Southeast Asia faces rising economic risks from water-linked climate extremes. (Photo: WEF)
According to the Global Commission on the Economics of Water (GCEW), 90% of extreme weather events are linked to water, underscoring the urgent need for Adaptation through Water (AtW) strategies. Southeast Asian countries are particularly vulnerable to climate impacts, with projected economic losses of up to 25%.
In response, the World Economic Forum (WEF) and Singapore International Foundation (SIF) have released a new report offering four key recommendations to help policymakers take action.
Water regulation lags in Thailand, Vietnam, the Philippines, Indonesia
The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) estimates that under a high-emissions scenario, average temperatures in Southeast Asia could rise by 3.5°C by 2050, accelerating sea level rise and placing increasing stress on water systems. The new report identifies three major water-related challenges:
