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The European Union eases car emission targets amid industry pressure, raising concerns over climate commitments. In the U.S., Seattle grapples with widespread land subsidence, heightening flood risks in vulnerable neighborhoods. Business leaders at the Milken Global Conference emphasize adaptive strategies to manage climate risks. In Pakistan, the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty exacerbates an escalating water crisis, and a severe heatwave grips the nation, with temperatures soaring 3–5°C above normal..

🌍Global Climate Watch

EU Eases Car Emissions Targets Amid Industry Pressure

The European Parliament has voted to relax CO₂ emissions targets for cars and vans, allowing automakers to average emissions from 2025 to 2027 instead of meeting strict 2025 benchmarks. This decision follows intense lobbying from the automotive industry, which warned of potential fines up to €15 billion due to lagging electric vehicle sales. Critics argue this move undermines the EU's climate goals. Reuters

Seattle Faces Citywide Land Subsidence

A recent study published in Nature reveals that Seattle is experiencing widespread land subsidence, increasing the city's vulnerability to flooding and infrastructure damage. Using six years of satellite data, researchers found that low-lying neighborhoods like Georgetown and South Park are particularly at risk. The findings urge urban planners to incorporate subsidence data into zoning and infrastructure strategies. Axios

Business Leaders Emphasize Climate Risk Management

At the Milken Global Conference in Los Angeles, business and finance leaders discussed the importance of addressing physical climate risks, such as water scarcity and supply chain disruptions. While net-zero targets remain, companies are focusing on interim strategies and investing in clean energy solutions, including AI-driven data centers. Financial innovations like carbon markets and blended finance are emerging as tools to fund the transition to a low-carbon economy. Time

Pakistan Climate Watch

Pakistan's Water Crisis Worsens Amid Climate Change

Pakistan is facing an escalating water crisis exacerbated by climate change and heightened tensions with India. The suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty by India threatens Pakistan's agriculture and hydropower sectors, which heavily rely on the Indus Basin. Rising temperatures, droughts, and floods have already impacted water availability, with over 10 million people losing access to clean drinking water following the 2022 floods. Time

Heatwave Grips Pakistan with Temperatures 3–5°C Above Normal

The Pakistan Meteorological Department has issued warnings for elevated temperatures across the country, with daytime highs expected to be 3–5°C above normal from May 8 to 10. Regions including Balochistan, Punjab, Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Gilgit-Baltistan are affected. Rain, wind, and thunderstorms are forecasted in various areas from May 10 to 12, potentially impacting agriculture and daily life. Residents are advised to take precautions against heatstroke and manage crop irrigation accordingly. Pakistan Observer

📊 🌍 Climate Fact Of The Day

A comprehensive peer-reviewed study published in Nature Communications has revealed that approximately 84% of carbon credits issued globally may not represent actual carbon reductions. Analyzing 2,346 projects, the research found that only 16% of credits likely correspond to genuine emissions cuts, raising concerns about the effectiveness of carbon offsetting strategies. This finding underscores the need for more rigorous standards and transparency in the carbon credit market to ensure meaningful climate action.

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