• Positive Climate Action Stories from the Global Majority

  Global Voices highlights successful, replicable climate action stories from the Global Majority, challenging narratives of inevitable doom. Community-led efforts and government initiatives show that meaningful progress is occurring globally. Women and indigenous groups are at the forefront of restorative climate work, often bridging the gap between social justice and environmental conservation. Notable Success Stories Aral Sea: Partial restoration of the region through state action and international cooperation, providing hope for ecological recovery. Central Asia: Regional governments taking proactive steps to address annual air pollution crises. Barbados: Implementing legislative and recovery plans to sustainably reshape the local fishing industry. Tuvalu: Developing a digital nation framework to preserve national identity against the threat of rising sea levels. Community-Led Movements Indigenous women in Bolivia: Organizing to combat and prevent wildfires. Torwali people of Pakistan: Working to restore and protect the Swat River. Philippines: Filing landmark lawsuits against oil corporations to hold them accountable for environmental impact. Kenya: Local groups reclaiming land to manage resources sustainably. The Role of Women and Intersectionality Women are disproportionately affected by climate change and are increasingly leading community-based climate action. Ugandan examples illustrate the connection between ecofeminism, indigenous knowledge, and resistance against patriarchal exploitation of nature. Effective climate action requires addressing the intersection of feminism, postcolonialism, and capitalism.

  Global Voices · Jun 7, 2026

  

• Rubbish as a Resource: How Communities in Mozambique Transform Waste into Climate Solutions

  Mozambique communities are repurposing waste into art, furniture, and educational tools to combat inadequate urban sanitation and climate vulnerability. Local initiatives highlight how solid waste like tires and plastic exacerbates flooding by clogging drainage systems in cities like Maputo. Creative reuse serves as a form of social critique, economic opportunity, and environmental resistance against global inequalities. Environmental and Economic Initiatives Environmental activist Vânia Gonçalo repurposes discarded tires into furniture and decorative objects to avoid illegal burning and provide income. These initiatives emphasize training youth in recycling and entrepreneurship without requiring industrial-scale machinery. Activists argue that scientific study of waste impacts must precede formal policy to ensure effective, community-led management. Art as Social Critique Artist Mudungaze transforms industrial scrap and street waste into contemporary sculptures that reclaim African cultural identity. His work serves as a subtle critique of urban elitism, challenging the marginalization of communities that suffer the environmental consequences of consumption they do not initiate. By operating outside traditional, central city galleries, he leverages digital platforms to bypass physical barriers to artistic access. Music and Digital Activism Rapper Osvaldo Iko MC uses hip-hop to bridge gaps in public environmental education, framing waste disposal as an issue of collective responsibility. Activists utilize social media, geolocation, and photography to document dumping sites and connect local struggles to the global climate debate. Climate Adaptation and Resilience Increased waste in urban areas like Maputo, Beira, and Nampula directly worsens flooding by blocking infrastructure during extreme weather events. Despite a lack of stable institutional funding, community networks are formalizing survival strategies that transform environmental threats into resilient local solutions.

  Global Voices · Jun 2, 2026

  

• Ugandan activists advocate for ecofeminism as climate action

  Ugandan women-led organizations argue that women are disproportionately affected by climate disasters and demand inclusion in formal decision-making processes. Ecofeminism serves as a framework to challenge patriarchal structures, capitalism, and extractivism as the root causes of global environmental crises. Government policies face scrutiny for contradicting environmental pledges, particularly due to large-scale fossil fuel projects and the suppression of climate activists. Origins and Evolution of Ecofeminism Termed in the 1970s by Françoise d’Eaubonne, who linked the oppression of women to the exploitation of nature under patriarchal systems. The movement gained global momentum through initiatives like India's Chipko movement and Wangarĩ Maathai’s Green Belt Movement in Kenya, bridging ecological restoration with social justice. Ugandan Grassroots Advocacy Rights 4 Her: Emphasizes the intrinsic link between women and the earth, advocating for resilient cities and inclusive climate decision-making. Girls for Climate Action: Campaigns for 30 percent of national climate finance to be allocated to women, girls, and vulnerable communities, while centering Indigenous knowledge in mitigation and adaptation efforts. Political Representation While the Ugandan legal framework mandates that one-third of government seats be held by women, actual parliamentary representation is 34 percent. Representation gaps persist compared to the national demographic, where 51 percent of the population is female according to the 2024 Census. Human Rights and Climate Contradictions Critics point to the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) as a major contradiction to the government's climate commitments, citing reports of forced evictions and violence near project sites. Freedom House classifies Uganda as "not free," citing a restrictive legal environment that enables the intimidation, detention, and silencing of climate activists and NGOs.

