Climate change and associated disasters fundamentally threaten the prospects for sustainable development in Asia-Pacific. The Asia-Pacific region is home to 6 of the top 10 global carbon emitters, contributing to over half of the world’s total greenhouse gases (GHGs) and is highly vulnerable to climate-induced disasters and extreme weather events. ESCAP estimates that annual loss to climate-induced disasters in the region equals $675 billion with disproportionate impacts on the most vulnerable groups. The risk profile will continue to be altered by climate change in the next decades.
Global warming scenarios project that a temperature increase beyond a 1.5°C would exacerbate the impacts already observed in the region. Asia is home to four-fifths of the people who will face flooding if there is a 3°C rise in global temperatures. Addressing the impacts of climate change will require tackling the increased variability, intensity and frequency of extreme events.
Find out more on the Asia Pacific SDG Gateway.
