sākyphāph:
Climate Change and Environmental Resilience in Southeast Asia
Faced with rising sea levels and an increase in extreme weather events, Southeast Asia must grapple with the impact of climate change.This will entail not only rethinking antiquated, unsustainable development strategies rooted in the exploitation of the natural environment, but also a wholesale shift in mindset.
SEA's unique geography and diversity leads to increased vulnerability and unequal affects across groups.
Dr. Cook: dual challenge of (1) adapting to the real impacts already occurring e.g. increased intensity and frequency of natural hazardous events like typhoons/cyclones, but (2) looking forward to development strategies that combat extreme heating in high density urban areas e.g. Bangkok, Jakarta, Ho Chi Minh
For climate policy to be truly effective, climate action needs to be collective, keeping in mind sustainable and inclusive impact.
Ms. Irisha: Some government policy still fail to consider vulnerable and marginalised groups; children’s rights should be at the core of climate policy. We need to work communally; the effects of climate change are so localised, solutions need to be rooted in the local community as well.
Dr. Cook: Climate action centred only in urban areas; fragmented and often only reactive. Should make connections between stakeholders impacted; one group’s climate action can lead to spillover effects.
Resources and money need to be invested in purposeful measures that take a systemic and considered approach towards climate change.
Ms. Irisha: take a just transition––consider the social effects of tangible policy to ensure resources are used appropriately.
Panelists
Ms. Jasmin Ilham
Climate and Environment Consultant at UNICEF Malaysia. Former Manager of the Malaysian Youth Delegation to the UNFCCC COP and former Research Assistant at the Center for Climate Systems Research at Columbia University
Dr. Alistair B. Cook
Coordinator of the Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief Program at the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies in Singapore
