Climate change news from the ground, in a warming world Was this forwarded to you? Sign up here [[link removed]] Laurie Goering [[link removed]]

Climate editor

Could efforts to cope with climate change losses help battle other shocks as well?

That seems to be the case in Kenya, where some farmers who are trying to find reliable, lower-carbon ways to grow more food are turning away from expensive mineral-based fertilizers [[link removed]] just as global supplies are running short due to the Russia-Ukraine war.

Others are trying to better harness limited rainfall and protect soils, moves that could shore up food security no matter what crisis comes next - a climate shock, natural disaster, pandemic or war, agricultural experts say.

"It is not much, but it helps in reducing the risk of losses," noted James Mugambi, who as part of a farmers' group trying to adapt to climate change now plants his corn, beans and other crops sooner, to take advantage of early rainfall.

James Mugambi waters avocado saplings at his farm where he practices intercropping, in Muiru village, Kenya, March 20, 2022. Thomson Reuters Foundation/Kagondu Njagi

In South Africa, the need for to prepare more effectively for climate threats [[link removed]] is clear after deluge-driven floods roared through the eastern city of Durban last week, claiming at least 440 lives.

"This is a teachable moment," said Christopher Trisos, a South African lead author of a sobering report on climate risks and adaptation, released in February by the world's top climate scientists.

That Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) analysis found 90% of African cities don't yet have substantial adaptation plans, something Trisos called "extremely concerning" [[link removed]].

Durban in 2020 released a new climate action plan that aims to cut the city's flood risk, among other changes - but activists have complained there is little evidence so far it is being implemented [[link removed]].

Ndumiso Mkhwanazi, Siya Sumede and Simanga Shandu stand outside their home without a roof after a church wall collapsed on it during rains in Durban's Shakaskraal township, April 14, 2022. Thomson Reuters Foundation/Kim Harrisberg

The United States is also battling worsening climate change impacts - though many residents of Tangier Island in Chesapeake Bay, who are losing their homes to encroaching seawater, don't see it that way.

Backers of former U.S. President Donald Trump, they don't regard warming temperatures as a problem [[link removed]] - but are irritated more money and effort are going into protecting a wildlife reserve in neighbouring Maryland than strengthening defenses for their Virginia island, home to about 400 people.

The battle over how the limited funds available to protect land [[link removed]] threatened by higher sea levels are spent is one sure to be played out over and over around the world as oceans - and the climate-changing emissions driving the problem - continue to rise [[link removed]], scientists warn.

See you next week!

Laurie

As Kenyans farm in forests, incomes rise and deforestation falls [[link removed]]

Forest authorities say Kenya's scheme to let farmers grow crops in forests has slashed illegal logging, as the country aims for 10% of its land in trees by the end of the year

In 'world's most polluted city', Indian workers unaware of toxic air [[link removed]]

From sweepers to security guards, outdoor workers in Bhiwadi face a 'slow poison' from air pollution, but many are unaware

South Africa's floods a 'teachable moment' for climate adaptation [[link removed]]

A deluge of rain that has claimed hundreds of lives in South Africa shows why more preparedness for climate extremes is necessary, experts say

Green farming gets a boost as Kenyans confront climate and war shocks [[link removed]]

Efforts by farmers to prepare for climate change impacts may also help deal with other crises, from COVID-19 to the Ukraine-Russia war

As climate change floods U.S. coast, islands fight for public money [[link removed]]

As Virginia's Chesapeake Bay islands disappear under rising seas, public money allocated for natural habitats in Maryland breeds frustration among Tangier Island residents

OPINION: Ukraine's post-war green recovery is essential for Europe's security [[link removed]]

Ukraine needs an urgent plan for energy independence, focused on renewables not nuclear - and international help to execute it

READ ALL OF OUR COVERAGE HERE [[link removed]] Have a tip or an idea for a story? Feedback on something we’ve written? Send us an email [mailto:[email protected]] If you were forwarded this newsletter, you can subscribe here [[link removed]]. Like our newsletter? Share it with your friends.

This email is sent to you by Thomson Reuters Foundation located at 5 Canada Square, London, E14 5AQ.

Thomson Reuters Foundation is a charity registered in England and Wales (no. 1082139) and a company limited by guarantee registered in England and Wales (no. 04047905). Our terms and conditions and privacy statement can be found at www.trust.org [[link removed]].

You are receiving this email because you subscribed to the Thomson Reuters Foundation Climate Newsletter. If you do not wish to receive future newsletters, please unsubscribe or manage your subscriptions below.

Manage your subscriptions [[link removed]] | Unsubscribe from this newsletter [link removed]

Unsubscribe from all TRF communications [link removed]