Climate AustraliaAustralia and Fiji are co-hosting a Pacific climate meeting to discuss climate threats and carbon emissions ahead of the COP31 summit in Turkey. The meeting aims to sharpen climate goals and highlight the needs of small island nations.
AustraliaSevere thunderstorms are forecast to hit south-east Queensland on Tuesday, bringing an end to the long weekend's fine weather. The Bureau of Meteorology expects rain and possible isolated severe thunderstorms to welcome in the new school term.
Australia's climate credentials are under scrutiny as it hosts pre-COP talks in Fiji, following approval of a major coal mine expansion. Pacific leaders will meet to sharpen climate goals amid record-breaking heat.
SingaporeThe new agency will have greater powers to manage permits and conservation, and will report directly to President Prabowo Subianto. Experts welcome the move as a step towards preventing wildfires and haze.
MaldivesThe island nation is at risk of becoming uninhabitable by 2050 due to rising sea levels, with a potential increase of 27 to 52 centimeters. The Maldives government is working to implement sustainable plans to mitigate the effects.
MongoliaA 10-day experience connects people, regions, and education in Mongolia, focusing on reducing waste and promoting environmental awareness. The event is a continuation of previous initiatives, Ver. 1 and 2.
NetherlandsSevere floods have hit the Spanish region of Catalonia, resulting in two deaths and thousands of reports of fallen trees and flooded homes. The extreme weather is attributed to the abnormally warm Mediterranean Sea, which has been 3 degrees warmer than average. The region is still recovering from a devastating flood two years ago in the Valencia province.
LuxembourgLuxembourg is experiencing unusually high temperatures in October, with temperatures reaching as high as 28°C. This unseasonable heat has significant implications for the country's agriculture, particularly for livestock such as cows. The prolonged heat wave has been affecting the country's summer, leading to concerns about the well-being of livestock and the impact on the local economy.
LibyaThe Libyan National Meteorological Center has predicted mild temperatures across most regions of Libya on Sunday, with scattered clouds and occasional rain showers in some areas, particularly in the eastern and southeastern regions. The temperatures are expected to rise gradually in the western regions starting from Tuesday, marking the beginning of the autumn season. This weather forecast is crucial for the country's agricultural and economic activities.
KiribatiKiribati's Minister for Women, Youth, Sport and Social Affairs, Ruth Cross Kwansing, has called on world leaders to support a change that would pay small island states back for climate projects after they are finished. This proposal aims to address the difficulty in accessing climate finance. The request is to be discussed at Pre-COP31 in Nadi, Fiji.
KenyaKenya's Meteorological Service has announced that El Niño rains will arrive from next week, with above-average rainfall expected in several parts of the country. The rains will bring relief to farmers, but also pose risks of waterlogging, crop diseases, and transportation disruptions. The onset and intensity of the rains will vary across regions, with county-specific forecasts available.
FijiA three-day Australia-Pacific Youth Climate Dialogue in Nadi, Fiji, brought together young people to discuss key climate issues affecting the region. Recommendations from Pacific youth will be taken forward into the Pre-COP31 discussions, with Fiji prioritizing their views in the wider climate conversation. The dialogue aimed to strengthen Pacific positions ahead of global climate talks.
GuineaPacific leaders are set to challenge Australia's climate credentials at pre-COP31 talks in Fiji. The talks come just days after a major coal mine expansion was approved in Australia. This move has sparked concerns about Australia's commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and meeting its climate targets.
FijiPacific leaders are set to challenge Australia's climate credentials at pre-COP31 talks in Fiji. The talks come just days after a major coal mine expansion was approved in Australia. This move has put Australia's climate policies under scrutiny, particularly ahead of the UN climate conference. The leaders are expected to discuss the impact of fossil fuel expansion on the region's environment and communities.
FijiLeaders visiting Tuvalu, a Pacific nation, will see a once-thriving ecosystem destroyed by climate change. A marine heatwave in 2024 killed 99.9% of the coral, leaving behind a barren landscape. The pre-COP gathering aims to highlight the damage caused by climate change in the Pacific region, where rising sea levels threaten the entire archipelago.
Hong KongA yellow rain warning was issued by the Hong Kong Observatory on 4 April evening due to a cold front moving south from Guangdong, affecting the Pearl River Estuary area. The warning was cancelled at 10:30 PM, but a thunderstorm warning remains in effect. Residents are advised to be cautious of potential flooding and report any waterlogged streets to the authorities.
GreeceA severe storm has caused significant damage in Crete, particularly in the Rethymno and Ierapetra regions. Heavy rainfall and flooding have resulted in the displacement of 47 people from temporary accommodations and hotels. Emergency services have been deployed to assist with evacuations and provide aid.
