News roundup: Asia most impacted by climate change in 2023, and other stories

For PropertyGuru’s real estate news roundup, Asia was most impacted in 2023 by climate change and extreme weather. In other stories, the 11th Singapore Dialogue on Sustainable World Resources focused on the prospect of the resource sector in the future economy of ASEAN. And get to know the key facts on India’s biggest highways.

Climate change and extreme weather impacts hit Asia hard

Asia remained the world’s most disaster-hit region from weather, climate, and water-related hazards in 2023. Floods and storms caused the highest number of reported casualties and economic losses, whilst the impact of heatwaves became more severe, according to a new report from the World Meteorological Organization (WMO).

Singapore Dialogue discusses the future of resources in ASEAN

The 11th Singapore Dialogue on Sustainable World Resources (SWR) took place on 9th May with the participation of over 240 delegates, scholars, and representatives of the private sector and non-governmental organisations relating to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

VietnamPlus reports that the dialogue, themed “Next Economy and the Future of Resources”, focused on the prospect of the resource sector in the future economy of ASEAN, along with measures for small- and medium-sized enterprises and smallholders to contribute to a more sustainable ASEAN.

Assoc. Prof. Simon Tay, Chairman of the Singapore Institute of International Affairs, said the resource sector, a critically important part of the economy, is now under great pressure both domestically and internationally. It holds a considerable opportunity to redefine the future by focusing on value-added products.

Biggest highways in India: Key facts

India has witnessed the development of some major highways in recent years and is expected to see significant development of such projects in the coming years. The budgetary allocation from the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has increased by 879 percent to Rs 2.76 Lakh Cr in FY24 from Rs 28,400 Cr in FY14. The Indian road network is transforming to attain world-class standards, according to Housing.com. Highways are essential for enhancing connectivity and providing smooth movement of people and goods, thus contributing to economic growth. India has the second largest road network after the United States.

The Property Report editors wrote this article. For more information, email: [email protected].