Regional Reports

Climate change is affecting every corner of the planet. Below are a few examples of actions against climate change taking place within each of six regions of the world.

Africa map [image]

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  Arizona Geographic Alliance; School of Geographical Sciences and Urban Planning, Arizona State University; Cartographer Terry Dorschied

  Source: http://geoalliance.asu.edu/azga

Africa

In an effort to build resilience against climate change, several African nations are working with the European Union in an Against Desertification program. Funds and training aim at improving sustainable land management and restoring degraded land.

Asia Pacific [image]

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  Arizona Geographic Alliance; School of Geographical Sciences and Urban Planning, Arizona State University; Cartographer Terry Dorschied

  Source: http://geoalliance.asu.edu/azga

Asia Pacific

Scientists estimate that by 2100, rising seas will drown the Pacific Ocean nation of Kiribati. To forestall disaster, the Kiribati government has developed a migration policy for its 103,000 citizens and has purchased 20 sq. kilometers of land on the island of Fiji for the day when residents will have to leave their homes. For this story, go here.

Europe map [image]

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  Arizona Geographic Alliance; School of Geographical Sciences and Urban Planning, Arizona State University; Cartographer Terry Dorschied

  Source: http://geoalliance.asu.edu/azga

Europe

It is said that no region of the world fights climate change harder that Europe. To find out the latest developments in European Union actions against climate change, go here.

North America map [image]

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  Arizona Geographic Alliance; School of Geographical Sciences and Urban Planning, Arizona State University; Cartographer Douglas Minnis

  Source: http://geoalliance.asu.edu/azga

North America

Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recognizes that Indigenous cultures possess Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) that can aid everyone in the fight against climate change. Read more about this developing partnership between the EPA and Indigenous people.

South America map [image]

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  Arizona Geographic Alliance; School of Geographical Sciences and Urban Planning, Arizona State University; Cartographer Douglas Minnis

  Source: http://geoalliance.asu.edu/azga

South America

Scientists in Columbia who work for the International Center for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT) have identified 30 “elite” lines of beans that show tolerance to temperatures 4 degrees Centigrade above the crop’s normal “comfort zone.” These lines represent a major breakthrough in protecting a vital protein source for the poor against the climate change scenario of a 4-degree temperature rise. A reduction in bean production due to climate change will have catastrophic effects on world food access. However, some of the heat-tolerant lines identified by the CIAT team have undergone genetic improvement for increasing the beans' iron content. This raises the ethical question of whether GMO research like this is an acceptable way to address climate change-induced food shortages. Read the article and discuss this issue with your teacher and your class.

South Asia [image]

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  Arizona Geographic Alliance; School of Geographical Sciences and Urban Planning, Arizona State University; Cartographer Terry Dorschied

  Source: http://geoalliance.asu.edu/azga

South Asia

Climate Change Adaptation and Disaster Risk Reduction in Bangladesh is a women-centered initiative that helps communities adapt to climate change by addressing extreme weather conditions such as cyclones and flooding.