon trading in India can give us a chance to lead a global climate agenda that’s fair to everyone. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India is redefining the global climate narrative by embedding sustainability and innovation in its growth story. As India advances towards its net-zero 2070 target, low-carbon technologies are no longer peripheral, they are emerging as the backbone of a new economic model. By tackling legacy inefficiencies, investing in innovation and scaling homegrown services in clean energy and unexplored reserves, India is cutting emissions while unlocking economic value. The transition from COP 29 to COP 30 represents a critical juncture for global climate action. While COP 29 laid groundwork for finance and adaptation, COP 30 must deliver bolder commitments to meet the Paris Agreement’s goals. Key actions should include: Increasing climate finance to meet developing nations’ needs. Strengthening NDCs with clear, sector-specific targets for emissions reduction and adaptation.  Promoting transparency and accountability in carbon markets and financial flows.  Integrating culture and storytelling to inspire public engagement and behavioural change. India's transition to cleaner energy presents both challenges and opportunities. Swift and substantial investments are necessary to reduce carbon emissions. However, embracing and accelerating this transition can stimulate job creation, improve energy security and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Thus, delay is not an option. Parties at COP30 must ensure their actions and decisions are met with urgency. Against this backdrop, India’s climate actions resonate globally. CoP-30 will serve as a pivotal moment in international negotiations and a strategic opportunity for India to accelerate its ambitions through robust carbon markets, digital verification of offsets and the adoption of transformative clean technologies.

In July 2025, another glacial outburst flood devastated communities in Nepal’s Rasuwa district. A supraglacial lake burst, killing at least nine people, destroying a major bridge, stopping trade, and sweeping away hydropower infrastructure [1]. This is not a once in a generation disaster, it’s an accelerating, climate-driven reality. As world leaders come together in the Amazon for COP30, they must remember: the climate crisis is not only a problem for low-lying coasts, it is also a mountain crisis. At COP28, nations made a historic pledge: the activation of the Loss and Damage Fund, designed to help countries facing irreversible climate harms. But promises are not enough. For Nepal and other highly vulnerable mountain nations, COP30 must turn that promise into a lifeline. The High Stakes of Glacial Loss and Damage in Nepal Nepal is not a bystander in the climate crisis, it is one of its most vulnerable frontiers.The Himalayas are warming rapidly, and Nepal’s glaciers are melting 65% faster between 2011–2020 compared to the previous decade [2]. According to hydrological risk assessments, many Himalayan glacial lakes are unstable, and their outbursts can release enormous volumes of water [3]. Infact, the UNDP’s “Community-based Flood and Glacial Lake Outburst Risk Reduction Project” notes that 1,466 glacial lakes exist in Nepal, with 21 classified as potentially dangerous, and 6 in the high-risk category [4]. Indeed, since the 1970s, Nepal has recorded dozens of GLOFs [5]. These growing hazards don’t just threaten landscapes, they impose enormous economic and social costs. A single event can kill citizens, wipe out decades of infrastructure development, and destroy the cultural heritage of communities. According to ICIMOD / UNDP data, Nepal loses on average USD 17.24 million (~NPR 2,099 million) each year due to extreme climate events [6]. What makes these losses even more unjust is that Nepal has contributed almost nothing to the problem. Nepal contributes less than 0.1% of global emissions, yet we are facing billions of dollars in infrastructure damage, irreversible loss of lives, and the destruction of cultural heritage.[7] Even slower, gradual changes, like glacial retreat, threaten long term water security, agriculture, and hydropower. Indigenous and marginalized communities are often the first to suffer, despite contributing almost nothing to global emissions. Addressing the Adaptation Question Some critics argue Nepal should simply strengthen adaptation measures, building early warning systems and reinforcing glacial lake moraines. A clearer response is this: Adaptation is crucial, and Nepal is already doing this. But there is a limit. How do you 'adapt' to a wall of water tearing down a valley? The Loss and Damage Fund is for when adaptation is no longer enough. It is the safety net for when prevention fails. It is for rebuilding lives and infrastructure after the unthinkable happens. The damage to infrastructure is immense, destroying bridges, roads, hydropower plants, and agricultural land. The cost of rebuilding and installing early warning systems is far beyond Nepal's national budget. For Nepal, a functioning Loss and Damage Fund isn't a luxury; it's a fundamental component of its national climate resilience strategy. Why Nepal’s Mountain Crisis Should Be a COP30 Priority 1. Fast-Track Access for Highly Vulnerable Mountain Nations Mountain nations like Nepal face unique, urgent climate risks including glacier melt, glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs), and landslides. Yet in global climate finance mechanisms, they have to compete with many bigger countries that are not as vulnerable. The Loss and Damage Fund needs a dedicated “window” or fast-track process for highly vulnerable mountain countries. This ensures that nations on the front lines of cryosphere collapse can access funds quickly and reliably, rather than waiting through bureaucratic delays. For mountain communities particularly indigenous and marginalized groups who contribute the least to global emissions , access must be direct and easy. A streamlined, direct-access modality would allow local governments and civil society to apply for and receive funding without getting stuck in complicated bureaucracy. For example, a community identified by ICIMOD as being in the path of a high-risk glacial lake should be able to access funds for an early-warning system before the lake bursts, not years after the paperwork is filed. 