A network of U.S. scientists is intensifying efforts to develop more climate-resilient apple trees as increasingly volatile weather patterns threaten orchards across major fruit-growing regions, raising concerns about long-term risks to an industry that generates roughly $23 billion in annual economic activity.

Researchers at Cornell University, the United States Department of Agriculture and several partner institutions are focusing on rootstocks, the underground foundation of commercial apple trees that influences growth, productivity and resistance to environmental stress.

The work has gained urgency since a series of severe temperature swings damaged orchards in the northeastern United States in 2015, an event that some researchers later linked to a phenomenon known as “rapid apple decline.”

Terence Robinson, a horticulture professor at Cornell University, recalled how unusually warm temperatures in February 2015 were followed by a sharp cold snap that swept through New York and into fruit-growing regions of Pennsylvania.“We got a warm-up in February, and then a big cold air mass moved into New York and pushed all the way down into the fruit-growing area of Pennsylvania,” Robinson said.

“In the spring, we started seeing tree damage.”Scientists concluded that the rapid temperature drop, estimated at as much as 65 degrees Fahrenheit within days, disrupted trees that had already begun emerging from winter dormancy. Researchers found particularly severe damage in rootstocks rather than trunks or branches.

The findings drew attention to vulnerabilities in some of the apple industry’s most widely used rootstocks, including the M9 variety developed more than a century ago at England’s East Malling Research Station.Commercial apple trees are typically produced through grafting, a process that combines two different plants.

The upper fruit-bearing portion, known as the scion, comes from commercial varieties such as Gala or Red Delicious. That section is attached to a separate rootstock selected for characteristics including tree size, productivity and disease resistance.

Because rootstocks determine how trees absorb water, respond to stress and tolerate environmental conditions, scientists increasingly view them as central to protecting orchards from climate-related disruptions.Robinson and USDA scientist Gennaro Fazio jointly oversee the Geneva Apple Rootstock Breeding Program, based in Geneva, New York.

The initiative, operated by Cornell University and the USDA, is the only commercial apple rootstock breeding effort in North America focused on developing new foundations for orchards.Since 1968, researchers in the program have crossed and evaluated thousands of apple rootstocks.

Early efforts concentrated largely on disease resistance, particularly protection against fire blight, a destructive bacterial disease affecting apple and pear trees.More recently, researchers have expanded their priorities to include drought tolerance, resistance to high-salinity soils and improved survival during unstable winter conditions.

“We still continue wanting to have a rootstock that is dwarfing, because dwarf orchards are much more profitable, and that produces early,” Robinson said. “We have broadened our list of goals for this program to include drought resistance, tolerance of high-salt-content soils and the ability to withstand more moderate winters.”The process is lengthy.

Developing a commercial rootstock can take decades because scientists must cross parent trees, evaluate offspring for desirable characteristics and test performance across multiple climates and growing conditions.Cornell released its first commercial rootstock in 1997, nearly three decades after the program began.

Some varieties introduced in 2023 originated from genetic crosses first made during the 1970s.“It requires long-term commitment to learn to love apple rootstocks,” Robinson said.Researchers say the challenge has become more complicated because climate variability is increasing faster than orchard replacement cycles.

Apple orchards are typically expected to remain productive for 15 to 30 years, meaning growers must make planting decisions without knowing exactly how weather patterns may evolve over the lifespan of their trees.

Lee Kalcsits, a professor of tree fruit physiology at Washington State University, leads the Strengthening Pear and Apple Resistance to Climate project, known as Sparc, a national research collaboration studying how extreme weather affects fruit trees.

Kalcsits said breeding efforts should prioritize adaptability rather than designing trees for one specific future climate scenario.“We need to be mindful that the rootstocks we select are adaptable,” he said. “It’s not that they’re adapted to a future climate, but that they’re adaptable.”Research published by Kalcsits and colleagues in 2024 found that both fall and spring temperatures are warming in major U.S. apple-growing regions.

Warmer conditions can interfere with the chilling requirements apple trees need before flowering and can also cause trees to leave dormancy earlier, increasing exposure to damaging cold events.Scientists say abrupt winter fluctuations have become a growing concern as climate-driven disruptions to atmospheric circulation allow Arctic air masses to move farther south into the United States.

