Asia

Climate change exposes millions of Hajj pilgrims to deadly heat for increasingly longer parts of the year

The Kaaba during Hajj

The Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca is one of the five pillars of Islam and a lifelong dream for many Muslims. All Muslims who are physically and financially able are expected to make the pilgrimage at least once in their lives. This year, the Hajj falls in May, traditionally a safer and milder time of year … Continue reading “Climate change exposes millions of Hajj pilgrims to deadly heat for increasingly longer parts of the year”

Increasing heavy rainfall and extreme flood heights in a warming climate threaten densely populated regions across Sri Lanka and the Malacca Strait

Cyclone Ditwah in Sri Lanka. UNDP 2025. Eranga Jayawardena/AP Photo.

On 27 November, Cyclonic Storm Ditwah struck Sri Lanka with strong winds and very heavy rainfall, causing the worst flooding and landslides since the early 2000s (UN News, 2025). Cyclonic Storm Ditwah became the deadliest weather-related disaster since the 2004 tsunami. Meanwhile Indonesia, Malaysia and southern Thailand were experiencing persistent heavy rainfall, intensified by Cyclonic … Continue reading “Increasing heavy rainfall and extreme flood heights in a warming climate threaten densely populated regions across Sri Lanka and the Malacca Strait”

Human-induced climate change compounded by socio-economic water stressors increased severity of 5-year drought in Iran and Euphrates and Tigris basin

Varzaneh Desert. Image by Ninara.

The Event  From boreal winter 2020/21 onwards, a large region in West Asia, encompassing the Fertile Crescent around the rivers Euphrates and Tigris as well as Iran has suffered from exceptionally low rains and elevated temperatures. This five-year-long drought has led to severe water scarcity across the region. In Iraq, 2025 has become the driest … Continue reading “Human-induced climate change compounded by socio-economic water stressors increased severity of 5-year drought in Iran and Euphrates and Tigris basin”