2. Proactive Prevention, Not Just Disaster Relief The Fund must be used to prevent disasters, not just respond to them. In Nepal, there are already projects to lower water levels in high-risk glacial lakes, reinforce lake dams, build riverbank protections, and restore ecosystems [7]. Scaling these efforts through the Loss and Damage Fund through siphoning water from dangerous lakes, constructing protective infrastructure (like check dams and gabion walls), and strengthening early-warning systems would protect lives, infrastructure, and ecosystems before catastrophe strikes. Addressing the Adaptation Question Some critics argue Nepal should simply strengthen adaptation measures, building early warning systems and reinforcing glacial lake moraines. A clearer response is this: Adaptation is crucial, and Nepal is already doing this. But there is a limit. How do you 'adapt' to a wall of water tearing down a valley? The Loss and Damage Fund is for when adaptation is no longer enough. It is the safety net for when prevention fails. It is for rebuilding lives and infrastructure after the unthinkable happens. The damage to infrastructure is immense, destroying bridges, roads, hydropower plants, and agricultural land. The cost of rebuilding and installing early warning systems is far beyond Nepal's national budget. For Nepal, a functioning Loss and Damage Fund isn't a luxury; it's a fundamental component of its national climate resilience strategy. A call from Himalayas The venue for COP30 (the Amazon) and the Himalayas, both are critical, fragile ecosystems on the front lines of a crisis. As world leaders meet in one vulnerable region, they must not forget the plight of another. For Nepal, success at COP30 will not be measured in vague promises, but in a tangible, funded, and accessible mechanism that helps its people survive the climate-driven disasters that are already at their doorstep. References Dialogue Earth. (2025, July 2). Tiny glacial lakes in the Himalayas pose unexpected flooding threats. Dialogue Earth. https://dialogue.earth/en/climate/tiny-glacial-lakes-in-the-himalayas-pose-unexpected-flooding-threats/ Kathmandu Post. (2025, March 29). Nepal’s glaciers are retreating faster than ever. The Kathmandu Post. https://kathmandupost.com/climate-environment/2025/03/29/nepal-s-glaciers-are-retreating-faster-than-ever ICIMOD, & United Nations Development Programme. (n.d.). Report by ICIMOD and UNDP identifies potentially dangerous glacial lakes in river basins of Nepal. UNDP Adaptation. https://www.adaptation-undp.org/report-icimod-and-undp-identifies-potentially-dangerous-glacial-lakes-river-basins-nepal-tibet International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD). (2025). Everest region a hotspot of cryosphere-linked hazards: ICIMOD’s new study on Nepal’s 2024 Thame flood confirms. ICIMOD. https://www.icimod.org/everest-region-a-hotspot-of-cryosphere-linked-hazards-icimods-new-study-on-nepals-2024-thame-flood-confirms/ PreventionWeb. (2025). Tiny glacial lakes in the Himalayas pose unexpected flooding threats. PreventionWeb. https://www.preventionweb.net/news/tiny-glacial-lakes-himalayas-pose-unexpected-flooding-threats United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). (2017). Community-based flood and glacial lake outburst risk reduction project: Nepal. UNDP. Emission Index. (2024, July 16). Greenhouse gas emissions in Nepal. Emission Index. https://www.emission-index.com/countries/nepal

While the world is getting ready for COP30, the situation in the VIHI District (The "Vihi district" is a geographical and geological area in Kashmir, India, centered around the Guryul Ravine in Khonmoh, near Srinagar. It is geologically significant because it contains unique fossils from the Permian-Triassic extinction event ("The Great Dying") over 250 million years ago and is considered the site of the world's first recorded tsunami. This horseshoe-shaped area includes the locations of Athwajan, Pantha Chowk, Zewan, Wuyan, Khrew, Mandakpal, Shar-shali, Ladhu, and Kranchu wetland) of India—a small yet illustrative example of the Global South’s climate problems—gives a very strong message. The dying saffron fields of Pampore, concrete with no planning being done all over, land use change, stressed forests, and changing mountain ecosystems, are the main issues of the district and the world at large when it comes to the question of biodiversity, heritage, and human resilience. The Kashmir Observer newspaper and many other news portals recently published a report with a shocking figure of 90% decline in saffron yield this season in Pampore, the "Saffron Capital of India". This collapse of saffron is not just an economic crisis but also an existential crisis for the thousands of families whose lives depend on saffron growing. It not only threatens the very existence of the art wrapped around this plant but also causes the disappearance of the cultural heritage of the region and the ecosystem that is so delicate and thus, the very landscape of the UNESCO heritage site will no longer be there. VIHI District: A Unity of Nature and Man Struggling to Cope The VIHI District is one of the most ecologically and culturally rich places in India. Here the rare mix of agriculture, forests, wetlands, mountains, and tribal peoples live side by side, interacting with each other, and thereby creating both the stunning nature and the ecological frailty at the same time. The district has: The Pampore Saffron Landscape which is famous globally for its production of the world's best saffron and is also recognized by UNESCO as a site of cultural heritage. Wetlands that are exceptionally managed and serve as important areas for birds to migrate as well as help control floods. Forests that are thick with trees and a variety of wildlife, including some species of animals that are only found in the Himalayas. Fossils that are of the Permian–Triassic period, more than 252 million years old, hence making it a place of great geological and evolutionary interest. Natural springs, fertile lands, and minerals from mountains as sources of farmers' and local people's daily bread and culture. Every one of those systems is now suffering the effects of climate change, erratic rainfall, and poor adaptation planning. The saffron crisis at Pampore is a warning sign for the whole district: when one ecosystem collapses, all the others start to disintegrate. National Context: India’s NDCs and the Local Reality India’s NDCs indicate a commitment to reducing emissions intensity, increasing adaptive capacity, and improving ecosystem resilience. Nevertheless, the national vision has to be transformed into district-level empowerment and execution. The significant cutback in the production of saffron in Pampore can be attributed to: Higher temperatures and longer drought periods to the crocus flowering cycle. Late rainfall to soil moisture and pollination. Less groundwater for irrigation. Ignorance of the once essential traditional knowledge systems for sustainable cultivation practices. These are the ground realities that have to change COP30's perspective on adaptation, finance, and implementation, not as abstract targets but as life-saving actions. The Funding and Handholding Gap The distribution of money among the global climate finance pledges is still uneven, with the grassroots almost completely left out. To a farmer in Pampore or a grower in the foothills of VIHI, climate change adaptation is still an abstract idea. They urgently need support from the funders through direct and transparent ways as well as from the institutions so that they can design, create, and utilize the calming environments for their crops. The loss of saffron might soon lead to the degradation of wetlands, the decline of forests, and the loss of biodiversity in the whole district. Therefore, COP30 must come up with ways that will enable the funds to be routed directly to the local communities, youth groups, and farmer co-operatives to make adaptation people-led and place-based. The VIHI District is already witnessing