Facing Up to Climate Change in South Asia

Abstract

"This paper provides an overview of the likely impacts of climate change on three of the least developed countries in South Asia: Bangladesh, Bhutan and Nepal. In these countries, climate change effects will include changes in temperature, distribution of rainfall, sea-level rise, and an increase in the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events. This will have direct impacts on climate-dependent activities in these countries (such as agriculture, hydropower, forest management and nature conservation). Adverse impacts of extreme events, particularly floods (riverine, coastal and glacier lake outburst), droughts, salinity and cyclones are of particular concern. In addition, climate change will have indirect, socio-economic consequences for health, education and security. These least developed countries are most at risk because of their high vulnerability and low adaptive capacity. Weak economies, inadequate infrastructure, poor social development, lack of institutional capacity and high dependence on natural resources all contribute to this vulnerability."