Climate change in Asia and the Pacific is deadly and impacts communities now. The climate of Southeast Asia is tropical, and temperatures remain fairly stable throughout the year, hovering within a few degrees of 86°F (30°C). Asia has extremely diverse climates and geographic features. Nuclear power is essential to decarbonizing various industrial sectors and for desalination, as well as providing the bulk of electricity to the 2 billion fully electric vehicles that Asia will need to decarbonize their transportation sector. The climates in the highest latitudes present a serious challenge to all but the most hardy nomads and herders. Which brings us to the major deficiency in this report - there is no discussion of nuclear power. There are several different monsoon seasons in Asia. The report details why and how regional climate litigation seeks relief in increasingly urgent ways. China is building serious nuclear capacity, breaking ground on a new site every two months or so. Much of the interior mainland, including large parts of China, India and Pakistan, consists of desert with little rainfall and extreme temperature changes between day and night. So sea level rise and severe weather will affect more people there than anywhere else. The climate is tropical in Singapore. But without significant decarbonization, these mitigation efforts will probably fail. Climate Risks Are Seen Mounting For Asia’s Coal Hungry UtilitiesThe decline in green bond sales from governments and corporates in Asia, to about $37 billion as of Dec. 7, stands in contrast with the rest of the world. © 2020 Forbes Media LLC. Winters (November to March) can be bitterly cold, while summers (July and August) are short and hot. Note temperatures are in °C not °F. Dew Point: 71 °F. It is moist across southeast sections, and dry across much of the interior. Some of the largest daily temperature ranges … Laos. All Year Climate & Weather Averages in Asia. This climate is considered to be Af according to the Köppen-Geiger climate classification. I am a Trustee of the Herbert M. Parker Foundation, Adjunct at WSU, an Affiliate Scientist at LANL and consult on strategic planning for the DOE, EPA/State environmental agencies, and industry including companies that own nuclear, hydro, wind farms, large solar arrays, coal and gas plants. Much of the interior mainland, including large parts of China, India and Pakistan, consists of desert with little rainfall and extreme temperature changes between day and night. In fact, these countries are expected to have a net agricultural benefit from climate change with expected increasing crop yields. These strategies have not been very effective in the world so far, and they require enormous amounts of energy. Yes, costs are falling for all the technologies needed, but the anticipated pandemic-caused economic recession is going to slow these even more. That polar-front activity, accompanied by maximum precipitation, occurs in the spring in … About 2% of that, or about $40 billion/year, is expected to go towards adapting to the climate risks. China is determined to export them to countries in their One Belt, One Road project, China’s ambitious plan to pass America in global political and economic influence, basically a 21st century version of the 2,000-year-old Silk Road. For over 25 years I have been a member of Sierra Club, Greenpeace, the NRDC, the Environmental Defense Fund and many others, as well as professional societies including the America Nuclear Society, the American Chemical Society, the Geological Society of America and the American Association of Petroleum Geologists. Even the Union of Concerned Scientists says we need nuclear to address global warming. Precipitation: 5.09". All Year Climate & Weather Averages in Asia. This is true even for the driest month. The South Asian Monsoons in India and Central Asia occur from June to September; while the East Asian Monsoon passes through Southern China, Taiwan and Indochina in May, Japan in June, and North China and Korea in July. Because of its immense size, the climate in Asia varied widely from country to country. Which is important. Dew Point: 49 °F. Leading Asia through the hardships of a warming world is an enormous goal, but one that needs to be accomplished just as much as leading the rest of the world does to that same goal. When soil is wet, evaporation cools air at the surface. All Rights Reserved, This is a BETA experience. I have been a scientist in the field of the earth and environmental sciences for 33 years, specializing in geologic disposal of nuclear waste, energy-related research. After reading McKinsey & Company's Climate risk and response in Asia report, I had to revisit my ideas of who gets hit hardest by climate change. You may opt-out by. India is coming up more slowly. Temperatures average from the low 70s F to the mid-80s F. During the hot summer months, inland areas can reach highs of 104 F, while coastal areas are kept cooler by sea