the impact of local action through small-scale initiatives: Implementing rainwater harvesting and constructing pits for water recharge in highland villages to restore groundwater. The local ecosystems have been enlarged through the active participation of youth in clean-up drives and tree planting campaigns. Community programs to raise environmental awareness disseminating information about climate adaptation and biodiversity protection. The Youth for COP program is one of the major contributors to the strengthening of this youth-led climate movement. The Youth for COP sessions were extremely helpful, significant, and full of wisdom, knowledge, and practical insights. They clarified to participants like me how local stories—like that of Pampore’s saffron decline—are related to the big climate picture. The program motivated us to convert awareness into action and link the community's voices to the decision-making at such high-level forums as COP30. A Call to Action for COP30 As COP30 approaches, world leaders must understand that adaptation and action must start from where the effects of climate change are felt the most, and that is the community level. With the VIHI District and its saffron growers, we recommend that COP30 focuses on: Meaningful climate financing for vulnerable, heritage-embedded ecosystems. Technical handholding for the support of farmers, cooperatives, and youth innovators. Incorporating climate policy with cultural heritage and local livelihoods. Innovation by youth, community-led accountability, and progress monitoring. Conclusion The fading purple fields of Pampore epitomize the loss that the Global South faces—heritage, livelihood, and hope—if adaptation is severely underfunded and unimplemented. The saffron fields need more than sympathy, they need support. The wetlands need more than mere acknowledgment, they need active restoration. And the landscape nurturers need more than basic help, they need trust, mentorship, and the chance to work on something that matters. Lessons from Youth for COP are powerful: change will only be possible with collective action, informed leadership, and local empowerment. If COP30 can embed these lessons into policy and investment, the golden threads of Pampore saffron will weave back, and with it, strength, resilience, and pride to India’s climate narrative. For me the sessions curated and conducted by The Climate Reality Project under Youth For COP have been wonderful and it was not possible without the knowledge, experience, wisdom, information and so on, particularly the resource persons during all the sessions who were quite interactive, supportive and so clear that it left no ambiguity and all we need to do is to act collectively, with unified approach and handhold each other. More about VIHI District   https://www.jkpi.org/vihi-district-a-geologically-significant-but-largely-unknown-area-in-kashmir/

An Overview of Climate Change and Health Health is not merely the absence of disease, but also the state of good physical, mental, and social wellbeing [1]. While it may not be directly apparent, health is affected by social determinants, i.e., the conditions in which a person is born, grows, works, and ages. Our physical, environmental, social, and economic systems directly and indirectly influence health outcomes. However, the ongoing effects of climate change serves as a threat multiplier, severely impacting these social determinants and exacerbating pressing health outcomes. This makes climate change the biggest global health threat of the 21st century [2]. The Philippine Context The Philippines, like other Global South countries, bears the brunt of climate change despite our insignificant greenhouse gas emissions. As of writing, we have just been hit by Typhoon Tino (International name Kalmaegi) and are already anticipating an incoming 1,400 kilometer-wide super typhoon Uwan (International name Fung-wong), both of which are only 5 days apart. Over the years, intense flooding, landslides, and storm surges from these typhoons have claimed the lives and futures of thousands of Filipinos. Even more are displaced to overcrowded evacuation sites, exposing them to poor living conditions, communicable diseases, and gender-based violence [3,4]. Apart from typhoons, record-breaking temperatures have been felt in several parts of the country in the past years. Butuan City, my hometown, posted a new all-time high temperature of 38.0°C and heat indices up to 47°C just last summer [5,6]. These weather extremes, combined with altered weather patterns, increase the risk and unpredictability of climate-sensitive diseases (e.g., dengue) and other health challenges (e.g., antimicrobial resistance) [7–9]. Beyond the physical effects of climate change, mental health outcomes such as trauma, stress, anxiety, and depression are also seen among Filipinos. Several disaster survivors have reported trauma and depression symptoms post-extreme weather events [10–12]. Emerging phenomena like climate anxiety are also starting to become concerns among my fellow Filipino youth, leading to hopelessness and negative effects in daily functioning [13–16]. We’ve Come a Long Way: Progress and Efforts Thankfully, health is slowly integrated into climate action. At the national level, the Philippine Department of Health, through the Health and Climate Change Office, has recently released the Philippine Roadmap on Health and Climate Change 2025-2050. The document presents long-term national strategies and priorities in building a climate-resilient, sustainable, and low-carbon Philippine healthcare system [17]. This aligns with our Nationally Determined Contribution (NDCs) and National Adaptation Plan (NAP), both of which include health as a priority for climate adaptation. In the global arena, Health Pavilions have been established in COPs since 2021, providing a space to spotlight evidence and solutions to the health effects of climate change. The Dubai-hosted COP28, in particular, marked a watershed moment for climate and health with its first-ever Health Day and climate-health ministerial. Diverse stakeholders were convened to promote “health arguments for climate action” and highlight the needs, barriers, and pathways to building climate-resilient health systems [18]. This year, health is finally one of the key objectives of the COP30 Action Agenda. It also features the launch of the Belém Health Action Plan (BHAP), a key framework that emphasizes health systems, adaptation, equity, climate justice, and social participation. It aims to mobilize countries towards building climate-resilient health systems worldwide and integrate climate considerations in health governance, financing, and infrastructure [19]. Still a Long Way to Go: A Call to Action While a lot of work has been done, the harsh reality still hits: Global South health systems are unable to adapt as quickly as the climate is changing. Health workers are inadequately equipped to treat increasing climate-related health outcomes. Extreme weather events still cripple and overwhelm health service delivery points. Medical supplies and health finance continue to be insufficient. The climate crises will only widen these gaps. Current trends demand that adaptation is no longer an option, it is our inevitable future. Our health systems need to be prepared to withstand the effects of climate change; this is a just and equitable climate adaptation strategy that ultimately benefits all of humanity. As a climate and health professional, I welcome the launch of the BHAP at COP30, further mainstreaming health considerations in global climate governance. However, its translation into real-world action for Global South communities will prove to be more important. It is with high hopes that I urge state actors and climate negotiators to recognize that the health of our planet is inextricably linked to our health as a people. What better way to see the urgency of climate action than through human health, something that is intrinsic and personal to 8 billion of us? References: World Health Organization. Constitution of the World Health Organization [Internet]. [cited 2025 Nov 10]. Available from: https://www.who.int/about/governance/constitution The Lancet. A Commission on climate change. The Lancet. 