Author: Bapon Fakhruddin
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The Science and Practice of Meditation for Mental Resilience
In the 1970s, American doctor and professor Herbert Benson made a groundbreaking discovery. Through his research on meditation, he found that this simple practice could significantly reduce activity in the sympathetic nervous system, the part of our brain responsible for the fight-or-flight response. This discovery opened the door to a wealth of research, revealing the…
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Emerging Atlantic Nina and La Niña: Implications for Global Climate Patterns
We have observed a rapid cooling in the equatorial Atlantic Ocean in the past three months. This is happening at a record speed. This emerging “Atlantic Nina” pattern and an expected La Nina in the Pacific Ocean present a complex interaction of climate forces that could have far-reaching impacts on weather patterns worldwide. According to…
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Scaling Effective Climate Policies
A comprehensive analysis of climate policies implemented across 41 countries from 1998 to 2022 has identified 63 successful interventions that reduced emissions by 0.6 to 1.8 billion metric tonnes of CO2. The study highlights the effectiveness of well-designed policy mixes, particularly those incorporating price-based instruments, in addressing the emissions gap. Findings indicate that successful policy…
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Cultivating calm and Mental Resilience for Leadership and Global Well-Being
In these trying times, as we face unprecedented challenges across the world, it is crucial that we address external crises and tend to our inner well-being. The ability to calm our minds and bodies is not just a personal matter but a strategic imperative for effective leadership and global resilience. A calm mind leads to…
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Linking Fair Wages to Climate Justice and Sustainable Development
True Nature Communications Inc. has revealed a shocking disparity in the global labour market. The Global South provides an astounding 90% of the labour powering the world economy yet receives only 21% of global income. This imbalance is not just a matter of economics but of justice, sustainability, and our collective future. The study shows…
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Mainstreaming Nature: Integrating Natural Capital into Policy for a Sustainable Future
For too long, we have applied a narrow lens to our policy decisions, often overlooking nature’s vital role in our economies, societies, and very survival. This approach has led to unintended costs, missed opportunities, and an inaccurate representation of our true national wealth. As a paradigm shift, we must embed the consideration of nature throughout…
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Clean Air for All: Tackling Air Pollution in a Warming World
Despite its known devastating impacts, air pollution is a problem. Many countries still have weak air quality regimes, which is alarming, especially as climate change threatens to worsen air pollution. Air pollution is a major risk factor for death and disease globally, causing premature deaths from heart disease, stroke, lung cancer, and respiratory illnesses. Yet,…
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Gamifying Climate Action: Harnessing Engagement for Real-World Impact
“What if the hyper-focused state I enter when playing in virtual worlds could somehow be applied to the real one?” Today, it has become a global phenomenon, influencing various sectors from education to health, and even climate change. It is a tool; like any tool, it can be used for good or ill. It can…
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Strengthening Early Warning Systems for Global Climate Resilience
The Hydromet Gap Report 2024, produced by the Alliance for Hydromet Development, summarized critical gaps we must urgently address. It reveals that many NMHS in the developing world face severe resource constraints, knowledge gaps, outdated infrastructure, and limited data sharing – hampering their ability to deliver the early warnings and climate services communities need. For…
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Strengthening Data Privacy and Governance in a Rapidly Digitalizing World
According to a recent study by the International Telecommunication Union, nearly 128 countries have enacted legislation to protect data and privacy. However, the rapid advancement of technology and the increasing volume of data generated daily present new challenges that require urgent attention. We must ensure data standards, FAIRness (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, and Reusable), and cross-domain…
Bapon (SHM) Fakhruddin, PhD 