Manila 2nd most at risk from climate change among cities in 197 countries –study

Climate Change Vulnerability Index 2013. With strong economic growth of above 5% forecast for the Philippines and other Asian countries in the next few years, the relevance of climate change to populations and business in the major commercial centres should not be underplayed, according to Maplecroft analysis. Maplecroft Of the major urban centers in 197 countries included in a study, Manila was among seven cities that face the highest exposure to the adverse impacts of climate change, British-based Maplecroft consultancy risk revealed.

In its Climate Change Vulnerability Index 2013, Maplecroft identified Manila as a city facing ‘extreme risks’ from the onset of climate change. The Philippine capital jumped eight spots to second place this year from the previous study that placed Manila at 10th place.

Apart from Manila, the other cities which were identified as ‘extreme risk’ or facing the highest vulnerability to climate change were:

Dhaka, Bangladesh
Manila, Philippines
Bangkok, Thailand
Yangon, Myanmar
Jakarta, Indonesia
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Kolkata, India

‘Extreme risk’ cities may see an increase in frequency and severity of key hydrological and meteorological events, Maplecroft explained, citing the major floods that hit Bangkok in 2011 and Manila in 2012.

“Such events could become both more frequent and severe in the future,” the study noted.

“There has been little discernible improvement in the host nations of the ‘extreme risk’ cities suggesting countries are slow to make progress in combating the oncoming effects of climate change,” Maplecroft added.

“The vulnerability of cities in the growth economies stems not only from their exposure to climate related hazards, but also the… poor capacity of governments to support local adaptation measures to combat the potential effects of climate change,” it added.

According to the British-based firm, the index evaluates the country’s exposure to climate related natural hazards, sensitivity of populations, development, natural resources, agricultural dependency, research and development, government effectiveness and education levels

Climate change-risk cities pose long-term risk to business

“Multinational companies operating in the Asian growth economies will be exposed to spiralling environmental risks over the coming decades,” according to Maplecroft’s study released late last year.

The British-based risk consultancy firm noted that relevance of climate change to populations and business in the major commercial centers should not be underplayed.

“As global corporations expand into the emerging growth markets, their operations and supply chains will become exposed to a complex set of climate risks that have the potential to disrupt business continuity,” noted Helen Hodge, Maplecroft’s head of maps and indices.

“It is essential for companies to identify where suppliers, assets and personnel are most at risk and plan for the long term,” she added. — TJD, GMA News