2009 May;373(9676):1659. Parry J. Typhoon hits the Philippines, killing more than 280 people. BMJ. 2009 Oct 7;339:b4105. United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction. The Philippines: Ten years after Haiyan | UNDRR [Internet]. 2023 [cited 2025 Nov 10]. Available from: https://www.undrr.org/news/ten-years-after-haiyan-building-back-better-philippines Rosario RD. Manila Bulletin. 2024 [cited 2025 Jun 16]. 47°C heat index recorded in Butuan City on May 15. Available from: http://mb.com.ph/2024/5/15/47-c-heat-index-recorded-in-butuan-city-on-may-15 News SU GMA Integrated. GMA News Online. 2025 [cited 2025 Jun 16]. PAGASA warns of danger level heat index in 22 areas on May 28, 2025. Available from: https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/scitech/weather/947511/pagasa-danger-level-heat-index-22-areas-may-28-2025/story/ Paul Hernandez. GMA Regional TV. 2024 [cited 2025 Nov 10]. Calauan under state of public health emergency due to dengue. Available from: https://www.gmanetwork.com/regionaltv/news/103646/calauan-under-state-of-public-health-emergency-due-to-dengue/story/ Ralph Harvey Rirao. Manila Standard. 2024 [cited 2025 Nov 10]. Dengue cases rise by 81% in 2024. Available from: https://manilastandard.net/news/314527464/dengue-cases-rise-by-81-in-2024.html Ateneo Center for Research and Innovation. ASMPH Center for Research and Innovation. 2020 [cited 2025 Nov 11]. Incorporating Climate Change Strategies into AMR Intervention and Implementation Research Projects: A Scoping Review. Available from: https://www.acri.ph/content/incorporating-climate-change-strategies-into-amr-i Jhesset O. Enano. Six years after ‘Yolanda,’ mental scars linger [Internet]. 2019 [cited 2025 Nov 10]. Available from: https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1187193/6-years-after-yolanda-mental-scars-linger Tito VR, Kazem H, Kadia SO, Paquito B. A systematic review of mental health and climate change in the Philippines. Asian J Psychiatry. 2024 Nov 1;101:104191. Alibudbud RC. Climate change and mental health in the Philippines. BJPsych Int. 20(2):44–6. Hickman C, Marks E, Pihkala P, Clayton S, Lewandowski RE, Mayall EE, et al. Climate anxiety in children and young people and their beliefs about government responses to climate change: a global survey. Lancet Planet Health. 2021 Dec 1;5(12):e863–73. Esteban KTL, Chaves PML, Milan VMB, Oamil EBM, Ocampo PB, Crystal Amiel M. Estrada P, et al. Climate Anxiety and Depressive Symptoms among Undergraduate Students of a College in a Higher Education Institution in Manila, Philippines. Acta Med Philipp [Internet]. 2025 May 7 [cited 2025 Nov 10]; Available from: https://actamedicaphilippina.upm.edu.ph/index.php/acta/article/view/11617 Reyes MES, Carmen BPB, Luminarias MEP, Mangulabnan SANB, Ogunbode CA. An investigation into the relationship between climate change anxiety and mental health among Gen Z Filipinos. Curr Psychol N B NJ. 2023;42(9):7448–56. Aruta JJBR, Guinto RR. Climate anxiety in the Philippines: Current situation, potential pathways, and ways forward. J Clim Change Health. 2022 May 1;6:100138. Department of Health. Philippine Health and Climate Change Roadmap 2025-2050.pdf [Internet]. 2025 [cited 2025 Nov 10]. Available from: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1m0op2D1lGpQS2uJO3S369m3Tck7H6MYM/view?usp=drive_link&usp=embed_facebook World Health Organization. COP28 Health Day [Internet]. 2023 [cited 2025 Nov 10]. Available from: https://www.who.int/news-room/events/detail/2023/12/03/default-calendar/cop28-health-day World Health Organization. Health at COP30 [Internet]. 2025 [cited 2025 Nov 10]. Available from: https://www.who.int/teams/environment-climate-change-and-health/climate-change-and-health/advocacy-partnerships/talks/health-at-cop30

When I think about climate change, it’s no longer a distant scientific discussion. With rising temperatures, increasingly unpredictable rains, and more frequent droughts and floods, climate change is already reshaping life across India, putting both urban and rural communities at risk. As the world gathers in Belém, Brazil, the conference marks a decade since the Paris Agreement and a crucial shift from pledges to real-world implementation of climate solutions. For someone like me, who works at the nexus of agricultural innovation and climate education, it is a critical element that can shape the voices from the Global South, frame the global climate policy for mobilizing communities for ambitious climate action. Climate action-The need of the hour The summit’s focus on implementation, climate finance, and a just transition resonates with my work in sustainable agricultural development and climate communication. The Amazon region, where COP30 is hosted, is a vital carbon sink and a frontline in the fight against deforestation and climate change. India’s updated NDCs emphasize solar efficiency, clean energy expansion, and carbon market mechanisms that reflect the urgency to act soon. India’s focus on National Adaptation Plans (NAPs), which prioritize ecosystem conservation, water management, and community resilience and exemplifies the kind of localized adaptation critical for vulnerable populations. For me, COP30 is also a reminder that climate action is not just about policy—it’s about people. I strongly believe that when people collectively work for change, miracles happen. What We Want on the Agenda India has set out Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement, to reduce GDP's emission intensity by 45% by 2030 compared to 2005 levels, achieving 50% of its electricity capacity from non-fossil sources before the deadline, and improving carbon sinks through forestry projects. India has the chance to support equity-driven global climate finance, expand adaptation plans, and restate its climate commitments at COP30. A key component of climate governance must be the meaningful engagement of women, youth, Indigenous Peoples, and marginalized groups. A full fossil fuel phase-out and science-based national action plans, to genuinely keep the 1.5°C target alive helps in promoting green initiatives. True intergenerational equity means giving young people real