THE NATURE OF PRAKRITI In the last three months (August to November 2025), nature has significantly affected the world through a series of severe tropical cyclones and associated flooding in Southeast Asia, deadly earthquakes in Afghanistan and the Philippines, and a persistent, deadly heatwave in Europe. These events have resulted in thousands of fatalities, widespread damage, and substantial economic losses.
Major Events and Impacts Tropical Cyclones and Flooding (Southeast Asia): The region was hit by a rapid succession of powerful storms in October and November. Typhoons Kalmaegi and Fung-wong caused extensive flooding and wind damage across the Philippines and Vietnam, killing hundreds and disrupting recovery efforts. Cyclones Senyar and Ditwah struck Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia, and Sri Lanka in late November, causing over 1,500 combined fatalities and generating an estimated $19.7 billion in damages due to heavy rain and landslides. Monsoon rains in South Asia were unusually severe, leading to significant flooding in Pakistan and India throughout August and September, with over 1,000 deaths reported in Pakistan alone. Seismic Activity (Afghanistan and the Philippines): An earthquake in Kunar, Afghanistan, on August 31 killed over 2,200 people. A magnitude 6.9 earthquake struck the Central Visayas offshore of the Philippines on September 30, resulting in 79 deaths. Another earthquake struck the Balkh province of Afghanistan in November, killing 31 people. Extreme Heat and Wildfires (Global): The 2025 European heatwaves persisted through September, with an estimated death toll ranging from 4,723 to over 16,500 people, making it one of the deadliest natural events of the year. A severe heatwave in Syria in August, with temperatures exceeding 45°C (113°F), placed immense strain on communities already affected by ongoing crises. Broader Global Context These acute events occurred within a broader context of ongoing climate and nature crises: Economic Impact: The World Bank and other reports highlighted in September and November that nature loss is a significant financial risk, threatening over half of global GDP through disruptions to food security, water supply, and other ecosystem services. Climate Change Link: Many of the extreme weather events, such as the severe monsoons and intense hurricanes, are linked to human-caused climate change, which increases their frequency and severity. 2 1. Global Warming From Fossil Fuels This wraps up a decade of unprecedented heat globally fuelled by human activities, with each of the past ten years (2015-2024) being one of the ten warmest years on record. What’s more, greenhouse gas (GHG) concentrations have never been so high. Atmospheric concentrations of all three major planet-warming gases – carbon dioxide (CO2), methane, and nitrous oxide – reached new highs in 2023, committing the planet to rising temperatures for many years to come. This is undoubtedly one of the biggest environmental problems of our lifetime: as greenhouse gas emissions blanket the Earth, they trap the sun’s heat, leading to global warming. Increased emissions of greenhouse gases have led to a rapid and steady increase in global temperatures, which in turn is causing catastrophic events all over the world – from Australia and the US experiencing some of the most devastating bushfire seasons ever recorded, locusts swarming across parts of Africa, the Middle East and Asia, decimating crops, and a heatwave in Antarctica that saw temperatures rise above 20C for the first time. 2. Fossil Fuel Dependence A national carbon tax is currently implemented in 27 countries around the world, including various countries in the EU, Canada, Singapore, Japan, Ukraine and Argentina. However, according to the 2019 OECD Tax Energy Use report, current tax structures are not adequately aligned with the pollution profile of energy sources. 3. Food Waste A third of the food intended for human consumption – around 1.3 billion tons – is wasted or lost. This is enough to feed 3 billion people. Food waste and loss account for approximately one-quarter of greenhouse gas emissions annually; if it was a country, food waste would be the third-largest emitter of greenhouse gases, behind China and the US. Food production accounts for around one-quarter – 26% – of global greenhouse gas emissions. Our World in Data Food production accounts for around one-quarter (26%) of global greenhouse gas emissions. Our World in Data. Food waste and loss occur at different stages in developing and developed countries; in developing countries, 40% of food waste occurs at the post-harvest and processing levels, while in developed countries, 40% of food waste occurs at the retail and consumer levels. 