Asia must act decisively on climate change

Countries in Asia are set to experience some of the most severe consequences of the climate crisis and this unique vulnerability underscores the urgent need for proactive and collaborative climate action. Asia’s rapid industrialization and reliance on fossil fuels have accelerated its contribution to global carbon emissions, while geographic and socioeconomic factors make the region especially susceptible to rising temperatures, sea level increases and extreme weather events.

According to a report released last week by the Asian Development Bank, Asian nations are significantly underfunded in their efforts to mitigate and adapt to climate change. The annual financing requirement for climate adaptation across developing Asian countries ranges between $102 billion and $431 billion, yet they received only $34 billion in 2021-2022. This funding gap reflects the challenge that Asia faces in both reducing emissions and preparing for the inevitable impacts of a warming world.

Asia is the most populous continent, home to approximately 60 percent of the world’s population. Countries like China, India, Bangladesh and Vietnam have high population densities, especially along coastlines, where communities face the dual threats of sea level rises and intensified storm surges. The report noted that, if Antarctic sea ice collapses, sea levels in Asia-Pacific could rise at twice the global average, putting 300 million people at risk.

In addition, many of these populations lack the infrastructure to withstand extreme weather, leaving them highly vulnerable to both loss of life and economic disruption. Asia’s economic structure still heavily depends on fossil fuels, with the Asian Development Bank report estimating that governments in the region provided nearly $600 billion in subsidies for fossil fuels like oil, coal and gas in 2022.

Many Asian countries lack the infrastructure to withstand extreme weather, leaving them highly vulnerable

Dr. Majid Rafizadeh

The issue is that such subsidies make fossil fuels more affordable, providing less incentive to shift toward cleaner energy sources. Consequently, developing Asia reportedly contributes nearly half of global emissions, with China alone responsible for two-thirds of this total. This dependence not only hampers Asia’s ability to reduce its carbon output but also increases the risks associated with climate-related health impacts, such as respiratory illnesses from air pollution.

This means that, without decisive intervention, the economic repercussions for Asian countries will be severe. If emissions continue to rise unchecked, regional economies may face a 17 percent gross domestic product decline by 2070. Higher temperatures are already reducing productivity, as heat stress makes working conditions unbearable, particularly in sectors like agriculture and construction.

In addition, agricultural yields, fisheries and forestry — vital components of many Asian economies — will suffer, further threatening food security and livelihoods. Bangladesh, Vietnam, Indonesia and India could see the most drastic economic downturns.

Asian governments ought to prioritize a transition to renewable energy to decrease reliance on fossil fuels. Investment in solar, wind and hydropower infrastructure will not only reduce emissions but also create millions of green jobs. The Asian Development Bank estimates that “aggressive decarbonization” could generate 1.5 million energy sector jobs by 2050.

Nevertheless, this shift requires regional policies that incentivize renewables, eliminate fossil fuel subsidies and provide tax incentives or subsidies for green energy adoption.

In addition, Asian countries need to invest in climate-resilient infrastructure, particularly in coastal cities and rural areas vulnerable to flooding and storms. Constructing flood barriers, creating mangrove forests to buffer against storm surges and developing robust urban drainage systems could significantly reduce the loss of life and property. Bangladesh’s investment in flood shelters that have drastically reduced storm-related fatalities serves as a model for other nations.

Furthermore, in order to bridge the financing gap, Asian nations must advocate for more substantial international support and create partnerships with multilateral institutions like the World Bank. Given the scale of the crisis, both private and public sector investments are crucial. Asian countries can explore green bonds and international carbon markets to attract the necessary funds for adaptation and mitigation projects.

If emissions continue to rise unchecked, regional economies may face a 17 percent GDP decline by 2070

Dr. Majid Rafizadeh

Effective climate action demands transparent and accountable governance. It is critical to develop comprehensive frameworks that align with Asian countries’ commitments under international climate treaties. This involves setting clear roadmaps toward net-zero emissions, enforcing environmental regulations and integrating climate considerations into all sectors of national policy. Such governance reforms are essential to ensure that actions are consistent, measurable and enforceable.

It is worth noting that, although Asia-Pacific is currently the largest emitter, historically, the US and Europe have contributed the most atmospheric carbon. This shared responsibility highlights the need for Western nations to support Asian countries in their climate efforts. Increased financial aid, technology transfer and expertise from the West can accelerate Asia’s transition to sustainable development. Providing these resources would also foster cooperation and goodwill in addressing a challenge that transcends borders.

Any economic downturn in Asia due to climate change would reverberate worldwide, given the interconnectedness of global supply chains and financial markets. Europe and the US rely on Asian economies for manufacturing, resources and labor. By supporting climate resilience in Asia, Western nations can mitigate risks to their own economies. Additionally, as climate change fuels migration, political instability and resource scarcity, assisting Asia would reduce the potential for conflicts and humanitarian crises that could impact the West.

In a nutshell, the climate crisis in Asia is no longer a distant threat but a present reality with wide-reaching implications. Immediate action is essential to limit and adapt to its impacts. Asian countries need both domestic reform and international support to bridge the financial gap, transform their energy landscapes and prepare for the worst-case scenarios. The cost of inaction far exceeds the cost of proactive measures.

By acting decisively now, Asian countries, with support from the global community, can protect their people, economies and natural environments from the worst impacts of climate change.

• Dr. Majid Rafizadeh is a Harvard-educated Iranian American political scientist. X: @Dr_Rafizadeh