  Global Voices · Jun 1, 2026

  

• Tuvalu Aims to Become a Digital Nation Amid Rising Sea Levels

  Tuvalu is launching the "Digital Nation" project to preserve its statehood, identity, and sovereignty as rising sea levels threaten its existence within the next century. The initiative utilizes digital twins, cloud-based archiving, and e-government services to ensure the country can function virtually if its physical land is lost. While some critics view the project as an admission of defeat, proponents argue it is a proactive strategy for climate adaptation and cultural survival. Project Components Digital Twin: Scanning 124 islands and islets to create a virtual, geographically accurate copy of the nation's physical territory. Digital Ark: A cloud platform designed to house 3D scans of cultural artifacts, traditional knowledge, and historical records. E-government Services: Virtual infrastructure allowing citizens to access essential services like passport renewals and marriage certificates online, regardless of physical location. Community Engagement and Sovereignty The project prioritizes community consultation to identify which cultural practices and objects are most vital for preservation, such as traditional canoe making or local sports like "Ano." Developers are focusing on data protection, emphasizing that Tuvalu must maintain legal sovereignty over the platforms hosting its national data. Advanced security protocols are being implemented to manage access rights, allowing families or specific groups to keep certain cultural records private. Context and Implications Former Foreign Minister Simon Kofe famously highlighted the climate crisis at COP26 by delivering a speech knee-deep in seawater. The initiative aims to support the Tuvaluan diaspora and provide a "defined territory" under international law to argue for continued statehood. Project leaders emphasize that this is not a plan to abandon the islands but rather an effort to invest in local connectivity and governance to survive in a warming world. The project underscores the global failure of major emitters to combat climate change, forcing vulnerable island states to rely on radical technological solutions for survival.

  Global Voices · May 27, 2026

  

• Adapting to Compounding Crises: Yemen’s Public Health and Climate Resilience

  Yemen faces a public health crisis driven by the intersection of climate-induced extreme weather, prolonged conflict, and infrastructure collapse. Cholera, dengue fever, and respiratory infections are rising due to contaminated water, poor sanitation, and environmental stressors like dust storms. Communities and humanitarian organizations are building resilience through renewable energy projects, improved water access, and localized disease monitoring. Key Health Challenges Infectious Diseases: Yemen recorded the world's highest burden of cholera in 2024, exacerbated by unsafe water and stagnant water from flooding serving as mosquito breeding grounds. Respiratory Health: Rising temperatures and increased dust storms are exacerbating chronic conditions, such as asthma, and leading to more complex bacterial complications from viral infections. Barriers to Care: Poverty and lack of awareness often cause delays in seeking medical treatment, frequently leading to severe complications like kidney failure. Humanitarian Response ICRC Interventions: In the first half of 2025, the ICRC provided healthcare access to over 580,000 people and safe water to approximately 390,000 people. Infrastructure Support: Humanitarian groups support six diarrhea treatment facilities across the country, providing essential medical supplies, staff training, and water sanitation systems. Climate Adaptation and Resilience Solar Energy: Solar power serves as a critical lifeline for maintaining clean water pumps and powering healthcare facilities in areas where traditional infrastructure has failed. Localized Solutions: Effective climate action relies on community knowledge, with residents actively developing grassroots solutions to monitor outbreaks and maintain hygiene despite limited resources.

