South Asia: climate risks, money and the green transitionCEFR A2
26 Nov 2025
Adapted from Qian Sun, Global Voices • CC BY 3.0
Photo by Aqeel Ahmed Zia, Unsplash
South Asia is coping with heavy climate harm. Pakistan’s 2022 floods displaced more than 30 million people and caused damage nearly one tenth of GDP. In Nepal, Himalayan glaciers are melting faster than before, threatening water and causing more landslides.
Climate finance is mainly decided in richer capitals. The UN framework asks richer states to support poorer ones. There are public funds (Global Environment Facility, Adaptation Fund) and market tools like the Clean Development Mechanism and the Voluntary Carbon Market. Laurie Parsons says poorer countries face two paths: cut emissions or build resources to protect themselves, and richest countries are choosing the second path.
Difficult words
- climate — Weather conditions over a long time.climate finance
- energy — Power used to run things.energy systems
- flood — Large amount of water covering land.floods
- displace — To move someone from their place.displaced
- improve — To make something better.
- finance — Money used for investment.
- glacier — A large mass of ice.glaciers
- cause — To make something happen.caused
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- Why do you think wealthier nations make climate finance rules?
- How might energy shortages affect people's lives?
- What can countries do to better deal with climate issues?
