How are you, South Asia?

A region of growing populations and economies demanding more and more natural resources – all adversely affected and threatened by climate change.

Everest base camp trek, Khumbu valley, Nepal

Farmers and traders at a floating guava market in Jhalokathi, Bangladesh

Locals in Himmafushi, Maldives travelling to a small coastal port.

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South Asia is one of the most vulnerable regions to climate change impacts and needs effective implementation of climate adaptation and mitigation strategies.

With a rich geographical diversity, South Asia is home to more than 23% of the world’s population. Nearly half of South Asia’s total population (or nearly 800 million people) live in future climate change hotspots.

The region will face an average annual economic loss of US $160 billion by 2030 and witness over 40 million climate migrants by 2050.

What do the experts say?

Learn more about the key disaster and climate risks experienced by this region by watching these special interviews and noting the information below.

Key climate change risks in the region include sea-level rise, increasing temperatures, and monsoonal rainfall variabilities which continue to affect lives and livelihoods.

Several South Asian countries rank amongst the top ten with the highest climate risks worldwide.

The Global Climate Risk Index 2021, which is based on fatalities and economic losses, places India 7th among the world’s most affected countries in 2019. In terms of annual averages of the long-term climate risk index (2000-2019), Pakistan and Nepal were amongst the top ten countries.

South Asia’s cumulative contributions to global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions have been low, but its rapid development and urbanization are leading to an increase in carbon emissions.

According to the World Bank, South Asia accounts for over 8% of the world’s carbon emissions and over 9% of the world’s greenhouse gas emissions. The energy demand is caused by urbanization, increasing demand for electricity, and expanding transportation networks.

Emissions can be reduced through low-carbon solutions by maximizing the abundant potential of renewable energy sources.

South Asian countries have undertaken policy measures to build climate resilience. These include nationally determined contributions (NDCs), national-level policies, plans, and strategies that are aimed at reducing emissions and adapting to climate impacts. Embedding climate actions into development processes will carve a pathway towards a sustainable and equal South Asia.

Is this information sufficient?

Yes

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What do you need to know about South Asia?

Bypass all the climate clutter and avoid tedious, lengthy web searches by taking note of the following short and important climate change figures for South Asia: