An unusually violent version of an annual storm prompted Atikul Islam, 24, a Commonwealth Correspondent from Bogra in Bangladesh, to look at climate change and the value of trees. The Kal Baishakh storm is a seasonal storm in Bangladesh. In the time ahead of the first Bangla month of Baishakh, the Kal Baishakh storm strikes …

“Kal Baishakh storm inflicts alarming damage”         Read More »

Climate change poses enormous risk to Jamaica’s economy through crippling impact on its tourism and agriculture industries, writes Advira Shand, 25, a Commonwealth Correspondent from Manchester in Jamaica, who urges leaders to speak up for Caribbean interests at climate change negotiatons. It is a fact that the Caribbean is by no means immune to the catastrophic …

“Caribbean leaders must fight climate change” Read More »

Frequent floods are a deadly fact of life, writes Fariya Abubakari, 25, a Correspondent from Bawku, Ghana, who argues that better solid waste management could mitigate disaster. It was on Wednesday evening in June, 2015, that a heavy downpour of rain killed Mr. Boamah’s wife and children and displaced his property. His house gushed fire …

“Are residents to blame for floods in Ghana?” Read More »

Human activity has been blamed for contributing to environmental disaster in the oceans, but as Ariela St. Pierre-Collins, 18, a Commonwealth Correspondent from Barbados writes, the sea occasionally fights back. Picture this: a peaceful looking soybean plantation in the Amazon where trees used to be. Look closer, and you’ll see a stream of water running through …

“Environmental devastation on our doorstep” Read More »

Fariya Abubakari, 25, a Correspondent from Bawku, Ghana describes the life of woman farmer vulnerable to climate change as she argues the need for gender sensitivity in climate change policy. Kubura is an energetic young woman farmer from Binduri in the Upper East Region of Ghana who spends hours each day hauling water for her family, …

“Climate policy needs gender sensitivity” Read More »

Limiting global warming is the focus of the upcoming Paris Climate Conference, writes Geetha Kanniah, 19, a Commonwealth Correspondent from Malaysia, who argues the real work will start once the agreement is reached.  With the highly anticipated COP21 rapidly approaching, organisations are promoting renewable energy as fast as they can, hoping to accomplish more in the …

“Looking for green progress at COP21” Read More »

Ghana’s abundant sunshine could solve the country’s power crisis, writes Fariya Abubakari, 25, a Correspondent from Bawku, Ghana, who argues for government support of solar policies and industry. Fossil fuels are still being used as the major energy source in Ghana, with just one per cent of power coming from solar and wind energy. Meanwhile …

“Solar energy could end power crisis in Ghana” Read More »

Climate change is already evident in Jamaica, writes Advira Shand, 25, a Commonwealth Correspondent from Manchester in Jamaica, who urges immediate short term action as well as long-term policy changes. I always look forward to scanning Jamaica’s lush green terrain while occupying a window seat of an airplane flying to and from Jamaica. However, on …

“Action needed to catch up to climate change” Read More »

Jamaica is in a race against the effects of climate change, writes Advira Shand, 25, a Commonwealth Correspondent from Manchester in Jamaica, with impact already evident in health, agriculture and the economy. Jamaica is still awash with national pride and celebration following the 2015 IAAF World Championships where its athletes, led by the famous Usain Bolt, dominated …

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