platforms and decision-making roles and not just as token inclusion. Climate finance should be accessible, transparent, and accountable to those most affected, while technology transfer to developing nations must be strengthened through collaborative mechanisms. Because, let’s face it: climate impacts hits the Global South first and the hardest, where our communities bear the brunt of environmental degradation, displacement, and economic instability and which is precisely why COP30 must urgently prioritize our needs, ensure equity in action and finance, and uphold justice as the foundation for a global community well-being. Strengthening the youth participation The Global Youth Statement by YOUNGO calls for climate finance that is transparent, grant-based, and accessible, especially to grassroots, Indigenous, and marginalized communities. It also urges clear differentiation between funds for adaptation, mitigation, and loss and damage, ensuring timely support for those already facing climate impacts. At COP30, youth must be recognized not just as advocates, but as partners in implementation. Climate education should empower action, promoting climate literacy, creative leadership, and valuing Indigenous and local knowledge. Negotiations must also protect environmental and human rights defenders while advancing inclusive, gender-responsive climate policies. We call for transparent, grant-based climate finance that reaches those who need it most, from grassroots innovators to Indigenous communities. We propose stronger investment in climate education that encourages action and empowers young leaders to shape policy, not merely just study it. COP30 marks a turning point in climate action as a reminder that the time for implementation is now. For me, it serves as a source of inspiration and a means of establishing connections with people who have a similar outlook on a sustainable future. Binding legal frameworks acknowledging state and corporate responsibilities are necessary for truly equitable climate action. These frameworks should include reparations for impacted communities, environmental defender protections, and pathways for climate litigation. Climate action is everyone’s responsibility, and conferences like COP30 show that collective effort can drive real change. As a reminder that the time for implementation is now, COP30 represents a turning moment in climate action. For me, it's a way to network with people who share my vision for a sustainable future. For climate action to be truly equitable, binding legal frameworks that recognize corporate and state obligations are required. Reparations for affected communities, safeguards for environmental defenders, and opportunities for climate litigation should all be part of these frameworks. Climate change demands that we hold polluters accountable and make sure they pay for the damage caused. Implementing solutions at scale requires global cooperation from the rich and poor nations, governments and communities. The future depends on what we do now, together. Resources: COP30 website BBC Climate news

As a young voice from Namibia, a nation on the frontlines of climate change, the annual Conference of Parties (COP) is more than a diplomatic event, it is a critical determinant of our future. Defined by the vastness of the Namib Desert and the constant threat of drought and desertification, the climate crisis for us in the Global South is a battle for survival and development. The lessons learned through the Youth for COP program, a powerful initiative by The Climate Reality Project, confirm a singular truth: the time for pledges is over; COP30 in Belam, Brazil, must be the COP of decisive implementation and climate justice. The central theme for COP30, as reflected in the assignment brief, is a strong focus on adaptation and implementation from a Global South perspective. My country, like many others with rich biodiversity but limited resources, disproportionately bears the brunt of a crisis we did little to create. This is why the principle of Common But Differentiated Responsibilities and Respective Capabilities (CBDR-RC) remains fundamental: those who contributed most to the problem must assume the greatest responsibility for solving it, including providing sufficient support. The Imperative of Locally-Led Adaptation (LLA) In Namibia, adaptation is not a technical term; it's about protecting our cattle, securing our water, and sustaining our unique ecosystems. We must see the Global Goal on Adaptation (GGA), a collective commitment under the Paris Agreement, translated into tangible projects on the ground. This means empowering Locally-Led Adaptation (LLA), which is an empowerment-based approach that supports community-level leadership in assessing risks and prioritizing strategies. Our Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), the heart of the Paris Agreement, must evolve into ambitious NDC 3.0 blueprints by 2025 that embed strong, measurable adaptation goals. For us, a stronger NDC is a roadmap that ensures the survival of our wildlife and the livelihoods of communities. A national perspective requires our updated NDCs to clearly outline climate risk, secure necessary financial resources, and ensure all efforts are equitable and inclusive. Delivering on Climate Finance and Justice The greatest barrier to this necessary adaptation is a massive finance gap. The failure to meet the long-standing $300 billion climate finance goal severely undermines trust, and adaptation finance still only represents a fraction of what is needed globally. At COP30, leaders must deliver a robust and equitable New Collective Quantified Goal (NCQG) on climate finance to support developing countries’ climate actions after 2025. This new goal must be more than an aspiration; it must prioritize grant-based and concessional finance for adaptation, ensuring funding is accessible to local actors and not solely debt-creating loans. Youth constituencies, such as YOUNGO, are already advocating for intergenerational equity and a higher financial target in these negotiations. A Just Transition and the Wisdom of Our Elders Implementation also demands a Just Transition to a green economy, one that is fair, inclusive, and socially dialogue-driven. Namibia, with its world-class potential for solar and green hydrogen energy, can pivot toward creating thousands of new, decent green jobs for young people in renewable energy, sustainable ecotourism, and ecosystem restoration. Crucially, this transition must safeguard our forests and biodiversity, which are natural carbon sinks and essential for climate stability. We must integrate the Indigenous wisdom of our local communities, as their knowledge systems have proven to be the most effective in conserving and restoring the land. For me, as a Namibian youth, the hope for COP30 lies not just in the final text, but in the implementation that follows. Global leaders must leave Belam having committed to transparent, funded, and locally-driven action. We need NDCs that mean business, climate finance that reaches the most vulnerable, and a transition that guarantees a sustainable future and green skills for our generation. The world is watching; implementation cannot fail.