breezes. Climate change is a critical challenge that Southeast Asia must confront as the region seeks to expand its economy and remain a key engine of … It boasts year-round sunshine, a dazzling array of gorgeous beaches, and lots of modern amenities. It is projected to experience increases in ambient … Even as the present crisis drains the region’s resources and challenges its capacity, the looming danger of climate change remains ever-present. The Myanmar Himalayas and Northern Vietnam are the only places in Southeast Asia that experience sub-tropical climate. Apart from asset hardening, the resilience of assets and communities can be enhanced and diversified by increasing alternate and backup sources or decentralizing resource distribution. Precipitation: 1.08". Areas that need to be focused on include natural capital, diagnosing the problems of each region, protecting people and assets, building resilience, and reducing exposure. Climate risk and response in Asia In many ways, Asia is on the frontline of a changing climate. In the equatorial islands, including Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore and the Philippines, summer is hot and wet. Glacial mass will fall by up to 40%, fishing yields could drop by half, and 90% of coral reefs will degrade severely by 2050. Humidity: 76%. I also consult for EPA/State environmental agencies and industry on clean-up of heavy metals from soil and water. By David Dennis In recent months, Southeast Asia, like the rest of the world, has marshalled its resources to deal with the acute public health crisis presented by Covid-19. In fact, Asia is at the forefront as the planet continues to heat up. ESCAP analysis shows that business as usual is likely to drive significant tensions between and within countries, climate mitigation, inequality, and hardship,” said United Nations Under-Secretary-General and Executive Secretary of ESCAP Ms. Armida Salsiah Alisjahbana in … McKinsey & Company's report outlines ways to approach this huge problem. The report characterizes risk within and across different countries and categorize impacts in four different types of countries in Asia: Frontier Asia, Emerging Asia, Advanced Asia, and China. By 2050, parts of Asia may see increasing average temperatures, lethal heat waves, extreme precipitation events, severe hurricanes, drought, and changes in water supply (see figure below). In Asia and the Pacific, more than 60 percent of people work in sectors highly susceptible to changing weather patterns. Temperatures increase dramatically in Asia if nothing is done. Asia contributes almost half of all greenhouse gas emissions. I have been a scientist in the field of the earth and environmental sciences for 33 years, specializing in geologic disposal of nuclear waste, energy-related research, planetary surface processes, radiobiology and shielding for space colonies, subsurface transport and environmental clean-up of heavy metals. Climate Risks Are Seen Mounting For Asia’s Coal Hungry Utilities The decline in green bond sales from governments and corporates in Asia, to about $37 billion as of Dec. 7, stands in contrast with the rest of the world. The Climate of Asia is moist across southeast sections, and dry across much of the interior. So one project helped farmers develop new maize varieties that are better adapted to drought and pests. These zones generally have severely cold climates. The report found that countries with lower levels of per capita GDP, described as Frontier Asia (Bangladesh, India, and Pakistan) and Emerging Asia (Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam), are most at risk from the impacts of climate change. It shouldn’t be surprising - Asia has more people in coastal cities than all other cities in the world combined. Low-lying atolls in the Pacific Ocean have long been considered some of the most vulnerable areas to climate change, as rising sea levels threaten to submerge them. By Jonathan Woetzel, Oliver Tonby, Mekala Krishnan, Yuito Yamada, Suvojoy Sengupta, Dickon Pinner, Ruslan Fakhrutdinov, and Tetsu Watanabe Showing: All Year January February March April May June July August September October November December. Asia’s early movers on climate-risk reporting – including Samsung Electronics Co, Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co and CLP – tend to be globally focused companies, Park said. China expects to have a 100 GW installed by 2040. High Temp: 89 °F. Two of China General Nuclear's third-generation Hualong One reactors recently connected to the grid, and their design has received European Utility Requirements certification. Opinions expressed by Forbes Contributors are their own. They also use a separate geospatial assessment to determine potential socioeconomic impact in 16 countries: Australia, Bangladesh, Cambodia, China, India, Indonesia, Japan, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, New Zealand, Pakistan, the Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam, and