How EWS could De-Risk and Catalyse Investment
Given the scale of need (the EW4All initiative estimates $3.1 billion needed by 2027 to cover global EWS gaps), public finance alone won’t suffice. So far, most EWS projects are grants in the public sector. A potential growth area is innovative financing for EWS and early action for example, we could expand support for parametric […]
Water Takes Center Stage at COP30: GCF’s Six Pathways to a Resilient Water Security
As global climate talks convene at #COP30 in Belém, Brazil, one reality is clear: the climate crisis is a water crisis. Worsening floods and droughts are disrupting water supplies around the world, threatening livelihoods and stability. The Green Climate Fund (GCF) is pioneering a comprehensive approach to tackle the water–climate crisis. Rather than isolated, one-size-fits-all […]
Financing the Future at COP30: Climate-Resilient Water Systems through Blended Models
As global climate finance efforts intensify in the COP30, blended finance has emerged as a pivotal mechanism for mobilizing private capital toward climate-resilient infrastructure. Between 2019 and 2024, climate blended finance mobilized over $77 billion globally, with $15.5 billion deployed in 2024 alone. Efficiency gains are evident that each concessional dollar now attracts $4.14 in […]
Water as the Foundation of Climate Action at COP30
At COP30 in Belém, water emerged as a cross-cutting cornerstone of climate action, uniting adaptation, finance, and sustainable development agendas worldwide. High-level dialogues positioned climate-resilient water systems as foundational to achieving the Paris Agreement’s goals, emphasizing that no adaptation or mitigation plan will succeed unless it starts with water.Investing in #WaterSecurity drives #ClimateResilience, strengthens #FoodSecurity, […]
Water at the Heart of Climate Finance and Adaptation
Climate change is a water crisis. Floods, droughts, and water scarcity are intensifying worldwide, underscoring that water security must be at the forefront of climate resilience strategies. As the global community prepares for COP 30 in Belém, Brazil, aligning water management with climate finance is no longer optional – it is urgent and strategic. The […]
Global Hydrometeorological Excellence Award 2025
I’m deeply honoured to receive the Global Hydrometeorological Excellence Award 2025 for Global Leadership in Meteorology and Climate Action. This recognition reflects the collective effort of colleagues, partners, and organisations committed to advancing climate resilience and sustainable water management. A heartfelt thank you to everyone who has supported and collaborated with me on this journey. […]
Climate Change, Intra-Migration and the Future of Resilient Cities
Climate change is increasingly driving intra-migration toward urban centres, especially in vulnerable regions. Cities must prepare for rising pressures on housing, services, and governance systems to protect vulnerable populations and ensure sustainable urban development. Data-driven planning and cross-sector coordination are essential to anticipate future migration trends and build adaptive, equitable urban systems. We are working […]
Social Protection as a Catalyst for Climate Resilience
Though separated by geography, ecosystems, and biodiversity, #Brazil, #Zimbabwe, and #Vanuatu share a story of climate vulnerability. But more importantly, they tell a story of resilience and innovation, one that puts the protection of people at the heart of climate action. Social protection is not a new solution. For decades, it has been a cornerstone […]
Fund Resilience, Not Disaster: Prioritising Climate Risk Reduction
Today, on the International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction (#DRRday), I echo and amplify the message “Fund resilience, not disaster”. In simple terms, this means invest now in what will keep us safe, so we aren’t left paying the price of disasters later. My highlights for two key priorities- Significantly increase financing for climate risk […]
Blended Finance for Early Warning Systems: A Smart Investment for Climate Resilience
We are in an era of systemic, interconnected, and cascading climate risks. Tropical cyclones, floods, droughts, and heatwaves are intensifying in both frequency and severity. The cost of inaction is rising exponentially, and our current financing models are not keeping pace. This is a humanitarian crisis and fundamentally a market failure, manifesting as failures in […]