Introduction: Climate Change and Adaptations in South Asia: Stakeholder Essay
Climate Change and Adaptations in South Asia have become critical issues as the region grapples with shifting weather patterns and the need to develop sustainable strategies for mitigating the impacts of environmental transformations. Despite being a vast region comprising almost seven countries, it faces diverse issues related to climate change, including humidity, temperature increases, and flooding in coastal areas, as stated by Mohammed Ahmed and S. Suphachalasani in their report, “Coastal areas and megacities are exposed to rising sea level and intensifying storm surges” (04). These issues incur significant costs for the affected population, running into millions. Governments and researchers are actively engaged in studying adaptation strategies and proposing measures to mitigate the impacts of climate change. Consequently, the major stakeholders in this issue extend beyond governments and global organizations to include researchers, meteorologists, and the common people directly affected by climate change.
Governments, Climate Change and Adaptations in South Asia
Governments are among the first entities to recognize the impacts of climate change. Different governments respond differently to climate change issues, with the Indian government, for instance, detailing its responses on its website, specifically addressing forests and coastal areas. The Indian government’s plan outlines various measures to protect forests and other areas from flooding and excessive inundation (“National Action Plan on Climate Change”). The Asian Development Bank (ADB) also plays a crucial role, being an equal stakeholder in the region along with governments. ADB has outlined a range of issues related to climate change and the necessary strategies for the Asian region to adopt (ADB 5-48). In essence, the respective governments of the countries involved and global organizations like ADB are primary stakeholders with vested interests in the impacts of climate change. However, it’s worth noting that much of the work has been carried out by researchers, who also have immediate stakes in working in the field.
Researchers, Climate Change and Adaptations in South Asia
Researchers have played a significant role in raising awareness through their research on various aspects of climate change. For instance, Indian researchers Kasturi Das and Kaushik Ranjan Bandyopadhyay have emphasized the impacts faced by South Asian countries, including the devastation of agricultural crops, reduced hydropower generation, and health issues (40). Their work demonstrates a commitment to finding solutions to the challenges faced by countries in the South Asian region.
Additionally, researchers like Kindie Tesfaye and colleagues have provided recommendations, such as advocating for the adaptation of maize crops in areas affected by climate change, highlighting the efforts of many researchers in developing and deploying climate-resilient germplasm (907). Similarly, Dutta-Koehler’s research underscores the toll climate change is taking on megacities through flooding and air pollution (Dutta-Koehler). Despite the extensive work by researchers, other stakeholders such as meteorologists are also echoing similar concerns.
Meteorologists, Climate Change and Adaptations in South Asia
Meteorologists are crucial stakeholders as they play a key role in making day-to-day weather predictions and analyzing seasonal changes. An interview with Ashok Dutta of the Calcutta Meteorological Department holds significant importance in this context. Dutta confirms the issues raised by Dutta-Koehler, a researcher, in her video, highlighting the challenges brought about by seasonal changes in megacities located on coastal areas like Calcutta. He expresses concern over excessive rainfall and the resulting flooding, although he does not delve into adaptive strategies (Dutta). In essence, Dutta’s statements serve as evidence that climate change is impacting daily weather patterns, as even routine predictions are affected. While his concerns align with those of the general public, it remains unclear how the immediate affected individuals respond, though journalists have recorded public reactions.
Public, Climate Change and Adaptations in South Asia
Indeed, the public emerges as the immediate stakeholder in the climate change issue, bearing the direct impacts of these environmental changes. In various affected regions, such as several locations in India, individuals have shared accounts of the devastation caused by flooding and drought, particularly affecting their food sources. Since the public might face challenges in directly expressing their concerns, journalists and writers often act as spokespersons on their behalf.
For instance, Awasthi Aayushi from BBC has highlighted the multifaceted impacts on the public, emphasizing the destruction of infrastructure and crops due to excessive rainfall and flooding. Aayushi estimates the cost of adaptation at around $900 billion, ultimately transferred to the public through taxes (Aayushi). This illustrates that the public not only bears the brunt of destruction but also incurs financial costs. Despite these reports, it remains unclear how widespread climate change is directly affecting the public, requiring ethnographic studies to delve deeper into the lived experiences of individuals.
Conclusion: Climate Change and Adaptations in South Asia
In short, almost all stakeholders, including governments, global organizations, researchers, meteorologists, and the public, have significant stakes in the climate change issue. The public emerges as the most affected stakeholders, lacking a direct platform to voice their concerns. However, the media serves as a voice for the public, and there is potential for governments and other stakeholders to take practical steps in addressing the issue. Governments and global organizations are actively pursuing adaptive strategies, researchers are assessing destruction and adaptation, and meteorologists and journalists are providing evaluations and warnings. Nonetheless, understanding the direct impacts on the public requires comprehensive ethnographic studies for firsthand information.
Works Cited: Climate Change and Adaptations in South Asia
- Asian Development Bank. Climate Change in South Asia: Strong Responses for Building a Sustainable Future. Asian Development Bank, https://www.adb.org/sites/default/files/publication/27475/climate-change-sa.pdf. Accessed on 15 Nov. 2023.
- Ahmed, Mohammed and S. Suphachalasai. Assessing the Costs of Climate Change and Adaptation in South Asia. Mandaluyong, Philippines: Asian Development Bank, 2014.
- Awasthi, Aayushi. “Why India Needs to Worry About Climate Change.” BBC. 25 Oc. 2023. https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-45949323. Accessed 06 Nov. 2023.
- Das, Kasturi, and Kaushik Ranjan Bandyopadhyay. “Climate Change Adaptation in the Framework of Regional Cooperation in South Asia.” Carbon & Climate Law Review, vol. 9, no. 1, Jan. 2015, pp. 40–54. EBSCOhost, ccco.idm.oclc.org/login?url=http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=a9h&AN=108516815&site=ehost-live&scope=site.
- Dutta-Koehler, Madhu. “Climate Change and Contingent Adaptation: Strategies for South Asian Mega-Cities.” YouTube, Uploaded by Boston University, 04 Mar. 2023. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G8QmOdsonL0.
- Government of India. “National Action Plan for Climate Change.” Ministry of Environment and Forests, http://www.moef.nic.in/ccd-napcc. Accessed on 15 Nov. 2023.
- Tesfaye, Kindie, et al. “Climate Change Impacts and Potential Benefits of Heat-Tolerant Maize in South Asia.” Theoretical & Applied Climatology, vol. 130, no. 3/4, Nov. 2017, pp. 959–970. EBSCOhost, doi: 10.1007/s00704-016-1931-6.
Relevant Questions About Climate Change and Adaptations in South Asia
- How does the title “Climate Change and Adaptations in South Asia” reflect the specific impacts of climate change on the region, and what unique challenges and vulnerabilities do communities in South Asia encounter in adapting to these changes?
- Within the framework of “Climate Change and Adaptations in South Asia,” what are the primary adaptive strategies implemented or proposed to address the impacts of climate change on agriculture, water resources, and vulnerable communities in the region? How effective have these strategies proven, and what obstacles exist in their successful implementation?
- Exploring “Climate Change and Adaptations in South Asia,” how does climate change intersect with and amplify existing social, economic, and environmental disparities in the region? What innovative policies or approaches are being considered to promote climate justice and ensure equitable adaptation across diverse populations in South Asia?