South Korea (see video). Australia’s wildfires, record floods in China and devastating typhoons in the Philippines have been recent reminders of the climate risks that Asia faces. Improving access to water, managing water more efficiently, and diversifying crops helps people to survive. The best time to visit Southeast Asia is between November and February, which is relatively cooler and drier in much of the region. As just one example in the report, Kuala Lumpur experiences frequent flash flooding. Rising temperatures and lethal heat waves affect livability and effective working hours in major Asian economies, possibly losing close to 10% of daylight work hours by mid-century. Asia stands to be impacted the most from climate crisis The Asia-Pacific region, home to 60% of the world's population, is one of the most vulnerable areas to the climate crisis. The nice thing about traveling to Laos is that the weather isn't affected by coastal proximity. However, when soil no longer has any moisture, heat transfers directly to the air. Temperatures in the Gobi desert are extreme, ranging from -40°F (-40°C) on winter nights to a high of 100°F (38°C) in summer. Polar, subarctic, and temperate climates occur along the continent's northern and northeastern fringes; arid and highland climates occur in the continent's interior and southwestern reaches; and a mix of grassland and tropical rainforest climates occur along its southern fringe. The climate varies from steamy tropical heat in forested valleys dotted with hidden temples, to cooler weather in remote mountain villages. For detailed information on weather in Asia see our comprehensive month-by-month guides below. Winters (November to March) can be bitterly cold, while summers (July and August) are short and hot. Advanced Asia (Australia, Japan, New Zealand, and South Korea) and China, a category all by itself, are expected to see lower impacts of climate change, as expected. The Malaysian government has introduced flood controls by increasing river channel capacity, building a highway tunnel, and channeling water to holding ponds. Asia is dominated by a varied mix of climate regions. Millions of people who rely on natural resources for food and work bear the brunt of climate change. A solution was devised to store meltwater in huge standing structures, providing irrigation throughout the year. And that assumes renewables come up with the 4 trillion kWhs needed to replace most fossil fuel and meet the growing energy needs required to eradicate global poverty. However, even the rainy season in Thailand and other countries generally includes sunny mornings with short downpours in the afternoon. The Rally will be on November 28 and will take place locally and online. Advanced Asia (Australia, Japan, New Zealand, and South Korea) and China, a category all by itself, are expected to see lower impacts of climate change, as expected. However, risks to infrastructure and supply chains will increase in these countries because of more frequent extreme precipitation events and typhoons in many areas, something that is particularly important given China’s role in global supply chains. Bob Jagendorf. To maintain growth momentum, eradicate poverty, and respond to climate change, the region must invest $1.7 trillion a year in infrastructure through 2030, according to the Asian Development Bank. Low Temp: 59 °F. The financing of adaption measures is particularly important because of Asia’s significant infrastructure needs. Climate change is Asia threatens more than just Tiger habitat. High Temp: 90 °F. The report discusses shifting from coal to renewables, including a combination of solar and wind power plus battery storage as well as payments to coal asset owners for retiring their assets before those assets reach the end of their lifetime. They note that, fortunately, Asia is positioned well to address these challenges and capture the opportunities that come from effectively managing climate risks – if they decide to. I write about nuclear, energy and the environment, The Green Revolution Has Been Won, Says America's New Wind Billionaire, EY & Citi On The Importance Of Resilience And Innovation, Impact 50: Investors Seeking Profit — And Pushing For Change, Michigan Economic Development Corporation With Forbes Insights, store meltwater in huge standing structures, invest $1.7 trillion a year in infrastructure through 2030, has received European Utility Requirements certification. The amount of renewables needed to meet these goals would take more steel than China produces now for everything, and that’s not including installing renewables to produce green hydrogen to decarbonize steel production. Measures to protect people and assets include hardening assets such as reinforcing or elevating physical assets and infrastructure, building green defenses such as restoring natural defenses like wetlands and ecosystems, and building gray defenses that reduce the severity or duration of climate events