Climate change will prompt major reform in South Asia

2019 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
South Asia ◽  
South Asian ◽  
Extreme Weather Events ◽  
Asian Countries ◽  
Political Debate ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Weather Events ◽  
Major Reform ◽  
Flood Defence

Subject Responses to climate change in South Asia. Significance The Maldives last week hosted the fourth Indian Ocean Conference, at which representatives from South Asia and beyond discussed challenges to the region such as climate change. South Asian countries are experiencing increasingly frequent extreme weather events such as flooding and drought. Impacts The Maldives and Sri Lanka, the region’s island nations, will invest heavily in flood-defence systems. South Asian authorities will be under pressure to improve medical services to help cut deaths from flood-related diseases. Climate change will be an increasingly prominent feature of political debate in many of the region’s countries.

Climate change and women in South Asia: a review and future policy implications

2019 ◽  
Vol 17 (2) ◽  
pp. 145-166
Author(s):  
Sangram Kishor Patel ◽  
Gopal Agrawal ◽  
Bincy Mathew ◽  
Sunita Patel ◽  
Biswajit Mohanty ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
South Asia ◽  
South Asian ◽  
Focal Point ◽  
Policy Implications ◽  
Asian Countries ◽  
Physical And Mental Health ◽  
The South ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Future Policy

Purpose South Asian region is a focal point owing to its vulnerabilities to climate-sensitive diseases, dependence on climate-sensitive livelihoods, projected levels of crop decline in the region, and high rates of poverty and malnutrition. Women are particularly vulnerable to climate change and this affects women disproportionately during different extreme events. The purpose of this paper is to understand the issue of climate change and its impact, and climate resilience among women in South Asia. Further, it also identifies the gaps and suggests future policy implications. Design/methodology/approach Climate change is increasingly being recognised as an alarming issue and the present review is important when South Asian countries are facing the brunt of climate change impacts. This paper tries to understand the issue by review of the literature and conceptual framework methodology. To understand women’s vulnerability due to climate change and its aftermath, the authors conducted both offline and online desk reviews for this study. Findings The findings of this study show a clear linkage between climate change and women’s vulnerabilities in South Asia. Climate change has significant socio-economic impacts on women, and it affects them disproportionately in various domains of agriculture, livelihood, food security, both physical and mental health, water and sanitation in the South Asia region. Practical implications The paper also highlights that the programmes that aim at combating the effects of climate change require a gender-sensitive approach so that climate change does not obstruct the development and reduction of poverty in the region. Social implications The findings of this paper will add value in helping families to come out of poverty by undertaking adaptive measures with proactive assistance from the government and grassroots level organisations. Originality/value The present study also advocates for more gender- and climate-sensitive measures from governments, and implementation of intervention- and evidence-based research in the South Asian countries.

South Asia will focus on easing impact of large floods

2018 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
South Asia ◽  
South Asian ◽  
Living Standards ◽  
Asian Countries ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Risk Maps ◽  
Large Floods

Significance India and Pakistan face a higher risk of heatwaves. Rising average temperatures may be linked to increased monsoon-related emergencies in South Asia. Impacts India will likely exceed its intended nationally determined contribution targets arising from the 2015 UN Climate Change Conference. Declining living standards due to climate change could raise migratory pressures across South Asia. South Asian countries will increasingly use drone technology to create risk maps charting climate change.

scholarly journals Climate change, regulatory policies and regional cooperation in South Asia

2018 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
pp. 22-35 ◽  
Author(s):  
Habib Zafarullah ◽  
Ahmed Shafiqul Huque
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
South Asia ◽  
South Asian ◽  
Regional Cooperation ◽  
Well Being ◽  
The South ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Regulatory Policies ◽  
Asian Region ◽  
South Asian Region

