Africa's forests have transitioned from being significant carbon sinks to sources of carbon emissions, according to a recent study. Meanwhile, Hong Kong grapples with the aftermath of a devastating apartment fire that has claimed at least 128 lives, with hundreds more missing. Community groups in Hong Kong are mobilizing to provide aid to survivors, highlighting the resilience and solidarity of the local population in times of crisis.

Africa's Forest Crisis
Research published in Scientific Reports indicates that Africa's forests have lost approximately 106 billion kilograms of biomass annually since 2010, turning the continent from a carbon sink into a carbon source. The study, led by researchers from the National Centre for Earth Observation, reveals that human activities, including agriculture, mining, and infrastructure development, have significantly contributed to this alarming trend. The tropical moist broadleaf forests in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Madagascar, and parts of West Africa are among the most affected areas. The authors stress that immediate action is necessary to halt forest loss, as these ecosystems play a crucial role in stabilizing the climate. Brazil's Tropical Forest Forever Facility, which aims to raise over $100 billion for forest protection, is one such initiative, but it has yet to gain sufficient support from other nations.

Hong Kong Fire Disaster
In Hong Kong, a catastrophic fire at the Wang Fuk Court housing estate has resulted in at least 128 confirmed deaths, with around 200 individuals still unaccounted for. The blaze, which erupted on Wednesday, spread rapidly through seven of the estate's eight towers, complicating rescue efforts. Fire officials confirmed that no fire alarms activated during the incident, raising serious safety concerns. The fire's intensity was exacerbated by the presence of highly flammable polystyrene foam in the building's structure. The response from local community organizations has been swift, with shelters set up in nearby restaurants and gyms to assist the affected residents.

Community Mobilization
Grassroots groups in Hong Kong are coordinating aid efforts, reminiscent of the community support seen during the 2014 and 2019 pro-democracy protests. A crowd-sourced web application has been created to track survivors and missing individuals, while fundraising initiatives have been launched to support the victims. The Hong Kong Red Cross has also called for blood donations to replenish its supplies. Legal aid is being organized for survivors facing tenancy and employment issues in the wake of the disaster.

Wrap-up
The dual crises of Africa's forest degradation and the tragic fire in Hong Kong highlight the urgent need for coordinated global and local responses to environmental and humanitarian challenges. While Africa's forests face a critical turning point in their role in climate regulation, the resilience of Hong Kong's community in the face of tragedy demonstrates the power of collective action.

Sources
theguardian.com

@hoju-korean.com Editorial Team