Credit: Getty Images Introduction A prominent reality persists as the world prepares for COP30: nations in the Global South only receive a small portion of the promised climate finance, and the majority of that money is used for mitigation rather than adaptation. For nations like India, where millions depend on climate-sensitive livelihoods and where extreme heat, floods, and droughts are everyday realities, this funding gap is more than a statistic: it’s jeopardizing lives, homes, and futures. According to the Climate Policy Initiative (CPI), India alone faces adaptation investment needs in the order of billions, yet funding flows remain far lower (Climate Policy Initiative, 2024). When adaptation projects are sidelined and promises of “accessible, predictable finance” remain unfulfilled, the most vulnerable communities- youth, farmers, and informal workers’ pay the price. As a young climate advocate associated with Youth for COP and The Climate Reality Project, I believe that at COP30, the narrative must shift from promises of mitigation to financing the frontlines of adaptation, where climate change is already reshaping daily lives. India’s Experience: Progress and Persistent Gaps India is a striking illustration of both initiative and inadequacy. The National Adaptation Fund for Climate Change (NAFCC), established in 2015-16, was designed to support state-level projects across sectors like water, forestry, coastal zones, and livelihoods (Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Govt. of India). Yet, despite being a pioneering framework, the fund’s budget has remained limited, and its disbursements have been uneven. A 2024 analysis by Down To Earth noted that India’s national budget made little explicit mention of “adaptation” and that funds earmarked for resilience-building lag behind mitigation-focused spending (Down To Earth, 2024). Meanwhile, CPI’s recent estimates show that just six Indian states alone will require over ₹444.7 billion (≈ USD 5.5 billion) between 2021 and 2030 for adaptation measures such as water management, agriculture resilience, and urban heat mitigation (Climate Policy Initiative, 2024). These figures mirror the challenge embedded in India’s own Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), which emphasize the country’s dual need: to reduce emission intensity while strengthening resilience in key sectors. The NDCs explicitly link progress to international finance, technology transfer, and capacity-building support. Without accessible and predictable climate finance, these adaptation commitments risk remaining aspirations rather than outcomes. (Image used for representational purpose only) Credit: Albin Mathew, EPS At the community level, the gap is even more visible. During a field visit, farmers in coastal Andhra Pradesh spoke of seawater intrusion that has rendered once-fertile land saline. In drought-prone Bundelkhand, families invest in solar irrigation pumps, but many such schemes depend on concessional finance or subsidies that arrive inconsistently. India’s Green Credit Programme and solar irrigation initiatives are commendable, but scaling them sustainably demands robust, predictable financial flows. Adaptation here is not just about infrastructure; it is about securing livelihoods, ensuring food and water security, and empowering youth-led innovation. Conclusion: A Call for Climate Finance Reform at COP30 As we approach COP30, world leaders must make reforming the global climate finance architecture their top priority. For the Global South, “finance” must no longer mean delayed pledges or inaccessible loans; it must mean direct, timely, and fair funding that empowers local adaptation. COP30 should focus on three urgent reforms: Debt swaps for climate resilience, which allow high-debt developing countries to reallocate repayments to adaptation initiatives. Putting the COP28-established Loss and Damage Fund into action and making sure it provides real assistance to nations dealing with the effects of climate change. Direct access methods so that communities, youth organizations, and local governments can apply for funding without facing undue bureaucratic obstacles. India and other developing nations are prepared to take the lead in community service and innovation, but they will not be able to do it without the necessary resources. As youths, we are not merely bystanders; we are the generation inheriting these risks. The world must finally finance the front lines at COP30, because adaptation is not charity; it is justice. References Climate Policy Initiative. (2025, November 9). Financing Adaptation in India - CPI. CPI. https://www.climatepolicyinitiative.org/publication/financing-adaptation-in-india National Adaptation Fund for Climate Change. (2024, May 9). Vikaspedia. https://energy.vikaspedia.in/viewcontent/energy/environment/climate-change/national-adaptation-fund-for-climate-change . Akshit Sangomla. (2025, February 3). Adaptation in India: Where are the schemes and money? Down to Earth. https://www.downtoearth.org.in/climate-change/adaptation-in-india-where-are-the-schemes-and-money .

Standing on the deck of the research vessel ORV Sagar Manjusha, watching the Arabian Sea stretch endlessly before me, I realized something profound. The ocean I was studying wasn't just a research subject. It was screaming for help. The satellite data I analyzed daily, the phytoplankton samples I collected, the changing sea surface temperatures they all told the same urgent story that needs to reach the negotiation tables at COP30 in Belém, Brazil. Look the world through climate scientist in the Ocean research vessel Sagar Manjusha during the climate actions. India's Blue Carbon Crisis Nobody Talks About India's Nationally Determined Contributions emphasize renewable energy and forest conservation, which are critical. However, there's a glaring gap. Our 7,500-kilometer coastline and the marine ecosystems that support over 250 million coastal Indians receive inadequate attention in climate adaptation frameworks. During my work with ISRO's OceanSAT-3 project, I've witnessed firsthand how rapidly our coastal waters are transforming. The phytoplankton biomass patterns I model using machine learning aren't just academic exercises. They represent the foundation of our marine food web, the livelihood of our fishing communities, and our ocean's capacity to absorb atmospheric carbon. When I worked on oil spill assessments in Ennore for Chennai Petroleum Corporation, I saw communities whose entire existence depends on healthy marine ecosystems. These aren't statistics in a policy document. They're fishermen who've noticed their catch declining, women who process fish wondering why the quality has changed, children whose future hangs in the balance. Yet, India's climate finance allocation for marine ecosystem restoration remains minimal compared to terrestrial projects. What COP30 Must Prioritize for Countries Like Ours First, climate finance mechanisms must recognize ocean-based solutions with the same urgency as land-based ones. The Global South, particularly coastal nations like India, Bangladesh, and Indonesia, need dedicated funding streams for blue carbon projects like mangrove restoration, seagrass conservation, and sustainable aquaculture that actually works with natural systems rather than against them. Then, adaptation support for coastal communities cannot wait for the perfect policy. I've coordinated wildlife censuses with the Tamil Nadu Forest Department and worked with communities around Pitchandikulam Forest in Auroville. These experiences taught me that local knowledge combined with scientific tools creates the most resilient solutions. COP30 must establish rapid-response adaptation funds that coastal communities can access without drowning in bureaucracy while their villages literally drown in rising seas. The Ennore oil spill in Chennai, which occurred in December 2023 during the Cyclone Michaung. The Implementation Gap That Keeps Me Up at Night My work integrating artificial intelligence with environmental monitoring shows we have the technology to track climate impacts in real-time. We can predict phytoplankton blooms, model ecosystem changes, and forecast climate vulnerabilities with remarkable accuracy. The science is ready. The solutions exist. What's missing is political will and equitable implementation. India's NDCs target 50% cumulative electric power installed capacity from non-fossil fuel-based energy resources by 2030. Ambitious? Yes. But where's the parallel commitment to protecting the ocean ecosystems that regulate our climate, feed our population, and buffer our coasts from storms? As someone who's analyzed data from four research cruises across Indian waters, I can tell you our oceans are changing faster than our policy responses. The zooplankton communities I study are shifting. The species composition is different than what textbooks described just a decade ago. Nature is adapting. The question is whether our climate governance will adapt fast enough. A Call to Action from the Shoreline Leaders gathering at COP30 must understand that climate adaptation in the Global South isn't optional or future-tense. It's happening now, with or without international support. Communities are already adapting, scientists are already working, and young researchers like me are already building solutions. The research vessel returns to port, but the ocean's message remains with me. Every data point, every sample, every model prediction reinforces one truth, time for implementation is now. COP30 must transform from another talking forum into a launching pad for action. Our oceans, our communities, and our future cannot afford another decade of delayed promises. The tide is rising. So must our ambition. Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this blog are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of The Climate Reality Project India & South Asia.

