Unveiling the Climate Crisis: How Singapore, Bangkok, Ho Chi Minh City, Jakarta, Kuala Lumpur, and Manila Are Impacted by Extreme Heatwaves and Heavy Rainfall

In the Philippines, recent images of couples getting married in flooded churches have gone viral. This came after Tropical Storm Wipha hit in late July, causing severe flooding. The storm also affected southern China and Vietnam, creating heavy rains and significant challenges for these regions.

Southeast Asia frequently deals with intense rainstorms, but climate change is making these events even worse. Cities there are at high risk due to population density, heavy rain, and outdated infrastructure.

A report from Zurich Resilience Solutions highlights that six major cities—Singapore, Bangkok, Ho Chi Minh City, Jakarta, Kuala Lumpur, and Manila—face a “high risk” of extreme weather events by the 2040s. Manila, Bangkok, Singapore, and Jakarta are particularly vulnerable, with critical infrastructure at serious risk from floods and rising sea levels.

The report’s analysis used data from crucial locations such as airports and major landmarks. It follows a climate projection model that assumes moderate global action to combat climate change. It predicts an increase in global temperatures of about two degrees Celsius by 2060.

According to the report, Manila is in danger from severe rains and flooding, which pose risks to both trade and cultural heritage. Other cities like Bangkok and Jakarta also face significant threats from worsening climate conditions.

Governments are responding to these risks. Singapore, for example, invested an additional 5 billion Singapore dollars (around $3.9 billion) in coastal defenses this year. This includes building detention tanks and widening canals. Similarly, Ho Chi Minh City is improving its drainage systems and expanding green spaces to lessen flooding.

If these issues aren’t addressed, the financial consequences could be drastic. A recent report from the World Economic Forum and Singapore International Foundation suggests that climate change could shrink Southeast Asia’s GDP by up to 25% by 2050.

A study from Oxford Economics shows that even a 1% rise in average temperatures could lead to higher food prices across Vietnam, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, and the Philippines.

Businesses are also aware of the looming financial impact of climate change. City Developments Limited estimates that failing to address climate issues could cost them 120 million Singapore dollars (about $93.2 million) by 2030. This amount represents nearly 4% of the company’s projected revenue for 2024.

It’s clear that Southeast Asia is at a critical juncture, and how governments, businesses, and communities respond to climate change will shape the region’s future. For further reading on the topic, you can refer to the World Economic Forum’s report and the Oxford Economics study.

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