Robinson said damaging cold snaps have struck major apple-producing areas, including southern Pennsylvania and western Michigan, four times since 2015.Rootstocks can influence how trees respond to those conditions by affecting dormancy timing, cold tolerance and water use.

Some newer rootstocks developed through the Geneva program have shown reduced damage during false springs followed by hard freezes compared with older standards such as M9.Researchers are also turning to wild apple populations from central Asia, where domesticated apples originated, to expand genetic diversity and identify additional stress-resistance traits.

Experimental rootstocks are tested nationwide through a research collaboration known as NC-140, which evaluates orchard performance across multiple states. One test site operates at North Carolina State University’s Mountain Horticultural Crops Research Station near Asheville.

Mike Parker, a tree fruit extension specialist at North Carolina State University, said scientists monitor survival rates, trunk growth, fruit size and yields over many years before recommending new rootstocks to commercial growers.“When we put the replicated trials in multiple states, there’s things that we find out real quick, like that this rootstock is a dog and ain’t going to fly,” Parker said.

“We would much rather kill trees at our research station than have growers lose trees on their farm.”Parker has overseen the university’s rootstock evaluations since 1996 and, like Robinson, is approaching retirement.

Robinson said he is concerned that long-term agricultural breeding programs may struggle to attract younger researchers, many of whom prefer working on commercially visible fruit varieties rather than root systems that can take decades to develop.

He also expressed concern that funding agencies could eventually scale back support for long-duration breeding programs if policymakers conclude that existing rootstocks are sufficient for current industry needs.“I fear that they’ll say: ‘We have enough rootstocks, let’s just close down this effort,’” Robinson said.

“And for things that we’re facing right now, we probably have a good series of rootstocks available. But it’s these emerging problems, that you don’t really think of or didn’t plan for, that you might not be able to respond to if they shut down the program.”

For decades, women in fishing communities along Lake Victoria were expected to stay on shore, selling fish rather than catching them. In Kagwel village in Kenya’s Kisumu County, stepping into a fishing boat was seen not only as unusual but as a violation of deeply rooted social beliefs.

That changed in 2002 when Rhoda Ongoche Akech, then a 39-year-old mother of seven, decided to enter the lake herself.At the time, Akech had spent years working as a fishmonger, buying fish from male fishermen and reselling them in local markets.

But rising costs for fish purchases, cooking oil, firewood and transport were reducing her earnings and making it harder to support her family.“People were alleging that when women go into the waters accompanied by men, they would engage in sexual intercourse,” Akech, now 61. She said community members initially treated her decision with suspicion, but after realising she was determined to learn fishing rather than challenge morality, opposition gradually faded.

Her decision followed an encounter in 2001 when women from neighbouring Homabay County came to Kagwel and began fishing. Watching them convinced her that the work was possible despite local resistance.“I sought the help of two young men by then to assist me with fishing as I learned,” she said.The cultural restrictions around women fishing in Lake Victoria communities are rooted in longstanding beliefs tied to gender and ritual purity.

According to Kagwel village elder William Okedo, one of the strongest taboos concerned menstruation.“It was believed that if women went into the lake while on period, they would scare away the fish and that would cause losses to people who are fishing,” Okedo said.The restrictions extended to men as well. Fishermen were traditionally discouraged from having sexual relations with their wives the night before fishing trips, based on beliefs that it would reduce their catch.

For 16 years, Akech remained the only woman fishing regularly in Kagwel, working alone among male crews.It was not until 2018 that another woman joined her. Faith Awuor Ang’awo, a 37-year-old mother of four, had also been working as a fishmonger and was facing similar financial strain.“My husband refused the idea at first,” Ang’awo said, citing fears of social backlash from the fishing community.

“But later on allowed me to join Rhoda.”In 2020, Dorcas Awiyo, then a 22-year-old mother of three, followed. Her husband, himself a fisherman, initially opposed the decision but later agreed after the family’s need for additional income became more urgent.“At first, my husband was not receptive to the idea, but later on allowed me,” she said.By 2022, when Janet Ndweyi joined the group, resistance had largely disappeared.

“I didn’t face any challenge or receive any warning when joining them because the community around was used to seeing Rhoda and Faith fishing,” Ndweyi said.Without a husband to support her and with fish trading becoming less profitable, fishing offered her a more stable income. She now uses her earnings to pay college fees for both of her children.

