"'Adaptation apartheid' is preventing fragile states from accessing finance to protect their people from global warming".

"MISRATA, Libya/BEIRUT - Over a month ago, Asmahan Balauon, a member of Libya's eastern-based parliament, requested that it should establish a climate change committee.

She was told a date would be set to discuss the issue - but her efforts were overtaken by the fatal floods that struck the city of Derna this month after heavy rains caused the collapse of two dilapidated dams, unleashing a torrent of destruction.

"Unfortunately, our attention to... laws and elections and these things was a hindrance," said Balauon, who is based in the coastal city of Benghazi.

Storm Daniel moved far faster than the conflict-torn nation's politicians, triggering flooding that overwhelmed infrastructure and swept away parts of Derna, destroying hundreds of buildings."

Fahmi Igwianan and Nazih Osseiran report for Thomson Reuters Foundation September 28, 2023. [2]