4. Biodiversity Loss More broadly, a 2021 analysis has found that the sixth mass extinction of wildlife on Earth is accelerating. More than 500 species of land animals are on the brink of extinction and are likely to be lost within 20 years; the same number were lost over the whole of the last century. The scientists say that without the human destruction of nature, this rate of loss would have taken thousands of years. In Antarctica, climate change-triggered melting of sea ice is taking a heavy toll on emperor penguins and could wipe out entire populations by as early as 2100, according to 2023 research. 5. Plastic Pollution Currently, roughly 14 million tons of plastic make their way into the oceans every year, harming wildlife habitats and the animals that live in them. Research found that if no action is taken, the plastic crisis will grow to 29 million metric tons per year by 2040. If we include microplastics into this, the cumulative amount of plastic in the ocean could reach 600 million tons by 2040. Some 91% of all plastic that has ever been made is not recycled, making it only one of the biggest environmental problems of our lifetime. Considering that plastic takes 400 years to decompose, it will be many generations until it ceases to exist. There is no telling what the irreversible effects of plastic pollution will have on the environment in the long run. 6. Deforestation Despite efforts to protect forest land, legal deforestation is still rampant, and about one-third of global tropical deforestation occurs in Brazil’s Amazon forest, amounting to 1.5 million hectares each year. Agriculture is the leading cause of deforestation, another one of the biggest environmental problems appearing on this list. Land is cleared to raise livestock or to plant other crops that are sold, such as sugar cane and palm oil. Besides for carbon sequestration, forests help to prevent soil erosion, because the tree roots bind the soil and prevent it from washing away, which also prevents landslides. 7. Air Pollution Heavy traffic during the morning rush hour in Jakarta, Indonesia Heavy traffic during morning commuting hours in Jakarta, Indonesia on November 22, 2023. Millions of residents of Jakarta have for the past several months suffered from some of the worst air pollution in the world. Photo: Aji Styawan/Climate Visuals. According to a 2023 study, air pollution in South Asia – one of the most polluted areas in the world – cuts life expectancy by about five years. The study blames a series of factors, including a lack of adequate infrastructure and funding for the high levels of pollution in some countries. 8. Melting Ice Caps and Sea Level Rise Representing one the biggest of the environmental problems our planet faces today, this is made all the more concerning considering that temperatures during the 2020 summer triggered the loss of 60 billion tons of ice from Greenland, enough to raise global sea levels by 2.2mm in just two months. According to satellite data, the Greenland ice sheet lost a record amount of ice in 2019: an average of a million tons per minute throughout the year. If the entire Greenland ice sheet melts, sea level would rise by six metres. Meanwhile, the Antarctic continent contributes about 1 millimetre per year to sea level rise, which is one-third of the annual global increase. According to 2023 data, the continent has lost approximately 7.5 trillion tons of ice since 1997 Antarctica has lost approximately 7.5 trillion tons of ice since 1997. 9. Ocean Acidification Some scientists have estimated coral reefs are at risk of being completely wiped by 2050. Higher acidity in the ocean would obstruct coral reef systems’ ability to rebuild their exoskeletons and recover from these coral bleaching events. Some studies have also found that ocean acidification can be linked as one of the effects of plastic pollution in the ocean. The accumulating bacteria and microorganisms derived from plastic garbage dumped in the ocean to damage marine ecosystems and contribute towards coral bleaching. 10. Agriculture 60% of the world’s agricultural area is dedicated to cattle ranching, although it only makes up 24% of global meat consumption. Scientists and environmentalists have continuously warned that we need to rethink our current food system; switching to more sustainable farming methods and a more plant-based-oriented diet would dramatically reduce the carbon footprint of the conventional agriculture industry. 11. Soil Degradation According to the United Nations, about 40% of the planet’s soil is degraded. Soil degradation refers to the loss of organic matter, changes in its structural condition and/or decline in soil fertility and it is often the result of human activities, such as traditional farming practices including the use of toxic chemicals and pollutants. If business as usual continued through 2050, experts project additional degradation of an area almost the size of South America. But there is more to it. If we do not change our reckless practices and step up to preserve soil health, food security for billions of people around the world will be irreversibly compromised, with an estimated 40% less food expected to be produced in 20 years’ time despite the world’s population projected to reach 9.3 billion people. 