“Through fishing, I am able to cater for my household’s basic needs and also pay for children’s school fees that are in college,” she said.Economic necessity has been the strongest force behind the social shift.According to Wilson Onjolo, fisheries officer for Seme subcounty, boat owners at Kagwel Beach can earn between 6,000 and 8,000 Kenyan shillings ($46 to $62) on productive days. Crew members earn between 500 and 800 shillings ($3.88 to $6.20), while traders such as fishmongers may earn up to 1,000 shillings ($7.75).

That compares favourably with the roughly 500 shillings women like Akech earned daily when they relied solely on fish trading.Village elder Okedo said the economic pressure facing households has made communities more willing to reconsider long-held norms.“This is all because of economic hardships that the community is facing; it is pushing women to break the taboo,” he said.

Fisherman Dalmas Onyango said most male fishermen now support women entering the trade.“The majority of my fellow fishermen now support their decision to fish,” he said, adding that changing economic realities have made old restrictions less practical.At the same time, the lake itself is becoming less reliable.

Lake Victoria, which supports more than 42 million people for food, employment and drinking water, is under increasing pressure from overfishing, pollution, invasive species and climate change. Annual harvests remain around one million tonnes, but per capita catch rates have declined significantly.Akech said she has seen the change directly over the past two decades.

The amount of fish she catches today is noticeably lower than when she first entered the lake in 2002.Chris Mutai, senior meteorologist in charge of the Kisumu meteorological station, said rising water temperatures are contributing to the decline by encouraging algae growth and reducing oxygen levels in the lake.

“To reverse this, people should keep off riparian land to allow undergrowth that will serve as the breeding ground of fish, and avoid pollution of the lake that traps more heat than plain, clear water,” Mutai said.He warned that temperatures could rise by another 0.5 degrees Celsius over the next 10 to 20 years, reaching between 29.5C and 31C.

Without stronger environmental controls, including protection of riparian zones and regulated fishing, fish stocks are expected to continue falling.Weather forecasting has become increasingly important for fishing communities. Mutai’s office distributes five-day forecasts through WhatsApp groups and local government channels, helping fishermen and fisherwomen prepare for dangerous lake conditions.

Despite their success, Akech and her team still operate in a legal grey area.Susan Claire, acting director of fisheries and blue economy for Kisumu County, said women officially participate as boat owners and fish traders, but not as night fishermen or crew members.“We have women who own boats and women traders, but they are not involved in night fishing or as boat crew members,” Claire told Al Jazeera.

That leaves women like Akech without formal recognition or equal access to support available to male fishermen.However, Christopher Aura of the Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute said in 2023 that Lake Victoria had more than 47,000 fishermen, including 1,000 women, suggesting official county records may not fully reflect women’s participation.

Claire acknowledged that declining fish stocks remain a major concern and said the county is working with meteorological services and Beach Management Units to improve awareness, climate adaptation and enforcement against illegal fishing.For Akech, the debate is less about recognition than survival.She continues to leave before dawn with the same determination that first took her to the water more than two decades ago.

Some days the catch is poor, and the income barely covers the effort. On better days, it is enough to keep going.The lake has changed, but so has the community around it.

In a village on the outskirts of Anantnag in Jammu and Kashmir, 42-year-old apple grower Tariq Ahmad walks through his orchard inspecting trees that have defined his family’s livelihood for generations. For years, the predictable rhythm of seasons allowed farmers like him to plan harvests, manage inputs, and negotiate prices with a degree of certainty. That predictability, he says, has steadily eroded.

Erratic weather patterns have altered flowering cycles and reduced yields, forcing farmers to adapt to shorter and less reliable growing seasons. Late frosts followed by unseasonal rainfall have damaged blossoms, while prolonged dry spells have increased dependence on irrigation. “We used to know when the trees would bloom and when to expect harvest,” Ahmad said. “Now, nothing is certain.”

Agriculture remains a central component of the regional economy, with apple cultivation forming a significant share of income for rural households in the Kashmir Valley. According to data from the Government of Jammu and Kashmir, horticulture contributes substantially to employment and output, but farmers increasingly report that climatic volatility is affecting both quality and quantity of produce.

Alongside environmental challenges, farmers are grappling with rising input costs. Fertilisers, pesticides, and transportation expenses have increased over recent years, narrowing profit margins. For smallholders, who often operate on limited land and capital, these cost pressures are particularly acute.

