Under the weather and the rising tide adapting to a changing climate in asia and the pacific

Abstract

Many countries of Asia and the Pacific are at great risk from the anticipated impacts of human-induced climate change. Also at risk are many of the hard-won gains in poverty reduction, and the attainment of the long-term development goals. With cost estimates for climate-proofing at $10 billion–$150 billion per annum globally, it is clear that current funding is wholly inadequate for vulnerable developing countries to adapt to climate change. This funding inadequacy is especially challenging when we consider the immense scope of resources required to safeguard the livelihoods of the hundreds of the millions of impoverished people vulnerable to climate change. Add to this the need to protect vulnerable infrastructure, and sustain fragile ecosystems exposed to floods, storm surges, and water shortages brought on by climate change. The Asian Development Bank (ADB) therefore has an important role to play in providing technical advice, leveraging resources, and forging innovative partnerships in Asia and the Pacific. This booklet describes a number of adaptation strategies and actions being pursued by ADB, its country partners, and the international community. These strategies and actions reflect several important adaptation considerations for developing member countries, such as: country ownership, partnership synergies, integrating disaster risk reduction and climate risk management, and a no-regret approach. Also highlighted are emerging trends in climate adaptation strategies, including the blending of mitigation and adaptation, disaster risk management and climate adaptation synergies, community adaptation tools, and applied downscaled modeling.