  Global Voices · May 26, 2026

  

• Hong Kong NGOs Call for Policy Interventions to Help Vulnerable Groups Withstand Heat Hazards

  Hong Kong civil society groups are calling for urgent policy interventions to protect vulnerable populations—including the elderly, low-income residents, and outdoor workers—from intensifying heatwaves. Critics argue that the government's current climate strategy is overly reliant on technical infrastructure and green finance while failing to address the social inequality inherent in the climate crisis. Plight of Vulnerable Groups Elderly: Over 236,000 seniors live alone, making them highly susceptible to heat-induced complications of cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Subdivided housing residents: Approximately 220,000 people reside in cramped units where temperatures often spike 1–10°C higher than the city average, with many unable to afford air conditioning due to high electricity costs. Ineffective shelters: Government-designated cooling centers are criticized for poor locations, lack of privacy, and restricted operating hours, leading to low utilization rates. Labor and Heat Stress Occupational health: Surveys indicate that 62% of street cleaners and construction workers suffer from heatstroke symptoms, yet it is not formally recognized as an occupational disease in Hong Kong. Regulatory failures: Current three-tier heat warnings are non-statutory guidelines; despite over 1,000 warnings issued to employers in 2024, no prosecutions for non-compliance have occurred. Proposed reforms: NGOs, including Oxfam HK, are advocating for a workplace-based heat stress index, the inclusion of heatstroke in the Employees’ Compensation Ordinance, and mandatory employer accountability. Climate Justice and Public Health Mortality data: A Hong Kong University study links 1,455 to 3,238 excess deaths between 2014 and 2023 directly to heatwaves, ranking them among the top ten causes of death in the city. Grassroots action: Organizations like CarbonCare InnoLab (CCIL) are focusing on community-led adaptation, such as improving ventilation in substandard housing and strengthening neighborhood support networks, arguing that resilience requires empowering people, not just building infrastructure.

  Global Voices · May 25, 2026

  

• Rosa Pachurí Paraba and Indigenous Women Lead Bolivia's Wildfire Recovery

  In 2024, Bolivia suffered its worst wildfire season, with 12.6 million hectares burned—an area equivalent to Cuba. Rosa Pachurí Paraba, president of ORMICH, is leading efforts in the Chiquitanía region to restore food sovereignty for Indigenous communities. Communities are reviving ancestral practices like bartering and integrating traditional knowledge with modern fire management to combat the ongoing climate crisis. The 2024 Catastrophe The Ombudsman’s Office reported that 12,658,157 hectares were devastated by uncontrolled fires. The Santa Cruz department was hit hardest, losing 8.5 million hectares, representing 68 percent of its total territory. The fires destroyed critical biodiversity, including the humus layer and seed banks necessary for forest regeneration, and severely impacted local water and food supplies. Community-Led Response Following a delayed government response, Indigenous communities organized environmental monitors and created trained brigades for future prevention. Rosa Pachurí Paraba and ORMICH mobilized to provide shelter and essential resources to displaced families. The "Casa Grande" project serves as a key economic hub, supporting women through the sale of handicrafts and cosmetics. Ancestral Wisdom and Future Sustainability Food security is being maintained through the revival of communal bartering, allowing families to exchange diverse crops. Indigenous groups like the Monkox people are utilizing controlled burning protocols, which serve as a traditional method to fertilize and aerate soil. Organizations like Fundación Alternativas recommend strategies including polyculture farming, sustainable irrigation, and the strengthening of local food processing enterprises to build long-term climate resilience.

  Global Voices · May 22, 2026

  

