Question

climate change danger to south Asia's economy

Answer 1

South Asia could be particularly badly hit if there are any changes in the climate. Climate change influences stand to slash up to 9% of the South Asian economy every year by the end of this century, and the human and financial toll could be even higher if the damage from floods, droughts and other extreme weather events is included.

The impact of the climate change in South Asia will depend largely on how the global community attacks the issue. If countries around the world act together to keep the rise in global temperatures below an average 2°C, then South Asia’s economy would only be reduced by 1.3% annually by 2050 and 2.5% by 2100, and the cost of protecting itself from the worst of the impacts would be nearly halved. There is growing consciousness of the need for countries to prepare for and respond to the impacts of climate change. The report is a clear call for action to governments as they prepare to reach a new, universal climate agreement.

Several effects of global warming, including steady sea level rise, increased cyclonic activity, and changes in ambient temperature and precipitation patterns, have affected or are projected to affect the subcontinent. This is mainly because most of their trade occurs via sea and any changes in the climate effects the trade which ultimately disturbs the economy.

Diversifying jobs beyond agriculture, investing in education and skills, and improving access to electricity can ease the expected decline in living standards caused by long-term climate impacts.

In the end, the cost of inaction - that is, if carbon emissions continue unchanged—could be huge as countries with severe hot spots, would see income in these areas drop by 14.4 percent in Bangladesh, 9.8 percent in India, and 10 percent in Sri Lanka by 2050.