BENGALURU, India — Climate change is severely impacting water and power systems across Asia, threatening millions of lives and straining resources. Recent reports highlight the urgent need for investment in these critical services.
Water-related disasters are increasing, yet funding to address these issues is falling short. The Asian Development Bank estimates that by 2040, countries will need $4 trillion to improve water and sanitation systems—roughly $250 billion every year. But currently, governments only cover about 40% of that cost, leaving a significant funding gap.
Extreme weather events are highlighting these risks. This year alone, Asia witnessed severe storms, heavy rains, and flooding. In Vietnam, Typhoon Kalmaegi wreaked havoc, knocking out power and flooding homes. Many, like 29-year-old Hai Duong, found themselves searching for safe places to charge their phones and check on loved ones after their homes were inundated.
The ADB reported that 2.7 billion people in the Asia-Pacific have access to adequate water, but over 4 billion still grapple with unsafe water and growing climate risks. Recent advancements have been made in rural areas, where about 800 million more people gained access to piped water since 2013, notably in India.
However, environmental degradation, low investment, and climate change present a “triple threat” to water systems, according to Vivek Raman, a lead author at the ADB. He describes this situation as a “tale of two realities,” where progress exists alongside stark challenges. Asia experiences 41% of global flooding, and in the past decade, has faced thousands of major disasters, compounding development difficulties.
Amit Prothi, from the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure, emphasizes that Asia’s infrastructure development is poised for rapid growth, presenting both opportunities and risks. With climate change affecting regions heavily, adaptive measures are critical. Yet, disaster exposure is a growing concern, with $800 billion worth of infrastructure at risk globally.
Power utilities are also feeling the strain. Currently, extreme weather costs them about $6.3 billion a year, a figure that could rise to $8.4 billion by 2050 if adaptation efforts are not prioritized. Asia, which generates 60% of the world’s power, remains reliant on coal, making energy security a pressing issue as over 4 billion residents rely on electricity.
Anjali Viswamohanan from the Asia Investor Group notes that most power companies are poorly prepared for the variety of challenges posed by climate change. She finds that while many companies identify risks, only a small number assess their vulnerabilities in detail. Extreme heat, for instance, is expected to drive significant losses for power facilities due to reduced efficiency and increased strain on networks.
Water supply disruptions present another significant hazard, particularly for energy generation. Hydropower and coal plants depend on healthy water flows, which are threatened by climatic shifts. In low-lying areas, facilities like Malaysia’s Tenaga Nasional are especially vulnerable to flooding.
Despite these risks, many utilities lack comprehensive climate adaptation strategies. Some nations may seek funding from less scrupulous regional financiers, which could lead to compromises on environmental safety. Jakob Steiner, a geoscientist, believes that while financing gaps in energy projects may close more easily, they may carry hidden costs.
As Asia navigates these pressing challenges, the interplay between urgent climate adaptation and infrastructure development will significantly shape its future.
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Asia, climate change, water-related disasters