Abdul Rashid, a marginal farmer from Shopian district, said the cost of maintaining his orchard has nearly doubled in the past five years. “We are spending more, but earning less,” he said. “Even when the harvest is good, prices in the market are unpredictable.

”Market access remains another structural challenge. Many farmers rely on intermediaries to sell their produce in larger mandis, reducing their bargaining power. Price fluctuations, often driven by supply gluts or disruptions in transport, can significantly affect incomes. During peak harvest seasons, oversupply can push prices down, leaving farmers with limited returns despite high production.

The expansion of cold storage facilities has provided some relief, allowing farmers to store produce and sell it later at better prices. However, access to such infrastructure is uneven, and smaller farmers often cannot afford storage fees or lack proximity to these facilities.

In response to these pressures, some farmers are experimenting with new techniques and crop diversification. High-density plantation methods, which involve planting more trees per unit area, are being adopted to increase productivity. Others are exploring alternative crops such as vegetables or saffron to reduce dependence on a single source of income.

Agricultural extension services and training programmes have also expanded, aimed at helping farmers adopt modern practices. Officials from the Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology have been conducting outreach initiatives to promote efficient irrigation methods, pest management, and soil health improvement.

Despite these efforts, adoption remains uneven. Farmers cite financial constraints, limited awareness, and risk aversion as barriers to transitioning away from traditional practices. For many, the cost of experimenting with new methods without guaranteed returns is prohibitive.

Beyond statistics, the changes in agriculture are reshaping daily life in rural communities. For families dependent on seasonal income, uncertainty in harvests translates directly into financial instability. Education, healthcare, and household expenses are often tied to agricultural earnings, making fluctuations difficult to absorb.

Tariq Ahmad said that in years of poor harvest, he has had to rely on informal loans to meet household needs. “When the crop fails, everything else is affected,” he said. “We cannot plan for the future.”Younger members of farming families are increasingly seeking employment outside agriculture, drawn by the promise of more stable incomes in urban areas or other sectors.

This gradual shift is altering the demographic composition of rural communities, with implications for the future of farming in the region.

At the same time, some farmers remain committed to agriculture, viewing it not only as a source of income but also as a cultural and familial legacy. “This land belongs to our ancestors,” Ahmad said. “Leaving it is not an easy decision.

Government interventions have focused on improving infrastructure, providing subsidies, and promoting crop insurance schemes to mitigate risks. However, implementation challenges persist, particularly in ensuring that benefits reach smaller and more remote farmers.

Experts note that long-term sustainability will depend on a combination of climate adaptation strategies, market reforms, and institutional support. Strengthening supply chains, improving access to credit, and enhancing farmer awareness are seen as critical components of this process.

While the region’s agricultural sector continues to adapt, the pace of change is uneven, and outcomes remain uncertain. For farmers like Tariq Ahmad, the future of agriculture is increasingly tied to forces beyond their control, from global market dynamics to shifting climate patterns.

As he surveys his orchard, Ahmad reflects on the uncertainty that now defines his work. “We still depend on the land,” he said. “But the land is changing, and we are trying to keep up.”

The United States is reshaping its global climate engagement, prioritising national interests and domestic energy strategy while prompting renewed debate on international cooperation and sustainability.

The United States has announced plans to withdraw from several climate-related United Nations treaties, marking a significant shift in how the country approaches global environmental agreements. The move reflects a broader strategy focused on domestic priorities and energy independence.

President Donald Trump outlined the decision in a memo to senior officials, listing dozens of international organisations and UN entities from which the US intends to disengage. The administration has framed the move as an effort to realign policy with national economic and strategic interests.

Among the agreements affected is the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, widely regarded as a foundational international climate accord. The treaty has historically shaped global climate cooperation and served as the parent agreement to later climate initiatives.

The United States has also stepped away from participation in the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. American scientists have long contributed to the body’s research, which assesses climate science and informs global policy discussions.

The administration argues that some international climate institutions conflict with US priorities such as oil, gas, and mining development. Officials say the shift allows greater flexibility in supporting domestic industries and resource security.

Supporters of the move say it could open space for alternative approaches to environmental policy. They argue that innovation, market-driven solutions, and national strategies can address climate challenges without binding international commitments.