Purpose With climate change and environmental degradation being major issues in the world today, it is imperative for governments within a regional setting to collaborate on initiatives, harmonize their policies and develop strategies to counter threats. In South Asia, several attempts have been made to create a common framework for action in implementing synchronized policies. However, both political and technical deterrents have thwarted moves to accommodate priorities and interests of collaborating states. The purpose of this paper is to assess these issues and existing policies/strategies in selected South Asian countries and evaluate integrated plans of action based on collaborative partnerships. Design/methodology/approach Using a broad exploratory and interpretive approach, this paper evaluates how harmonization of environmental principles and synergies among countries can help reduce the effect of climate change and environmental hazards. Based on a review of ideas and concepts as well as both primary and secondary sources, including official records, legislation, inter-state and regional agreements, evaluation reports, impact studies (social, economic and ecological), and commentaries, it highlights several initiatives and processes geared to creating environmental protection standards and practices for the South Asian region. Findings Climate change has resulted in devastating impacts on people. It contributed to the proliferation of climate refugees and high incidence of poverty in South Asia. The region faces both political and technical obstacles in developing a sustainable approach to combat climate change. This is exacerbated by non-availability of information as well as reluctance to acknowledge the problem by key actors. The best strategy will be to integrate policies and regulations in the various countries of the region to develop strategic plans. The approach of prevention and protection should replace the existing emphasis on relief and rehabilitation. Originality/value The paper provides a critical overview of the climatic and environmental problems encountered in the South Asian region and provides pointers to resolving shared problems through the use of policy instruments for regulating the problems within the gamut of regional environmental governance. It attempts to identify solutions to offset regulatory and institutional barriers in achieving preferred results by emphasizing the need for redesigning regulatory structures and policy approaches for ecological well-being.

China's foray into South Asia is risky for both sides

2016 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Regional Development ◽  
South Asia ◽  
South Asian ◽  
Asian Countries ◽  
Economic Interests ◽  
Regional Economic ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Security Interest ◽  
Mixed Responses ◽  
Competitive Rivalry

Subject China's ties with smaller South Asian countries. Significance Beijing is being drawn by its strategic aspirations westwards by land and sea corridors that lead to Africa and Europe. Pakistan and Myanmar are obvious outlets to the sea. Others along the maritime route fall squarely within India's sphere of geopolitical and security interest, on which Beijing is encroaching. Impacts China's regional economic interests and ability to bankroll projects are positive for regional development. Politically, China's growing presence is unsettling and arouses mixed responses in target countries. A growing competitive rivalry with India has global security implications as the two powers jostle for influence.

scholarly journals Current context of transport sector in South Asia

2017 ◽  
Vol 7 (5) ◽  
pp. 490-505
Author(s):  
Champika Liyanage ◽  
Nuwan Dias ◽  
Dilanthi Amaratunga ◽  
Richard Haigh
Keyword(s):  
Focus Groups ◽  
South Asia ◽  
South Asian ◽  
Transportation System ◽  
Sustainable Transportation ◽  
Current Status ◽  
Transport Sector ◽  
Sustainable Transport ◽  
Asian Countries ◽  
Content Type

Purpose Given the current focus on sustainable development, there is a need to identify the current status of the transport sector in developing countries and the obstacles to the development of a sustainable transport system. Thus, the purpose of this paper is to provide a critical review on what needs to be done in such countries towards a sustainable transportation system. The focus of the paper will be on the South Asian context. In order to achieve the aim, the paper examines the current issues, the policy context and the key actions required in the countries selected in South Asia (i.e. Afghanistan, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldives and Nepal). Design/methodology/approach The main method used for the project was a combination of semi-structured interviews and focus groups. In addition, a policy analysis was also carried out with a use of secondary data. Altogether, 348 interviews and 16 focus groups (with 157 participants) were carried out in the selected six countries. Although the purpose of the research methods was to carry out a situational analysis of each country mentioned above on seven societal challenges identified under the EU’s Horizon 2020 research programme, this paper only focusses on presenting the findings relating to sustainable transport. Findings Findings reveal that South Asian countries need to improve different aspects of their transportation sector, starting from national-level transportation policies. Sustainable transportation is not merely about mobility but also about creating safer, convenient and environmentally friendly transportation systems. Some key actions needed for these include introducing driver and passenger safety regulations, establishing vehicle emissions test centres to reduce CO2 emissions, and introducing public-private partnerships where useful. Originality/value This study provides a robust policy direction towards the introduction/improvement of a sustainable transportation system in South Asian countries.

Business may drive climate change efforts in Chile

2021 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Water Availability ◽  
Extreme Weather ◽  
Extreme Weather Events ◽  
Carbon Budgets ◽  
Public Concern ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Weather Events ◽  
Drought Conditions ◽  
Agricultural Potential

Significance As well as responding to extreme weather events internationally, this reflects increasing awareness of Chile’s own vulnerability, particularly as regards water availability. Mounting public concern about climate change is mirrored in a number of bills before Congress. Impacts Chile’s drought conditions look increasingly like a permanent change in climate. By shifting to the Andean Plateau and possibly the far south, rain would be concentrated in areas with limited agricultural potential. Industries anticipate that sector-specific carbon budgets may be introduced as early as 2022.