Source: Pexels stock image When the rain doesn’t stop in Bangladesh, it isn’t just a weather event. It’s an audible warning. This low-lying delta has homes getting swallowed by rising rivers, and farmers replant crops on temporary islands of silt. For us, climate change is not a virtuous cause. It’s a lived reality. With the world and its youth in great anticipation of COP30, adaptation within the Global South still faces impediments in diverse aspects, making it a shared responsibility rather than a charitable act. The Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) of Bangladesh are an ambitious climate vision in the form of scaling up flood-resilient agriculture, improving coastal embankments, and expanding renewable energy access. However, regardless of how innovative adaptation measure are, they all share one trait: they cost money that prove burdensome for developing countries. The resultant paradox: the victims climate crisis must now spend the most to survive in the future. Regardless of countless pledges, finance surrounding global adaptation remains abysmal. The 2024 UNEP Adaptation Gap Report estimates that developing countries require approximately USD 387 billion annually within 2030. But the reality is far from this. Though the new Loss and Damage Fund offers hope, without robust continuous replenishment and simplified, inclusive access, it ends up being a flimsy symbol; a big case of virtue-signaling. The Global South is in no position to wait for sympathy or empty platitudes. It needs structural fairness where nobody is left behind. This is why COP30 must shift the conversation from mere promises to actual delivery; no more words, only actions. As per the Paris Agreement, Global Goal on Adaptation is in dire need of measurable targets, transparent finance mechanisms, effective stakeholder engagement and accountability from the main perpetrators of climate change i.e. high carbon-emitting nations. Adaptation and mitigation must go hand-in-hand. Foreign investments in flood forecasting systems, early warning infrastructure, and climate-resilient livelihoods are not optional aid for the poor and distressed. It is a global obligation rooted in justice and fairness. Equity is not about dividing the world into victims and benefactors. It’s about recognizing that climate stability is a boon for us all. $1 spent on resilience in Bangladesh saves $3~$4 down the line, including supply chain disruptions and migration pressures that ripple far beyond our borders. That is the true meaning of shared prosperity. But finance alone will not fix the imbalance. The process of adaptation must also be integrated with democracy. Locally Led Adaptation initiatives serve as a powerful model by channeling resources directly to communities or stakeholders who understand their risks best and thus can vote on it to make decisions. When women in Khulna experiment with saline-tolerant rice, or university students in Sylhet design flood-mapping apps, they are not just statistics of a natural disaster. They are survivors and innovators. Supporting them means valuing indigenous knowledge that is often sidetracked in conversations between different parties. The youth, in particular, must be treated as partners instead of participants. Esteemed programs such as the Youth for COP by The Climate Reality Project are helping bridge this divide by equipping young people with professional experiences to turn lived experience into foundations for leadership. We are the generation inheriting both the risks and the responsibility. Our inclusion in national planning, ranging from NDC consultations to local adaptation projects can ensure that decisions reflect ground realities rather than distant assumptions. At COP30, leaders must remember that adaptation is not charity. It serves as an investment towards human dignity and planetary stability. The Global South has several adaptive measures in place in the form of Nature-based Solutions, but without predictable finance and fair partnerships, even something as important as resilience has limits. Bangladesh’s story offers a mirror for the world: resilience born from necessity, ingenuity born from survival. If COP30 is to mean anything, it must rewrite the rules of global cooperation for adaptation to become a right. Regardless of when the next flood or hurricane comes, the question is not whether we chose to act together or perish together. Source: Pexels stock image

According to the United Nations, young people represent around 16% of the global population. In Latin America and the Caribbean, there are more than 156 million youths aged 15 and 29, nearly one quarter of the region’s population. This highlights the importance of incorporating young Latin-Americans and Caribbeans in achieving the 17 SDGs in the Agenda 2030, as it has been created for all nations and types of population without discrimination, where it is included the goal 13 in relation to Climate Action. We young people are constantly learning and updating ourselves with technological advancements, trends, and we have a great influence on demand equality in terms of educational and professional opportunities, non-discrimination and promoting resilience, peace, love for our environment and policies and measurements to protect our planet. As we will lead other generations to come, it is a must for us to not only learn how we can contribute to the reduction of greenhouse emissions in our country but to raise our voice and create awareness when it comes to the challenges that we face in Latin America and Caribbean, to reduce inequity, in terms of security, climate vulnerabilities and risk exposure. I am one of those young voices. My name is Pamela Abreu Toribio, and I am honoured to speak for more than 6 million of young people in the Dominican Republic with less than 35 years old and for future generations. I am the Head of the Mitigation Department at the National Council of Climate Change, where I focus on actions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the country: The energy sector with 62% of the national emissions, 20% the field of waste, 13% on agricultural activities and 5.3% on industrial processes. Primarily, topics to tackle in the DR are associated with low levels of air quality because of GHG emissions, droughts that provoke water crises in the communities, heat waves, breathing problems and other health issues. Despite being one of the Caribbean’s leaders in renewable energy expansion, with 25% of installed capacity, many communities still face irregular access to electricity and dependence on non-renewable energy, without the guaranteed reception of electricity on the infrastructure and waste management concerns. This contrast underscores the urgent need for a just and