The climate crisis and lately the failed climate summit in Copenhagen have been making the headlines of newspapers around Asia and the world; however, we have forgotten another crisis: the animal crisis.

On 25 November, International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) held its official launch of an international charitable organisation at the Asian Civilisations Museum, Singapore – IRRI Fund Singapore – to support research into securing the supply of rice, rice genetic and climate change.

The Carrow Foundation provided funding and proceeds will directly benefit REEF (Reef Environmental Education Foundation), Beneath the Sea’s Ocean Pals Program, and the ASIAN Geographic Society’s Anti Shark Finning campaign.

The low-lying areas of eastern India are in danger from rising sea levels. This is causing saltwater to flow into India’s biggest river and threaten its ecosystems.

Approximately 4.4 million people and 2.1 million cattle were starved of drinking water as severe drought hit northern China in early February.

Qi Global brought six inspiring individuals to share the work they do for social and environmental progress in Asia.

UNITED NATIONS – The tiny Pacific nation of Palau is creating the world's first shark sanctuary, a biological hotspot to protect great hammerheads, leopard sharks, oceanic whitetip sharks and more than 130 other species fighting extinction in the Pacific Ocean.

UNFPA – Following the recent series of natural disasters in Asia and the Pacific, UNFPA, the United Nations Population Fund, is providing humanitarian assistance in affected countries throughout the region. As part of the coordinated United Nations response and working through local partners, the Fund is primarily addressing reproductive health needs, particularly those of displaced pregnant women.

100 million sharks are killed every year with 64 million killed solely for their fins. This cruel and unreasonable massacre is pushing the great fish to the very edge of extinction – threatening to empty our oceans and destroy marine ecosystems.