Extreme weather events will hit insurance industry

2015 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
United States ◽  
Insurance Industry ◽  
The United States ◽  
Extreme Weather ◽  
Extreme Weather Events ◽  
Causal Connection ◽  
Economic Implications ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Weather Events

Subject The political and economic implications of greater scientific understanding of extreme weather events. Significance Preparatory talks for the UN climate summit in Paris have seen representatives from developing countries ask the United States and EU for greater compensation for damages caused by extreme weather. The link between climate change and more extreme weather events is clear -- energy from higher temperature levels can be translated into kinetic energy and disrupts usual weather patterns -- but distinguishing the extent of a causal connection, especially for specific events, has until recently been difficult. Impacts Extreme weather events will affect the insurance industry, agriculture, tourism, and food and beverage sectors. In the United States, the South-east will see the highest risks of coastal property losses due to climate change impacts. Hurricanes and other coastal storms combined with rising sea levels are likely to cause growing annual storm losses in the Caribbean. Infrastructure will grow in cost as it must be proofed against new extremes in weather stress.

Climate change threatens Vietnam imminently

2019 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Carbon Footprint ◽  
Extreme Weather Events ◽  
Crop Diversification ◽  
Carbon Sinks ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Agriculture Sector ◽  
Weather Events ◽  
Processing Plants ◽  
Contamination Levels

Subject Impact of climate change on Vietnam's agriculture. Significance The agriculture sector accounts for some 40% of employment in Vietnam and around 15% of its annual export earnings. Meanwhile, the country is experiencing more extreme weather events. Impacts Critical river dykes and canal banks will erode faster than anticipated, especially in the south. As water-processing plants fail to contend with increasing salt intrusions, contamination levels in food will increase. Crop diversification could reduce Vietnam’s carbon footprint, with more diversified farms acting as carbon sinks.

The facilities manager preparing for climate change related disaster

Facilities ◽  
2010 ◽  
Vol 28 (11/12) ◽  
pp. 502-513 ◽  
Author(s):  
Clive M.J. Warren
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Risk Assessment ◽  
Natural Disasters ◽  
Natural Disaster ◽  
Disaster Planning ◽  
Extreme Weather ◽  
Extreme Weather Events ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Current Climate ◽  
Weather Events

PurposeClimate change is predicted to have a significant effect on the frequency of extreme weather events and the occurrence of natural disasters. There is a need for facilities managers to mitigate against potential disruption and prepare for future events. Current practice, however, as illustrated by the literature shows that little risk assessment is currently undertaken with few organisations preparing integrated disaster management plans or business continuity plans to help them meet the challenge. This paper aims to describe the current climate change predictions and the likely consequences for building assets in the face of extreme weather events.Design/methodology/approachThe paper was based on literature review of current climate change data and published research and guidance for facilities managers in preparing risk assessment and disaster plans.FindingsThe research reveals that there exists a divergence between current scientific data relating to potential effects of climate change on the built environment and the level of disaster planning and organisational resilience to extreme weather events.Research limitations/implicationsThe paper provides an overview of the recent changes in disaster occurrence and the potential for increasing climate‐related crisis and disasters which have potential to significantly compromise the ongoing use of an organisation's facilities. The paper concludes that facilities managers need to be proactive in their risk assessment and disaster planning.Practical implicationsThe paper highlights the potential for increased climate change‐related natural disasters. Property assets are likely to be significantly impacted and as a consequence facilities disaster plans should address the issue of natural disaster preparedness. Current literature reveals a limited level of disaster planning is occurring.Originality/valueThe paper provides an important link between current climate change predictions, the increasing levels of natural disasters resulting from climate change and the potential for significant disruption to business facilities. The paper builds on earlier research highlighting the potential for climate‐related natural disaster.

Natural Hazards Governance in South Asia

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mihir Bhatt ◽  
Kelsey Gleason ◽  
Ronak B. Patel
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
South Asia ◽  
Natural Disaster ◽  
Natural Hazards ◽  
South Asian ◽  
Disaster Risk Reduction ◽  
Natural Hazard ◽  
Disaster Risk ◽  
Socioeconomic Conditions ◽  
Asian Countries

South Asia is faced with a range of natural hazards, including floods, droughts, cyclones, earthquakes, landslides, and tsunamis. Rapid and unplanned urbanization, environmental degradation, climate change, and socioeconomic conditions are increasing citizens’ exposure to and risk from natural hazards and resulting in more frequent, intense, and costly disasters. Although governments and the international community are investing in disaster risk reduction, natural hazard governance in South Asian countries remain weak and often warrants a review when a major natural disaster strikes. Natural hazards governance is an emerging concept, and many countries in South Asia have a challenging hazard governance context.

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