Legal experts have noted that the withdrawal process may require further review. Some treaties were approved by the US Senate decades ago, raising questions about the formal steps needed to complete an exit.

International responses have been mixed, with global officials and environmental groups expressing concern. At the same time, the decision has sparked renewed discussion about how climate cooperation can evolve in a changing geopolitical landscape.

Regional environmental organisations have encouraged the US to follow established procedures when adjusting its treaty commitments. Calls for dialogue reflect hopes that cooperation can continue through alternative forums and partnerships.

Despite criticism, the move highlights the complexity of balancing economic growth, energy security, and environmental responsibility. Policymakers face increasing pressure to align climate action with domestic realities.

Climate impacts such as extreme weather events remain a shared global challenge. Observers say that even outside formal treaties, the US retains significant influence through technology, finance, and innovation.

Private sector investment and state-level climate initiatives continue to play a major role within the US. Many companies and local governments remain committed to emissions reduction and sustainability goals.

The decision also comes amid broader discussions about resource security, including access to critical minerals and energy supplies. These priorities are increasingly shaping international relationships and policy decisions.

Global climate governance is evolving as countries reassess their roles and commitments. New models of cooperation may emerge that reflect diverse national interests while addressing shared environmental risks.

Analysts note that climate action is no longer limited to treaty participation. Innovation in clean energy, adaptation, and resilience continues across borders through research and commercial collaboration.

As the global climate debate continues, the US repositioning underscores the need for flexible and inclusive solutions. Different pathways may coexist as nations pursue sustainability alongside economic development.

Overall, the US withdrawal signals a strategic reset rather than an end to climate engagement. How the country leverages its influence outside UN frameworks will shape future global climate efforts.

Global fund managers adopt flexible climate goals to boost inclusivity and real-world impact

In a move signaling renewed pragmatism in the global push toward sustainability, a leading coalition of asset managers has updated its climate strategy to make climate action more inclusive, flexible, and results-oriented.

The group’s revised framework emphasizes client empowerment, transparency, and actionable climate risk management, setting the stage for a more practical and collaborative transition to a low-carbon global economy.

The decision reflects an important turning point for the financial sector, where the focus is shifting from rigid mandates toward achievable, measurable outcomes.

Rather than retreating from climate goals, the updated approach underscores a deeper commitment to long-term progress, ensuring that asset managers across regions can align with the global transition in a way that fits their unique market realities.

This strategic realignment follows a comprehensive review process involving hundreds of stakeholders, including institutional investors, policymakers, and sustainability experts.

The consultation highlighted the need for climate commitments that are both ambitious and adaptable—recognizing that financial institutions operate under diverse regulatory, economic, and political conditions.

By listening to feedback, the coalition reaffirmed its goal to remain globally inclusive and practical in a rapidly evolving financial landscape.

One of the major updates in the group’s new Commitment Statement is its shift away from a fixed 2050 net-zero portfolio target.

Instead, the coalition encourages its members to focus on transparency, data-driven reporting, and collaboration with clients to manage climate risks effectively.

This change is designed to give fund managers the flexibility to adopt tailored solutions that reflect regional policies and investor expectations, while still supporting the global net-zero ambition.

The revised framework also encourages members to provide their clients with clear and accessible information on climate risks and opportunities.

The aim is to empower investors to make informed decisions and actively contribute to sustainability outcomes through their portfolios.

By building stronger partnerships between financial institutions and clients, the initiative hopes to translate climate ambition into measurable investment impact.

Far from signaling a retreat, the coalition’s new direction demonstrates the maturity of the sustainable finance movement.

The focus is no longer on symbolic pledges but on practical steps that drive tangible change. In today’s interconnected markets, meaningful progress depends on engagement, adaptability, and transparency—principles that lie at the heart of this renewed commitment.

This evolution also comes at a crucial moment, as the world prepares for the COP30 climate talks in Brazil. Global fund managers, investors, and policymakers are expected to gather to discuss the next chapter of climate finance, sharing strategies for accelerating decarbonization while supporting economic growth and innovation.

The coalition’s updated approach aligns with this broader momentum, promoting collaboration over confrontation and unity over division.

Experts in sustainable finance see the move as an opportunity to strengthen the bridge between ambition and action.

By focusing on empowering clients and promoting near-term, achievable goals, the group is helping to ensure that climate finance becomes both effective and inclusive.