• Solidarity Fields in Jaramana: Reviving Local Seed Production in Syria

  The "Solidarity Fields in Jaramana" initiative, launched in March 2026, aims to revive local and indigenous seed production on the outskirts of Damascus. The project is part of a larger effort to restore agricultural autonomy, combat the decline in farming, and provide food security amidst economic instability and climate change. Key focus includes sourcing seeds from household gardens, eliminating dependency on chemical inputs, and demonstrating sustainable, community-based agricultural models. Project Background and Origins The Jaramana site is an extension of the "Solidarity Fields and Dignity" project, which originated in Greece in 2025 by Syrian refugee Suleiman Dakdouk. It combines efforts with the "Shughl wa Fan" (Work and Art) initiative, founded in 2008 to integrate art, community engagement, and environmental awareness. The initiative uses approximately 300 dunams (75 acres) of land for seedling cultivation, aiming to recover crop varieties that nearly vanished due to war and drought. Impact of Local Seeds According to FAO data, community-based seed systems supply 80 to 90 percent of seeds for self-pollinated crops in many regions. Indigenous seeds offer critical advantages: Better adaptation to local climate conditions. High genetic diversity, enhancing resistance to disease. Reduced dependence on expensive imported agricultural inputs. Elimination of fertilizers and chemical pesticides, reducing production costs. Challenges and Goals The Syrian agricultural sector suffered significantly between 2011 and 2016, with the rural population shrinking by 50 percent and massive destruction of infrastructure and seed stocks. The initiative serves as a model for post-war and post-disaster recovery, shifting farmers away from reliance on imported varieties. Coordinators like Muhannad Deeb intend for the project's results to influence the broader farming community, proving that traditional, local methods are viable and necessary for long-term sustainability.

  Global Voices · May 21, 2026

  

• How Nature-based Solutions Can Help Vulnerable Communities Overcome Climate Injustice

  The climate crisis disproportionately impacts marginalized groups, including Indigenous peoples, women, Dalits, and ethnic minorities in the Global South. Nature-based Solutions (NbS) offer rights-based, community-led strategies to build climate resilience while fostering economic independence and disaster risk reduction. Despite their effectiveness, vulnerable communities currently receive less than one percent of global climate finance. The Climate Injustice Gap Nepal faces severe hydrometeorological disasters—such as floods, landslides, and droughts—that exacerbate existing inequalities caused by caste, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status. Marginalized populations, often labeled "climate refugees," are frequently forced to migrate as their land and resources are degraded. Resource allocation remains skewed; those most vulnerable to climate impacts often have the least influence over how climate finance is distributed. Implementing Nature-based Solutions (NbS) NbS serve as self-help tools that leverage ecosystems like forests, wetlands, and mangroves to provide both ecological and human benefits. Practical implementations include: Bio-dykes: Environmentally friendly alternatives to concrete structures that use vegetation to stabilize riverbanks and prevent soil erosion. Traditional Practices: Shifting cultivation and indigenous guardianship help with carbon sequestration and biodiversity preservation. Soil Management: Converting forest waste into compost reduces fire risks and replaces chemical fertilizers, improving soil fertility. Global Examples: Floating gardens in Bangladesh for flood resilience and mangrove reforestation for coastal protection in various regions. Economic and Social Impacts Resilience and Livelihoods: NbS promote sustainable rural development by protecting critical water sources, floodplains, and fisheries. Green Employment: NbS projects create opportunities for forest guards, eco-guides, and nursery workers, providing new income streams for women and youth. Community Empowerment: By integrating water resource management and ecosystem restoration, communities gain agency and stronger, more sustainable local economies.

  Global Voices · May 17, 2026

  

• Philippine typhoon survivors file historic case against oil giant Shell

  Around 103 survivors of Super Typhoon Odette (known internationally as Rai) have filed a historic civil lawsuit against British oil and gas giant Shell PLC. This marks the first civil claim to directly link the climate impacts of fossil fuel production to death and personal injury. Petitioners are demanding financial compensation for damages and a halt to Shell's fossil fuel expansion. Case Details and Background The lawsuit was filed on December 11, 2025, at the Royal Courts of Justice in the United Kingdom. Typhoon Odette resulted in over 400 deaths, 1,000 injuries, and the destruction of 1.4 million homes, primarily in the Philippine provinces of Cebu and Bohol. Law firm Hausfeld drafted the complaint, utilizing Philippine law as the basis for the damage claims. Plaintiffs argue that Shell acted with negligence by failing to mitigate climate harm and actively obfuscating climate science regarding the impacts of fossil fuels. Perspectives from Survivors Survivors emphasize that the lawsuit represents a fight for their future, asserting that the poor suffer most from climate disasters while lacking the means to relocate. Trixy Elle, a survivor and plaintiff, indicated that this is the first of many potential cases, with plans to sue other major oil companies sequentially. Responses and Legal Implications Shell UK dismissed the complaint as baseless, stating it ignores the benefits energy systems provide and that climate knowledge has long been part of the public domain. Greenpeace Philippines and local partners argue the case provides a significant precedent for global climate justice, potentially building upon a July 2025 International Court of Justice ruling regarding environmental obligations. The legal action is supported by ongoing community-led projects, including solar installations and art initiatives in affected islands to emphasize the call for accountability.

