Climate Change in South Asia: Strong Responses for Building a Sustainable Future

Abstract

ADB's South Asia region is comprised of Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, the Maldives, Nepal, and Sri Lanka, extending from the highlands of the Himalayas to the atolls of the Indian Ocean. It is also home to more than 600 million of the world's absolute poor, who will be most vulnerable to the negative impacts of climate change. As critical sectors such as water, energy, and agriculture are affected, efforts at poverty alleviation and economic development are also threatened. ADB is responding to these threats with a comprehensive strategy that prioritizes solutions such as investing in strengthening policies, governance, and capacity support; expanding the use of clean and renewable energy; encouraging sustainable transport and urban development; promoting climate-resilient development, especially in water-dependent sectors; and managing land use and forests for carbon sequestration. ADB's support advances the climate change programs of its developing member countries and regional initiatives, moving with partners to integrate responses while continuing to work toward reducing poverty.