The revised commitments are likely to inspire other sectors to adopt similarly balanced strategies that blend long-term vision with immediate, actionable priorities.

While the earlier framework centered around broad, long-term targets, the new model recognizes that transformation requires step-by-step progress.

It acknowledges that financial institutions face varying degrees of regulatory oversight and political sensitivity, particularly in markets where climate initiatives have become subjects of debate.

By crafting a framework that accommodates this diversity, the group has opened the door for more stakeholders to participate constructively in the transition.

This recalibrated strategy reinforces a powerful message: the journey to net zero is a shared responsibility that depends on continuous engagement, not just top-down mandates.

With financial institutions managing trillions in global assets, their collective influence can help steer capital toward innovation, resilience, and sustainable growth.

The updated commitment provides the flexibility needed to maintain momentum while ensuring that each member contributes meaningfully within their capacity.

Ultimately, this development illustrates the evolving nature of global climate leadership. The path to sustainability is not linear—it requires ongoing dialogue, learning, and adaptation.

By embracing flexibility and inclusivity, the world’s leading asset managers are demonstrating that progress in climate finance is not about rigid targets, but about consistent, collaborative effort that brings real-world impact.

As financial leaders gather in Brazil to renew global climate cooperation, the coalition’s move serves as a reminder that ambition and pragmatism can coexist.

The future of sustainable finance depends on this balance—where bold goals are supported by practical action, and where every stakeholder plays a role in shaping a resilient, low-carbon future.

As COP30 approaches, Bill Gates urges world leaders to rethink the climate agenda — focusing on resilience, health, and equity rather than just temperature targets. His message: climate action must be about people, not just numbers.

At the Annual Bloomberg Global Philanthropies Forum in New York City, billionaire investor and philanthropist Bill Gates issued a powerful call to action for world leaders ahead of the COP30 climate summit in Brazil.

Gates urged nations to pivot from narrow temperature reduction goals to a broader, human-centered approach that prioritizes health, resilience, and economic stability in the face of escalating climate challenges.

The COP30 talks, scheduled to take place in the Amazonian city of Belem from November 10 to 21, will bring together representatives from nearly 200 nations.

Delegates are expected to present updated national climate commitments and review progress on renewable energy targets set during earlier summits.

But Gates’ message stands out for its clarity and optimism: while the world’s efforts to limit global warming remain essential, genuine progress must be measured in human terms — in lives saved, communities protected, and opportunities created.

For over a decade, the Paris Agreement has served as the cornerstone of global climate policy, committing nations to limit global temperature rise to below 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels.

Yet, despite years of pledges and progress, the planet is still far from achieving those goals. Gates argues that the world has become too fixated on temperature figures, which, while scientifically important, fail to capture the full spectrum of what climate change truly means for humanity.

Writing on his personal blog, Gates stated that while climate change poses a serious threat, it is not the end of civilization. He believes the better path forward lies in adaptation — building systems and societies that can withstand and recover from environmental disruptions.

In his view, strengthening public health, improving access to clean and affordable energy, and investing in agricultural resilience can create a more sustainable future for all.

Gates emphasized that these efforts should focus particularly on vulnerable nations that face the harshest consequences of climate change, including droughts, floods, and food insecurity.

“Helping people adapt to a changing climate is not a side project — it’s central to climate action,” he noted. The philanthropist explained that sustainable agriculture, healthcare, and clean energy access directly improve quality of life while also reducing long-term environmental risks.

Through his climate-focused venture network, Breakthrough Energy, Gates has invested billions in clean technology innovation. His investments support companies developing next-generation solutions in renewable energy, carbon capture, and sustainable farming.

He urged global investors to follow suit, backing projects that combine environmental impact with social benefit.

“Innovation and scale are the twin engines of climate progress,” he wrote, calling on policymakers and philanthropists to evaluate how climate funds are being spent — and whether they’re truly making a measurable difference.

To illustrate his point about resilience, Gates highlighted a significant fact: direct deaths from natural disasters have fallen by nearly 90% over the past century.

Today, around 40,000 to 50,000 people die annually from extreme weather events, compared to millions in the early 20th century.

This dramatic reduction, he said, is the result of improved early warning systems, better infrastructure, and more effective governance.

It shows that human ingenuity and preparedness can save lives even in a changing climate.