  Global Voices · May 15, 2026

  

• Climate Change: What Africa Must Demand at COP31 in Antalya

  Africa faces the world's most severe climate impacts despite contributing the fewest greenhouse gas emissions. As COP31 approaches in Antalya, Turkey, the continent seeks to unify its strategy to address four critical battlegrounds: finance, adaptation, conditional commitments, and diplomatic influence. Geopolitical instability, notably the United States' withdrawal from the Paris Agreement and the UNFCCC in early 2026, necessitates a stronger and more coordinated African negotiating position. The Reality on the Ground Extreme weather is causing widespread destruction: 2021–2025 was the deadliest five-year period in Africa in 15 years. More than 221 million people have been affected by climate-related disasters, with death tolls tripling compared to previous cycles. Regional crises, such as severe droughts in Northern Togo and floods in Kenya, Tanzania, and Burundi, demonstrate the immediate necessity of concrete policy changes over slow-moving international legislation. Four Strategic Battles for COP31 Climate Finance (NCQG): Africa must push for the implementation of the New Collective Quantified Goal (NCQG), demanding an increase in grant-based funding over loans and establishing transparent monitoring mechanisms. Prioritizing Adaptation: Historically, Green Climate Fund allocations favored mitigation (59%) over adaptation (41%). Africa must insist on at least a 50% allocation for adaptation to address local survival needs. Linking NDC 3.0 to Funding: African nations face a "marathon without shoes" scenario where they pledge ambitious emissions reductions in their NDC 3.0 plans, yet these goals are currently tied to uncertain international financial support. Africa will demand binding links between emission reduction ambitions and guaranteed conditional financing. Influencing Global Governance: With Ethiopia hosting COP32 in 2027, Africa needs to demonstrate effective negotiation skills and alliance building now to secure long-term influence in climate governance. Strengthening Diplomatic Capacity Initiatives such as training programs by the African Institute for Economic Development and Planning (IDEP) are equipping diplomats and senior officials to turn continental vulnerability into effective advocacy. Australia’s role as the President of Negotiations presents a potential opportunity for Africa to form strategic alliances to represent the interests of vulnerable nations.

  Global Voices · May 12, 2026

  

• Nigerians grapple with extreme heat amid ongoing power crisis

  Nigerians are experiencing severe, climate-change-driven heat stress during the annual transition to the rainy season. Nationwide power grid failures and rising fuel costs prevent citizens from using cooling appliances, significantly impacting health and productivity. The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has issued warnings, advising citizens to prioritize hydration, ventilation, and protective clothing. Impact on Daily Life and Work Remote workers report decreased productivity, citing difficulties in attending virtual meetings and working in high temperatures without air conditioning. Commercial workers, such as drivers, continue to labor in extreme conditions to sustain their livelihoods despite the physical toll. Residents note changes in local weather patterns, specifically the absence of the typical Harmattan season in December and January. Nighttime cooling strategies, such as sleeping outdoors, are currently restricted by security concerns. Power Crisis and Infrastructure Frequent collapses of the national power grid in 2026 have led to widespread blackouts, leaving homes and businesses without fans or AC. Solar power is insufficient for 24-hour use, and high fuel prices make generator usage unsustainable for many households. Minister of Power Adebayo Adelabu publicly apologized for the service instability, but relief remains limited. Official Guidance and Recommendations NiMet attributes the heat wave to climate change and advises: Staying hydrated and staying in well-ventilated or air-conditioned environments. Wearing light, breathable clothing, sunshades, and hats. Keeping infants cool and avoiding leaving children in parked vehicles. Experts emphasize the need for greater public awareness regarding heat-related health risks, particularly in rural areas.

