Ecology and extractivism

Nigerian women farmers trapped between climate shocks and microfinance debt

Microfinance loans were meant to offer a pathway out of poverty in countries like Nigeria, particularly for women. But as climate change makes weather patterns more unpredictable, the risk of falling into further debt falls onto the shoulders of women farmers who face not just erratic farming conditions but social stigma from default.

A figure in a wheelchair views smokestacks from afar, in this futuristic image

Can COP27 contribute to disability-inclusive climate justice?

Activists from every corner of the globe are struggling against barriers to participating in COP27 . But collaboration and solidarity are ensuring that disability justice is increasingly present at the United Nations’ yearly climate conference.

Scientific illustrations of flowers surround the islands of the Philippines, showing where each is from

The silencing of scientists in the Philippines

Caught in a protracted war waged by state authorities against armed Communist rebels, scientists in the Philippines have been red-tagged, losing not only opportunities to do their work, but also their lives, literally.

Waves loom over the city of Karachi, illustration by Walker Gawande

Karachi: Fighting an unfolding climate apocalypse

In 2021, residents along the Gujjar nullah in Karachi saw their houses unceremoniously destroyed as “encroachments” to the city’s drainage. Now, a grassroots movement is fighting for climate solutions that will help everyone in the city by the sea – not just the wealthy.

People on a boat escape a larger looming wave in Dhaka

Dhaka: A Refuge that Needs to be Rescued

With homes swallowed by floodwaters and river erosion, migrants from different parts of Bangladesh have opted to move to the cities of Dhaka and Chittagong for ‘safer ground.’ But these options for ‘safer’ ground are also sinking.

Editorial Note

Their stories are meant to help break the illusion of gradual, natural change and uncloak what is happening to coastal cities for what it is: a deeply social, cultural and political phenomenon that is inextricably linked with actions humans take now.

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