His perspective aligns with recent statements from the United Nations and the World Meteorological Organization, both of which have emphasized the need for universal disaster warning systems.

According to the WMO, more than 2 million people have died from weather, water, and climate-related hazards over the last five decades, with 90% of those deaths occurring in developing countries.

Gates’ call underscores that these nations require greater international support — not only in emissions reduction funding but in practical adaptation measures that protect their people.

He also urged the international community to think beyond short-term goals and embrace long-term resilience planning. “If we only focus on reducing emissions, we risk ignoring the human cost of inaction,” he cautioned.

“Climate justice means ensuring that every community has the tools to survive and prosper in a warmer world.”

As COP30 approaches, Gates’ message stands as both a warning and a roadmap. The billionaire’s emphasis on innovation, health, and equity reframes the climate conversation from abstract targets to tangible outcomes.

His approach suggests that success at COP30 will depend not only on commitments to cut carbon but on strategies that uplift the world’s most vulnerable populations.

In a world increasingly affected by heatwaves, floods, and food crises, Gates’ optimism offers hope — that through collective effort and smarter investments, humanity can adapt and flourish.

His vision is not one of despair but determination: a call to see climate action not as a burden, but as an opportunity to build a safer, fairer, and more resilient world for all.

With declining freshwater flows from the Tigris and Euphrates rivers contributing to higher salt levels, the government, experts, and local communities are implementing solutions to secure water resources, protect crops, and strengthen livelihoods.

Farmers in southern Iraq, particularly in Basra province, have long relied on the Tigris and Euphrates for irrigation and livestock. Recent challenges, including higher salinity in central Basra, have prompted innovative approaches to water management.

For example, the government has announced a large-scale desalination project in Basra with a capacity of one million cubic meters per day. This initiative aims to provide clean freshwater for irrigation, livestock, and domestic use, while reducing the impact of brackish water on crops and livestock.

Local farmers are also adapting to changing conditions by adopting modern irrigation practices, salt-tolerant crop varieties, and improved livestock management strategies.

These measures help maintain productivity despite natural fluctuations in river flows and salinity. For instance, farmer Zulaykha Hashem, who grows pomegranates, figs, and berries, is leveraging more efficient irrigation and soil management techniques to sustain her crops.

Such proactive measures demonstrate the resilience and ingenuity of Iraq’s agricultural communities.

The Iraqi government has emphasized collaboration with international partners and experts to improve water infrastructure and optimize the country’s share of river flows.

Iraq receives less than 35 percent of its allocated water from upstream countries, highlighting the importance of transboundary cooperation.

Authorities are working to negotiate water-sharing agreements and promote sustainable water usage practices, ensuring equitable access for farmers, households, and industries alike.

In addition, universities and research centers, such as Iraq’s University of Kufa, are conducting studies on salt-tolerant crops, efficient irrigation, and sustainable aquaculture.

These initiatives aim to mitigate the effects of higher salinity on agriculture and fisheries, supporting food security and economic stability. Local experts, including Hasan Al-Khateeb, are advising on projects that combine desalination, improved river management, and community-led water conservation programs.

Communities in Basra are already benefiting from these interventions. Families like that of Maryam Salman, a buffalo breeder, are gaining access to cleaner water for livestock and domestic needs.

Desalination and river management projects are expected to improve water availability year-round, providing healthier conditions for animals and boosting agricultural productivity.

Meanwhile, fish stocks are gradually recovering as water quality improves, offering renewed opportunities for local fishermen and sustaining livelihoods dependent on fisheries.

The United Nations and other international organizations have praised Iraq’s efforts, highlighting the importance of investing in water infrastructure and climate-resilient agricultural practices.

These initiatives are expected to reduce climate-related displacement, enhance food security, and improve community well-being across the country. By integrating technology, policy, and local knowledge, Iraq is setting a model for climate adaptation and sustainable water management in the region.

Despite historic challenges, Iraq’s farmers, herders, and communities are embracing a forward-looking approach. With government-led projects, expert guidance, and community engagement, the country is turning a pressing environmental challenge into an opportunity for innovation, resilience, and sustainable growth.

Improved freshwater access, enhanced irrigation, and stronger support for livestock and fisheries are creating a brighter, more secure future for agriculture and rural livelihoods in Iraq.