Themed ‘Adaptation and Resilience in ASEAN: Managing Disaster Risks from Natural Hazards’, the report was delivered at the recent 26th United Nations Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26) in Glasgow, pointing out a range of disaster risk reduction strategies and policies for ASEAN - a region at risk of multiple natural hazards, which are further compounded by climate change.
It stressed that the region will also observe hotter weather, longer monsoon seasons, and increased droughts, as global temperatures are predicted to increase by 1.5 degree Celsius above preindustrial levels over the next 20 years.
By 2050, sea levels are also foreseen to rise by at least 25 centimetres compared to 2000, and the scientists warned that the greatest effects would be felt in ASEAN, due to the number of people living in low-lying coastal areas.
The report called for a strong policy push by governments to increase resilience and focus on preparedness to climate change./
VNA/VNP
