Raging wildfires drive pollution surge in Kathmandu
Kathmandu Valley ranked the world’s most polluted city on Monday afternoon, March 31, with PM2.5 levels reaching 365 micrograms per cubic metre (μg/m3).
Environment
South Korea’s wildfire-devastated ecosystem may take a century to recover
While the recovery varies by the type of living organisms — ranging from fish, marine invertebrates to insects, trees require decades to regrow and forest animals depend on…
Drought-stricken farmers in Nepal’s Sindhupalchok villages are leaving farmlands
Farmers are unable to cultivate their land and grow crops and vegetables due to unreliable rains and lack of irrigation.
China’s environment ministry to expand carbon trading program by including three industrial sectors
Launched in 2021, China's carbon trading market, already world's largest, currently involves 2,200 coal-fired power generation companies, which annually contribute about 5 billion…
Vietnamese government urges immediate action on air pollution in major cities
While the Environmental Protection Law 2020 outlines clear responsibilities for state agencies, local governments, businesses and individuals, enforcement remains weak.
Japanese company’s US$300 million forestry fund to focus on Southeast Asia as climate, conservation focus grows
The fund is a reflection of increasing investor interest in forestry not only for stable returns from timber revenues but also for the climate, and increasingly biodiversity,…
Bhutan to push for wildlife -friendly infrastructure amid major development plans
The USD 2.15 billion Bhutan Highways Connectivity Master Plan, a comprehensive development strategy aims to enhance road connectivity through major projects such as highway…
International agency’s reports confirm Fukushima treated water continues to meet safety standards
In December, the IAEA task force, with members from nine foreign countries including the U.S. and China, conducted its on-site safety inspection of the treated water discharged…
Only drinking water available amid unprecedented shortage in Pakistan
A meeting of the Advisory Committee of the Indus River System Authority decided on Wednesday to make only “drinking supplies” for one month in April, and then review the…
Air pollution worsens across Laos
The Ministry of Health advises people to wear a face mask at all times when outside, to reduce inhalation of fine ash or dust.