  Global Voices · May 11, 2026

  

• Why we are choosing to focus on climate solutions

  Global Voices is shifting focus toward climate solutions to counter feelings of helplessness and climate nihilism in the face of the global crisis. Success stories provide a replicable, scalable roadmap for communities to address environmental issues at the local level. Addressing "eco-anxiety" is essential to prevent paralysis and encourage active participation in climate action. The Power of Community Success Stories Documenting successful local initiatives helps provide practical blueprints for other regions: Successful restoration of the Aral Sea in Kazakhstan offers a model for water recovery. Indigenous-led conservation strategies in Nepal serve as a template for inclusive national park management. Innovative roof-securing techniques from Jamaica, developed after Hurricane Melissa, provide lessons for other storm-prone areas. Addressing Climate Anxiety Research suggests that 60 percent of young people globally feel "very worried" about the planet's future, leading to eco-anxiety. While manageable anxiety can motivate action, it often slides into "eco-paralysis," characterized by despair and inaction. Sharing stories of progress is a psychological intervention designed to break the cycle of doomscrolling and nihilism, fostering community resilience. Action at the Local Level Change is more attainable at the community level than globally, offering individuals concrete ways to make a difference: Implementing local biodiversity hotspots with native plants. Organizing neighborhood river cleanups and education campaigns. Lobbying local officials for electric vehicle infrastructure and waste management funding. Supporting green companies while holding environmentally harmful ones accountable through consumer choices. Global Voices aims to highlight how communities in the Global South, often the most impacted, are driving essential climate innovation.

  Global Voices · May 7, 2026

  

• Educating for Climate Resilience: Anil Adhikari on Conservation and Community Action in Nepal

  Anil Adhikari, a Nepali conservation educator, utilizes school-based programs to teach children about wildlife and climate resilience. His approach integrates storytelling, hands-on activities, and community engagement to foster long-term environmental stewardship. Programs like the Community-Based Snow Leopard Conservation Program (CBSLCP) link wildlife protection with practical climate adaptation strategies. The Impact of Climate Change on Nepal Changing weather patterns are severely impacting biodiversity in the Himalayas. Unseasonal snowstorms (2018–2019) caused livestock loss and habitat shifts. Monitoring efforts in the Annapurna Conservation Area showed a notable decline in species such as blue sheep and snow leopards between 2014 and 2024, indicating potential habitat disturbance. Grassroots Education Strategy Adhikari’s model focuses on empowering children to become "messengers" who share climate knowledge with their families. Education efforts include: Teaching practical adaptation measures like rainwater harvesting and waste recycling. Using nature tours and field camps to help students observe changes in habitats. Integrating conservation topics into formal local government school curricula. Evidence of Community Action Educational initiatives have led to tangible behavior changes, such as: A reduction in forest fires following lessons on the impact of fires on red pandas. Adoption of rainwater harvesting systems in schools to address water scarcity. Local farmers adjusting harvesting practices based on weather data gathered by students through school-operated weather stations. Challenges to Scaling Successfully transferring knowledge from students to the wider adult community remains difficult. Consistently scaling programs across diverse and remote regions requires sustained coordination with local government partners.

  Global Voices · May 1, 2026

  

• Climate Change Impairs Beekeeping in the Democratic Republic of the Congo

  Climate change is causing a collapse in honey production in Butembo, North Kivu, DRC, due to disrupted rainfall, prolonged droughts, and the loss of nectar-rich flowers. Honey prices have risen significantly, jumping from USD 7 per liter in early 2025 to USD 10–12 in early 2026, making it a luxury product. Local experts warn that without urgent intervention, the regional beekeeping industry faces extinction. Impact on Production Beekeepers report empty hives for the first time in decades as unpredictable seasons disrupt bee cycles. New, unknown insect pests are attacking hives, further driving away bee colonies. Floral patterns have shifted, causing a shortage of nectar sources essential for honey production. Expert Recommendations Vutsapu Michaël of Academia Group advocates for transitioning to modern beehives, which offer better protection against climate variations. Experts urge targeted reforestation using resilient, nectar-bearing trees such as calliandra, grevillea, and eucalyptus. Recommendations include halting deforestation and slash-and-burn agriculture, as logging for fuel and timber further depletes nectar sources. Contributing Factors Economic pressure: High costs for climate change training and insufficient awareness programs hinder the ability of local producers to adapt. Armed conflict: Ongoing instability in North Kivu restricts safe access to production areas and causes population displacement, further limiting agricultural output.

