Asia ‘most vulnerable to climate change’
By ANIThursday, October 21, 2010
LONDON - A new study states that the teeming plains of Asia are at highest risk from climate change.
Maplecroft, a British risk analysis firm, produced the Climate Change Vulnerability Index, noted that though Africa is often regarded as the most vulnerable continent, Asia has taken the top spot more recently.
The firm sourced data from more than 40 studies, and looked at a range of risk factors including a nation’s exposure to climate-related disasters; its population density, poverty and dependence on agriculture; and its government’s and infrastructure’s ability to adapt to climate change.
Bangladesh is in the most vulnerable category because of its large population, extreme rural poverty and high risk of flooding followed by India is second because of its billion-plus inhabitants, reports the New Scientist.
Other Asian nations at risk include Nepal, the Philippines, Afghanistan, Burma, Cambodia and Pakistan, which is still recovering from floods that engulfed a tenth of the country.
African nations judged at extreme risk are Madagascar, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Ethiopia and Malawi.
The findings will raise the stakes in the run-up to the climate summit in Canc�n, Mexico, in December, when nations hope to complete the talks on a new climate treaty. (ANI)