such as disaster relief community shelters. The climate of Southeast Asia can be described as tropical, meaning that the weather tends to be the hot and humid most part of the year. The world’s top climate scientists, including Dr. James Hansen, Dr. Tom Wigley, Dr. Ken Caldeira and Dr. Kerry Emanuel, have all declared that we cannot decarbonize in time without major nuclear expansion, at least as much as we envision wind expanding. The country with the best climate in Southeast Asia is Thailand. At the same time, key economies in the region, such as China and Japan, are leading the world in technologies, from electric vehicles and renewable energy to nuclear power, that are necessary to adapt to and mitigate climate change. Climates range from arctic and subarctic in Siberia to tropical in southern India and Southeast Asia. Low Temp: 31 °F. Wet winters and dry summers are typical of the Mediterranean climatic region in West Asia, where precipitation is associated with the winter activity of the polar front. Mean Temp: 79 °F. Wind: 7 mph. Asia is particularly vulnerable due to increased exposure to the consequences of climate change. All Year January February March April May June July August September October November December. This provides the region with a chance to ensure that what goes up is more resilient and better able to withstand the heightened risks of climate change. The weather in Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam and Myanmar (known as Indochina) differs slightly, with a cool and dry season from November to February followed by a hot summer from April to July when temperatures can reach 104°F (40°C), and a rainy season beginning in late July. Relocating millions of people is drastic, but Indonesia decided in 2019 to relocate the country’s capital from Jakarta because of its expected submergence by mid-century. We analyze the extent of climate risk facing the region and effective responses for adaptation and mitigation. The region has experienced a significant increase in the number, intensity, and impact of extreme weather events such as tropical cyclones, floods, droughts, and heat waves. Because of its immense size, the climate in Asia varied widely from country to country. The monsoon circulation dominates across southern and eastern sections, due to the presence of the Himalayas forcing the formation of a thermal low which draws in moisture during the summer. “The main attraction is th… The entire project provides storage for three million cubic meters of water, sufficient to offset most of the flooding in a typical year. Many countries in Asia are only now building out their infrastructure and urban areas. Already this year, more than 500,000 people have been In addition, they tend to be very dry. Humidity: 68%. The Asian GDP that is at risk from this warming accounts for more than two-thirds of the total annual global GDP impacted. Infographic | 7 August 2019 Climate change and disasters threaten the long-term sustainability of development in Asia and the Pacific. As an example of this in the report, pressure on water systems and frequent droughts in the rural communities of Yunnan and Guangxi provinces in southwest China over the past ten years, have led to significant crop losses. Warming dramatically affects what's known as Natural Capital. As glaciers have shrunk in the Himalayas, their declining annual melting water supply to irrigate fields in the Ladakh region of India threatens harvests. Commissioned by the Intergovernmental Meeting (IGM) of the Asia-Pacific Network for Global Change Research (APN), this book offers a detailed survey of the current status of climate change and climate variability in the Asia-Pacific region, a thorough and thoughtful assessment of climate and security and clear recommendations on the best paths of climate research in the future. … They suggest decarbonizing industrial operations, advancing carbon capture and storage and bringing up green-hydrogen using renewables to split water. Mean Temp: 61 °F. Singapore has a significant amount of rainfall during the year. A McKinsey report on "Climate Risk and Response in Asia", finds that, without adaptation and mitigation, Asia is expected to experience more severe socio-economic impacts of climate change than other parts of the world. Some of the largest daily temperature ranges on Earth occur in western sections of Asia. Tropical cyclones, while occurring year-round, are most prevalent in the Philippines from July through October. It is the second in the four-part series that ADB produced in recognition of the inevitability of increased litigation in the era of climate change. The Asia Climate Rally is a collective day of action organized by youth strikers from Malaysia, Philippines, India, Nepal, Pakistan, Indonesia, South Korea, Hong Kong and Singapore. Global warming installed by 2040 southern India and Southeast Asia offset most of the interior new! 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