title: Attribution of 2022 early-spring heatwave in India and Pakistan to climate change: lessons in assessing vulnerability and preparedness in reducing impacts

authors: Zachariah, Mariam

abstract: In March 2022, large parts over the north Indian plains including the breadbasket region, and southern Pakistan began experiencing prolonged heat, which continued into May. The event was exacerbated due to prevailing dry conditions in the region, resulting in devastating consequences for public health and agriculture. Using event attribution methods, we analyse the role of human-induced climate change in altering the chances of such an event. To capture the extent of the impacts, we choose March-April average of daily maximum temperature over the most affected region in India and Pakistan as the variable. In observations, the 2022 event has a return period of ~1-in-100 years. For each of the climate models, we then calculate the change in probability and intensity of a 1-in-100 year event between the actual and counterfactual worlds for quantifying the role of climate change. We estimate that human-caused climate change made this heatwave about 1°C hotter and 30 times more likely in the current, 2022 climate, as compared to the 1.2 °C cooler, pre-industrial climate. Under a future global warming of 2°C above pre-industrial levels, heatwaves like this are expected to become even more common (2–20 times more likely) and hotter (by 0-1.5°C) compared to now. Stronger and frequent heat waves in the future will impact vulnerable groups as conditions in some regions exceed limits for human survivability. Therefore, mitigation is essential for avoiding loss of lives and livelihood. Heat Action Plans (HAPs) have proved effective to help reduce heat-related mortality in both countries.

text: Attribution of 2022 early-spring heatwave in India and Pakistan to climate change: lessons in assessing vulnerability and preparedness in reducing impacts In March 2022, large parts over the north Indian plains including the breadbasket region, and southern Pakistan began experiencing prolonged heat, which continued into May. The event was exacerbated due to prevailing dry conditions in the region, resulting in devastating consequences for public health and agriculture. Using event attribution methods, we analyse the role of human-induced climate change in altering the chances of such an event. To capture the extent of the impacts, we choose March-April average of daily maximum temperature over the most affected region in India and Pakistan as the variable. In observations, the 2022 event has a return period of ~1-in-100 years. For each of the climate models, we then calculate the change in probability and intensity of a 1-in-100 year event between the actual and counterfactual worlds for quantifying the role of climate change. We estimate that human-caused climate change made this heatwave about 1°C hotter and 30 times more likely in the current, 2022 climate, as compared to the 1.2 °C cooler, pre-industrial climate. Under a future global warming of 2°C above pre-industrial levels, heatwaves like this are expected to become even more common (2–20 times more likely) and hotter (by 0-1.5°C) compared to now. Stronger and frequent heat waves in the future will impact vulnerable groups as conditions in some regions exceed limits for human survivability. Therefore, mitigation is essential for avoiding loss of lives and livelihood. Heat Action Plans (HAPs) have proved effective to help reduce heat-related mortality in both countries.

year: 2023

title: The right to repair

authors: Zaw, Win Thandar

abstract: The right to repair debate has been growing over the past several years around the world, focusing on both consumer protection and environmental concerns. New Zealand’s Government is considering right to repair legislation as part of the review of waste management legislation (The Ministry for the Environment “Taking responsibility for our waste: Proposals for a new waste strategy; Issues and options for new waste legislation” (October 2021)). The right to repair movement has emerged to address challenges faced by consumers regarding repair of purchased products due to lack of spare parts, tools or repair documentation. Right to repair measures enhance the property rights of the consumers over the purchased devices.

text: The right to repair The right to repair debate has been growing over the past several years around the world, focusing on both consumer protection and environmental concerns. New Zealand’s Government is considering right to repair legislation as part of the review of waste management legislation (The Ministry for the Environment “Taking responsibility for our waste: Proposals for a new waste strategy; Issues and options for new waste legislation” (October 2021)). The right to repair movement has emerged to address challenges faced by consumers regarding repair of purchased products due to lack of spare parts, tools or repair documentation. Right to repair measures enhance the property rights of the consumers over the purchased devices.

year: 2022-06-01

title: Kai whakakitenga-nui te whakatōhea: Whenua planning for kai security

authors: Maxwell, Te Kahautu

abstract: To exercise Tino Rangatiratanga in our pursuit to define our local food systems through the traditional knowledge and practice of growing kai that will inspire and transform the health and well-being of all Whakatōhea, Whānau, Hapū, Iwi.

text: Kai whakakitenga-nui te whakatōhea: Whenua planning for kai security To exercise Tino Rangatiratanga in our pursuit to define our local food systems through the traditional knowledge and practice of growing kai that will inspire and transform the health and well-being of all Whakatōhea, Whānau, Hapū, Iwi.

year: 2025