Publication
02.12.2014
Technologies to Support Climate Change Adaptation in Developing Asia
This publication showcases technologies that can be used to address such impacts across six sectors:
- agriculture,
- coastal resources,
- human health,
- transportation,
- water resources, and
- disaster risk management.
The solutions presented may serve to demystify the technologies surrounding adaptation options.
Conclusions
This study has four important findings.
First, decision makers considering adaptation options should take their local context into account in determining the range of both hard and soft adaptation technologies available to them. Just because a technology addresses a current vulnerability in one area does not necessarily mean it will perform equally well in a different context with different climatic and other conditions.
Second, several technologies meet more than one need or vulnerability. Any consideration of adaptation options must therefore be based on comprehensive planning. Multisector adaptation planning can help to maximize resources and identify approaches that will address various local needs.
Third, technologies, both soft and hard, already exist worldwide to help minimize much of the impact. Most of the risks brought on by climate change, including extreme heat waves, tropical storms, and droughts, are phenomena that society has long had to confront. In many cases, climate change only heightens impact already being experienced, effectively underlining the urgency of addressing current vulnerabilities while considering future changes in climate, and increasing technology transfer to facilitate adaptation.
Finally, while hard technologies will have a critical role in helping societies reduce the risk from climate change, they are not the only solution. Soft technologies, such as improved management practices, will also be important in climate change adaptation, and so will other factors like education, capacity building, governance, and cultural practices.
A truly comprehensive approach to adaptation will consider all of these factors in developing an integrated and effective way of reducing the risks from climate change.