inclusive energy transition that leaves no one behind. The Dominican Republic’s Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) commits to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 27% by 2030 while enhancing adaptation in vulnerable areas such as coastal zones, transport, and waste management. These are ambitious goals, but they require sustained international support, particularly in the form of climate finance, technology transfer, and capacity building, for small island developing states like ours. Without adequate funding, implementation remains limited and communities to face the consequences of climate inaction. Through the Climate Reality Project, on the Youth for COP program, I have been able to understand different approaches to Climate Action and the impact of youth leaders in negotiations. As we approach COP 30 in Belem, Brazil, the message from the Global South must be clear: We need real progress, not just future promises. Climate negotiations need to ensure access to finance and technology that enable us to implement our commitments. For countries like us, adaptation is not optional; it is a priority. At COP 30, I would seek leaders who strengthen mechanisms for climate finance, accountability, and collaboration between developed and developing countries. As we continue to learn, lead and inspire, we, the youth, remind the world that climate action must move from speeches to reality, because our generation cannot afford to wait. #YouthForCOP #ClimateRealityProject #GlobalSouth Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this blog are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of The Climate Reality Project India & South Asia.

Every year, climate-vulnerable countries, including Bangladesh, face severe cyclones and floods. And every year, the world looks forward to the United Nations' annual Conference of the Parties (COP) with a hope. A hope that representatives from all nations will come together to align their priorities, and make decisive commitments to safeguard people and the planet. In Solidarity for a Green World,  COP 29 was held in Baku, Azerbaijan with a focus on finance. This COP was particularly special for me because I founded Green Lead with a mission of leading for a green world. It reflects my personal and organizational belief towards ‘green leadership’ - that we need to tackle the climate crisis. The conference began on November 11 in Baku, Azerbaijan- a country located between the Caspian Sea and the Caucasus Mountains and spans both Asia and Europe. With a central focus on climate finance, this year's conference was built on two pillars. Firstly, to “enhance ambition” by encouraging countries to adopt bold and transparent national plans. Secondly, to "enable action" by focusing on implementing commitments through financing, emissions reduction, adaptation to climate change, and addressing loss and damage. As a first-time participant, I have tried to explore and gain a holistic understanding of the processes and stakeholders. I attended a session on the Global Stocktake (GST), which evaluates countries' progress toward the Paris Agreement goals. I also joined a meeting on mitigation, where I listened to key statements from the Bangladeshi delegation. On November 13, I participated in a "Capacity2Action: Youth Climate Talks" panel at the Saleemul Huq Action Research Exchange Hub (SHARE) Hub. Alongside representatives from Nepal and China, I shared insights on Green Lead’s activities in Bangladesh and learned about other climate initiatives. I urged everyone to take action against the climate crisis in their own capacity—whether through climate career or entrepreneurship—to build a climate-resilient green world. Later, I joined "Youth Gathering – To Build a New Civilization", hosted by the Government of Bangladesh at COP 29 with youths from several countries. Dr. Muhammad Yunus, the Chief Advisor, engaged with us during this event. He told us, “You must dream. Dreams are the most powerful driving force in life. If you dream, there is a chance of making a big change in life. But if you don’t dream, I can guarantee it will never happen.” His words inspired us to dream big and work towards achieving them. The summit has been dubbed the "Finance COP," where developing countries advocated for a New Collective Quantified Goal (NCQG). In response, developed nations pledged to contribute at least $300 billion annually to support adaptation efforts. However, former U.S. Vice President and founder of the Climate Reality Project, Al Gore, remarked, “While the agreement reached at COP29 avoids immediate failure, it is far from a success. On key issues like climate finance and the transition away from fossil fuels, this is—yet again—the bare minimum.” COP 29 concluded with a compromise. But in the face of an existential crisis, a bare minimum approach is simply not enough. The countries worldwide continue to suffer disproportionately and the intensity of these impacts will only increase. Yet, we are done with the 29th conference and the commitment to support frontline communities remains insufficient. However, I believe optimism is our only choice. We must support these communities by utilizing every resource at our disposal. As UN Secretary-General António Guterres stated, “This agreement provides a base on which to build. It must be honored in full and on time. Commitments must quickly become cash. All countries must come together to ensure the top end of this new goal is met.” On one hand, we must continue our efforts to influence negotiations from Baku to Belém. On the other hand, disasters will not wait for decisions. They will continue to hit hard and impact lives across the globe. So we must enhance our capacity and build resilience using the resources available to us. Through my interactions with stakeholders from around the world, I have come to understand the power of solidarity in addressing the climate crisis. I was particularly inspired by the unwavering determination of young people. They have been working tirelessly to make their voices heard from COPs to their communities. As we move forward on the road from Baku to Belém, our solidarity and commitment to action will shape the future. The truth is climate change is accelerating faster than our collective response. So we cannot afford to compromise when human lives are at stake on such a vast scale. Let us hold on to the hope and demonstrate green leadership to rise above this crisis. Written by Md. Fahim Hossain Founder, Green Lead, and a Climate Reality Leader. He can be reached at fahim@greenleadglobal.org   About Green Lead: Green Lead is a non-profit organization enabling climate action through green leadership. More details can be found at www.greenleadglobal.org