Climate Change Threatens Asia's Water and Power Systems, Reports Warn
Recent reports highlight the severe impact of climate change on Asia's water and power systems, posing significant risks to millions of people. The Asian Development Bank (ADB) and other organizations have identified that unchecked development, pollution, and land conversion are rapidly deteriorating water ecosystems in 30 out of 50 Asian countries studied. The region faces increasing threats from storm surges, rising sea levels, and saltwater intrusion, with Asia accounting for 41% of global flooding. From 2013 to 2023, Asia and the Pacific experienced numerous natural disasters, including 244 major floods, 104 droughts, and 101 severe storms. The ADB estimates that Asian nations will need $4 trillion for water and sanitation infrastructure between 2025 and 2040, but current funding meets only 40% of this requirement.