Climate Change Challenges for South Asia: The Need for a Regional Research Hub
M. Monirul Qader Mirza ¹ and Muhammad Abdur Rahaman ²*
¹ Adjunct Professor & Graduate Faculty Member, Department of Physical and Environmental Sciences, University of Toronto Scarborough, Toronto, Canada
² Director, Center for People & Environ (CPE), Dhaka, Bangladesh
*Corresponding Author: director@cpe-bd.org
Abstract
South Asia, which is home to nearly a quarter of the world’s population, is on the brink of a major environmental crisis. Climate change is not a distant phenomenon here but a stark reality that is already disrupting food security, human health, and the socio-economic fabric of the region. The diverse landscape of the region—from the towering Himalayas to the fertile deltas and long coastlines—are highly sensitive to the impacts of climate variability. In recent years, the vulnerability of South Asia to extreme weather events has significantly increased, with rising temperatures and humidity, erratic monsoon patterns, and frequent landslides and floods threatening its agricultural systems, human livelihoods, and overall development becoming the norm. As the region grapples with these challenges, the need for immediate action to build resilience to climate disasters and enhance food security has become more urgent than ever.
Introduction
South Asia, home to nearly a quarter of the world’s population, is facing an urgent environmental crisis that demands global attention. Climate change is not a distant threat here but a present-day reality, profoundly affecting food security, public health, and the social and economic structures of the region. From the towering peaks of the Himalayas to the lush deltas and vast coastlines, South Asia’s diverse landscapes are highly vulnerable to the unpredictable consequences of climate variability. Over recent years, extreme weather events—such as rising temperatures, erratic monsoons, and increasingly frequent floods and landslides—have disrupted agriculture, jeopardized livelihoods, and hindered development. As the region continues to struggle with these escalating challenges, the call for urgent and effective action to enhance resilience to climate disasters and ensure food security has never been more critical.
Section Snippets
A Region under Climate Siege
The scientific consensus on climate change is unequivocal. Rising concentrations of greenhouse gases, particularly carbon dioxide, have accelerated global warming, resulting in more frequent and more intense weather extremes. For South Asia, this means hotter and more humid summers, increased rainfall variability, and more severe storms. The frequency and intensity of extreme rainfall events (ERE) have already surged across India, Nepal, and Bangladesh. In some regions of these countries, extreme precipitation events that were once rare have now become annual occurrences.
The Food Security Challenge
Agriculture in South Asia is inextricably linked to climate conditions. The region is heavily reliant on monsoon-fed agriculture, with rice, wheat, and pulses serving as staple crops. Climate change currently threatens the stability of food production. For example, even a small increase in temperature during the growing season can result in significant losses in the fields of crops such as rice and wheat. The warmer climate has already begun to reduce crop yields, and projections indicate that this trend will worsen in the coming decades.
Human Health at Risk
The impacts of climate change on human health are profound and multifaceted. In South Asia, rising temperatures and humidity are already contributing to heat stress, which disproportionately affects vulnerable populations, particularly those living in urban slums. The urban heat island effect, where cities, due to human activities, are significantly warmer than surrounding rural areas, is becoming a major public health concern. In cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Karachi, heatwaves have claimed thousands of lives in recent years. Even Kathmandu, which is situated in the Mahabharat hills, summers are becoming uncomfortable due to the rise in humidity and the effects of the urban heat island.
Climate-Induced Migration
One of the most visible human responses to climate change in South Asia is migration. As floods, droughts, and rising sea levels make it increasingly difficult for people to sustain their livelihoods, many are forced to leave their homes in search of safer and more stable environments. Bangladesh, with its low-lying coastal areas, is already experiencing significant internal displacement due to rising seas and more frequent cyclones. In India, rural populations affected by drought often migrate to urban centers, adding to the pressures on already overcrowded cities.
Resilience and Adaptation: A Way Forward
Addressing the twin challenges of climate change and food security in South Asia requires a multi-pronged approach focusing on resilience and adaptation. Building climate-resilient agricultural systems is key to ensuring food security for the millions of people living in the region. Farmers need to adopt climate-smart agricultural practices such as the cultivation of drought-resistant crop varieties, improved irrigation techniques, and better soil management. In addition, governments must invest in agricultural research to provide farmers with the tools and knowledge they need to adapt to changing climate conditions.
International Cooperation and Policy Action
Since the challenges posed by climate change in South Asia are not confined to national borders, regional and international cooperation is essential. South Asian nations must work together to develop regional strategies for climate adaptation and disaster risk reduction. Organizations such as the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) have a critical role to play in fostering collaboration on climate-related issues, including water management, food security, and health.