The Cost of Inaction: Climate Change Threatens Asia and the Pacific
Key Points:
- Rising Temperatures: Asia and the Pacific are experiencing record-breaking heat, with annual temperature increases accelerating.
- Extreme Weather Events: More frequent and severe storms, cyclones, floods, and landslides threaten infrastructure and livelihoods.
- Sea-Level Rise: Coastal areas face up to 0.8m of sea-level rise by 2100, putting 300 million people at risk.
- Economic Devastation: Climate change could shrink the region’s GDP by up to 41% by 2100, disproportionately affecting vulnerable nations.
- Agriculture and Food Security: Extreme weather threatens food production, disproportionately harming low-income communities.
- Urgency of Action: Delayed climate action will worsen irreversible damage, making adaptation and mitigation more costly and difficult.
Summary:
Asia and the Pacific face catastrophic consequences if climate change remains unchecked. Rising temperatures, severe storms, and coastal flooding could displace millions and cause trillions in economic losses. By 2100, the region’s GDP could decline by up to 41%, with some vulnerable nations losing nearly 80%. Agricultural and food security threats will disproportionately impact the poor, deepening inequalities. The evidence is clear: inaction will only escalate the crisis, making immediate and sustained climate action imperative.
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