  Global Voices · Apr 14, 2026

  

• Climate Change Disrupts Agricultural Practices in North Kivu, DRC

  North Kivu farmers face severe climate challenges, including shortened rainy seasons, prolonged droughts, and intensified rainfall causing flooding and erosion. Scientific data indicates that while annual rainfall remains stable, the rainy season has shrunk from nine to seven months, and extreme weather events are occurring more frequently. Experts urge a transition from subsistence farming to a climate-resilient model using technology, irrigation, agroforestry, and improved seed varieties. Impact of Climate Variability Research from Geo-Eco-Trop (2012) shows an increase in rainfall intensity by 0.1 mm/day, with significantly more "heavy rain" days. Unpredictable weather patterns, including hail and severe storms, often destroy crops during traditional dry periods. Rapid, uncontrolled urbanization has exacerbated flooding and erosion risks in the region. Increased climate instability has led to higher rates of crop diseases such as mildew and various fungal infestations. Challenges in Current Farming Agriculture remains largely small-scale and family-run, relying entirely on rainfall due to a lack of investment in irrigation infrastructure. Experts like Prof. Charles Valimunzigha note that while water sources (rivers and groundwater) are abundant, the region lacks the technical and financial capacity to manage and capture them. Dependence on outdated farming methods and old, unproductive seed varieties limits the sector's ability to withstand environmental shifts. Proposed Solutions and Strategy Researchers suggest developing a regional network of weather stations to create reliable farming calendars based on climate data. Proposed transitions emphasize: Agroecology and agroforestry to balance soil health and biodiversity. Digital tools, such as satellite imagery and soil mapping, for better planning. Decoupling production from slash-and-burn clearing to protect soil fertility. Experts call on policymakers to integrate climate data into agricultural strategy to prevent the collapse of smallholder farming, which serves as the region's economic backbone.

  Global Voices · Mar 17, 2026

  

• Game on: How math can help design strategies for climate crisis and diplomacy

  Evolutionary game theory provides a mathematical framework for designing robust strategies in complex, real-world situations like climate crises and international diplomacy. The theory accounts for players who are unequal and adjust strategies through learning, imitation, and adaptation, rather than assuming perfect rationality. Researchers focus on 'Robustness Against Indirect Invasions' (RAII) to protect systems from subtle, incremental behavioral shifts that can lead to large-scale failures. Evolutionary Game Theory in Action Unlike classical game theory, evolutionary game theory studies how behaviors or strategies survive, coexist, or die out over time based on their success. This approach is particularly useful for public health emergencies and common-property resource management, where individual behaviors dictate the success of the collective. Indirect Threats and Robustness While direct threats involve obvious rule-breaking, indirect threats stem from small, seemingly acceptable changes in behavior that comply with current regulations. Over time, these small shifts redefine incentives and expectations, potentially leading to widespread negative outcomes like overfishing in open seas. RAII is a mathematical concept used to develop strategies that remain stable against these subtle, progressive invasions of behavior. Complex, Asymmetric Challenges Real-world scenarios often involve 'asymmetric games,' where players have different strategy sets and unequal payoffs, such as in trade negotiations. Strategies in these cases exist on a continuum rather than simple 'fight-or-flight' choices, requiring more sophisticated mathematical modeling. Policymakers and AI developers can use these insights to identify systemic vulnerabilities, ensuring strategies remain resilient against both obvious breaches and indirect attack routes.

  360info · Feb 23, 2026

  

• Nigeria Confronts Growing Climate Risks with Rising Droughts, Heatwaves, and Flooding

  Nigeria is experiencing worsening climate extremes, including intense heatwaves, northern droughts, and devastating southern flooding. In 2025, Nigeria ranked 60th on the World Risk Index, indicating rising vulnerability to environmental hazards. Climate-induced disasters have become significant drivers of internal migration and economic instability, threatening the agricultural sector that accounts for over 31% of the national GDP. Climate Factors and Geography Rainfall distribution is uneven: the southeast faces heavy downpours due to Atlantic air masses and the Cameroon Highlands, while the north is increasingly arid due to dry winds from the Sahara Desert. Nigeria’s average temperature from 1991 to 2020 was 27.3 degrees Celsius, contributing to a global ranking of 41st in average yearly temperature. Socio-Economic Impact Disaster-related migration is significant in specific states: Kogi (90% of internal migration in the state), Katsina (15%), Nasarawa (14%), and Kano (12%). Agriculture, which employs many women, faces severe disruptions; for example, 2024 flooding in Kano State destroyed over 25% of expected agricultural output. Human and economic costs from June to September 2024 included 280 deaths, 122,330 homes destroyed, 17,000 acres of farmland damaged, and approximately 641,500 people displaced. Mitigation and Path Forward The crisis is exacerbated by human activities including gas flaring, oil spills, and carbon emissions from transport and agriculture. Community-based initiatives like "Green Quest," founded by Grace James, are using education and gamification to build local flood resilience. While the government is pursuing policy and infrastructure initiatives, experts emphasize that systemic changes and personal engagement are essential to mitigate the long-term effects of climate change.

  Global Voices · Feb 17, 2026

  

• How Past Choices Made Sumatra Flood-Prone

  The devastating late 2025 floods in Sumatra, Indonesia, were exacerbated by decades of poor forest governance that degraded landscapes, turning heavy rainfall into catastrophe. Deforestation, mining, and plantation expansion have stripped upstream watersheds of their ability to regulate water flow, leading to increased surface run-off and sediment-clogged rivers. Institutional Path Dependence Indonesia’s forestry sector remains locked into a system designed for resource extraction and central state control, rooted in colonial-era policies and consolidated by the 1967 Basic Forestry Law. Post-1990s decentralization failed to transform these extractive foundations, instead leading to "institutional layering" where local authorities sought new revenue streams through permits while maintaining old, environmentally damaging administrative routines. The Limits of Reform Although Indonesia has introduced conservation measures like moratoriums on primary forest clearing and international climate initiatives, they are undermined by competing development policies that prioritize economic growth. Climate change serves as a "threat multiplier" in Sumatra, magnifying the impact of systemic vulnerabilities created by long-standing governance decisions rather than acting as a sole independent cause. Required Shifts in Governance Addressing future flood risk requires moving beyond reactive, technical fixes toward integrated landscape management. Forests in upstream watersheds must be managed as critical public safety infrastructure. Future policy must strengthen local land rights and mandate comprehensive flood-risk assessments before issuing land-use permits.

  360info · Feb 6, 2026

  

• Kenyan Filmmaker Emily Nderitu Reshapes the Global Climate Narrative

  Emily Wanjiru Nderitu, a Kenyan impact producer, is using film to center African voices and lived experiences in global climate discourse. She advocates for a shift from technical, top-down climate communication to storytelling that emphasizes human survival, indigenous wisdom, and local reality. Core Initiatives Working with Doc Society, Nderitu manages the Democracy Story Unit and Climate Story Labs to bridge the gap between filmmakers, scientists, and policymakers. These labs operate as creative incubators, bringing together diverse participants—from local chiefs to poets—to develop narratives that drive real-world policy shifts. Her early work on the documentary Thank You for the Rain (2016) served as a turning point, highlighting the power of film to translate personal farming struggles into effective climate activism. Challenging Climate Discourse Nderitu argues that the global climate narrative often treats Africa as a passive observer rather than a strategic leader in adaptation. She emphasizes that for Africans, climate change is not just an event or a data point but a daily conversation about rain, livestock, and land rituals. Her strategy involves modernizing ancestral knowledge regarding water management and agriculture to make it visible to global policy frameworks. Measuring Impact Nderitu maintains that successful storytelling does not require viral metrics; it requires tangible local outcomes. Past projects have led to concrete changes, including updated water policies in Kenya and new school garden programs in South Africa. She remains critical of the performative nature of events like COP, insisting that the most vital climate work occurs on the ground, long after international conferences conclude.

  Global Voices · Dec 24, 2025