12. Food and Water Insecurity Globally, more than 68 billion tonnes of top-soil is eroded every year at a rate 100 times faster than it can naturally be replenished. Laden with biocides and fertiliser, the soil ends up in waterways where it contaminates drinking water and protected areas downstream. As UN Secretary-General António Guterres remarked at a high-level virtual meeting in 2020, “Unless immediate action is taken, it is increasingly clear that there is an impending global food security emergency that could have long term impacts on hundreds of millions of adults and children.” Guterres urged for countries to rethink their food systems and encouraged more sustainable farming practices. In terms of water security, only 3% of the world’s water is freshwater, and two-thirds of that is tucked away in frozen glaciers or otherwise unavailable for our use. As a result, some 1.1 billion people worldwide lack access to water, and a total of 2.7 billion find water scarce for at least one month of the year. By 2025, two-thirds of the world’s population may face water shortages. 13. Fast Fashion and Textile Waste Workers in a garment factory in the Philippines Garment factory in the Philippines. Photo: ILO Asia-Pacific/Flickr. This rapidly growing issue is only exacerbated by the ever-expanding fast fashion business model, in which companies relies on cheap and speedy production of low quality clothing to meet the latest and newest trends. While the United Nations Fashion Industry Charter for Climate Action sees signatory fashion and textile companies commit to achieving net zero emission by 2050, a majority of businesses around the world have yet to address their roles in climate change. 14. Overfishing As part of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal number 14 (SDG 14), the UN and FAO are working towards maintaining the proportion of fish stocks within biologically sustainable levels. This, however, requires much stricter regulations of the world’s oceans than the ones already in place. In July 2022, the World Trade Organization banned fishing subsidies to reduce global overfishing in a historic deal. Indeed, subsidies for fuel, fishing gear, and building new vessels, only incentivise overfishing and represent thus a huge problem. 15. Cobalt Mining Cobalt mining, however, is associated with dangerous workers’ exploitation and other serious environmental and social issues. Southern regions of the DRC are not only home to cobalt and copper but also large amounts of uranium. In mining regions, scientists have made note of high radioactivity levels. In addition, mineral mining, similar to other industrial mining efforts, often produces pollution that leaches into neighbouring rivers and water sources. Dust from pulverised rock is known to cause breathing problems for local communities as well. Featured image by Earth.Org Photographer Roy Mangersnes How can I contribute to a more sustainable planet? Vote for climate action: Exercise your democratic rights by supporting candidates and policies that prioritize climate change mitigation and environmental protection. Stay informed with Earth.Org’s election coverage. Reduce your carbon footprint: Make conscious choices to reduce your carbon footprint. Opt for renewable energy sources, conserve energy at home, use public transportation or carpool, and embrace sustainable practices like recycling and composting. Support environmental organizations: Join forces with organizations like Earth.Org and its NGO partners, dedicated to educating the public on environmental issues and solutions, supporting conservation efforts, holding those responsible accountable, and advocating for effective environmental solutions. Your support can amplify their efforts and drive positive change. Embrace sustainable habits: Make sustainable choices in your everyday life. Reduce single-use plastics, choose eco-friendly products, prioritize a plant-based diet and reduce meat consumption, and opt for sustainable fashion and transportation. Small changes can have a big impact. Be vocal, engage and educate others: Spread awareness about the climate crisis and the importance of environmental stewardship. Engage in conversations, share information, and inspire others to take action. Together, we can create a global movement for a sustainable future. Stand with climate activists: Show your support for activists on the frontlines of climate action. Attend peaceful protests, rallies, and marches, or join online campaigns to raise awareness and demand policy changes. By amplifying their voices, you contribute to building a stronger movement for climate justice and a sustainable future. KR IRS 41225 -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Thatha_Patty" group. To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to [email protected]. To view this discussion visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/thatha_patty/CAL5XZopwm%2BPvzdWiGFL2qb4G8DRkS1mHToJ%2BPzot4ZqGP9fdMQ%40mail.gmail.com.
