How is climate change affecting major Asian cities? — issue #2

Hello there, The issue of climate change continues to provoke heated debates, but how well do we understand the impact it can have on our lives here in Asia? This month, our intern Rayson, looked at research on rising sea levels and mapped a story that shows us a future in which Asia’s capital cities could be submerged. July was also a month about international disputes. Bella explored the historical roots of the Diaoyu/Senkaku islands dispute that has seen Japan and China at loggerheads. I re-visited my love for historical artefacts and wrote a story on China’s Old Summer Palace. I explored its numerous lost objects and the bold and unconventional strategies Chinese citizens have taken to recover the nation’s historical legacy. We continue to refine our editorial workflow. We had originally planned to publish a story about death rituals in Asia, and another about traditional medicine and the illegal wildlife trade industry, but we’ve moved our publishing schedule, so they’re not out yet. But stay tuned! We hope you enjoy the stories we have published this month, and continue to support us by being avid readers and sharing them with your friends. If you have any ideas for what we should do next, don’t hesitate to drop us a mail! Pei Ying Editor-in-Chief We think you'd like... Restoring a nation: Yuanmingyuan and China's journey to recover its lost art No this is not the new Indiana Jones plot. Almost two centuries later, China is still looking to reclaim artefacts and treasures looted from the imperial residence of Qianlong Emperor of the Qing dynasty. Going Under: How sea level rise is threatening to sink major Asian cities By the end of this century, sea levels are projected to rise by at least 2 metres. How will major cities in Asia be affected, and are they prepared for it? How rock paper scissors is played around Asia You have probably played rock paper scissors before to settle a bet. But have you tried Indonesia's version, which uses an elephant, person, and ant?  Visualisation of the month Why is sea level rise a concern especially for major cities in Asia?  This map explains by showing how cities like Ho Chin Minh City in Vietnam are located in low-lying coastal areas. Why I wrote...the Khmer Rouge genocide story. "Southeast Asia has seen its fair share of dictatorships and mass crimes. But we've only recently begun including this in our history curriculums. Little has been done to redress the social injustices that millions have suffered. I worked in Cambodia with survivors of the Khmer Rouge genocide and believe that these stories must be re-told and remembered." - Vinita Ramani