May 2, 2024
As climate-induced disasters escalate in South Asia, a lack of transparency in data sharing is obstructing vital cooperation efforts. Omair Ahmad, our managing editor for South Asia, argues that recent events like Cyclone Biparjoy and the flooding in Bhutan and Assam highlight the urgent need for collaborative action. However, data secrecy perpetuates tensions and prevents effective responses. The Himalayan region faces increasing cyclones and floods, exacerbating challenges for agricultural communities reliant on erratic monsoons. Moreover, rising temperatures and sea levels threaten essential crops and livelihoods. Despite shared vulnerabilities, cooperation is hindered by the absence of effective transboundary institutions like SAARC, which are also marred by geopolitical tensions. Additionally, an opaque water bureaucracy restricts access to crucial hydrological data, impeding scientific cooperation and grassroots efforts to mitigate environmental threats. To address these challenges, South Asian governments must prioritise transparency and empower transboundary institutions. By making hydrological data accessible, communities can drive collaborative efforts to adapt to climate change effectively.
(Sources: The Third Pole)
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