Climate Change Is Putting Millions of People in Asia on the Move

Geography, compounded by high levels of poverty and population density, has rendered Asia and the Pacific especially vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. The region is home to more than 4 billion people and some of the fastest growing cities in the world. By 2020, 13 of the world's 25 megacities, most of them situated in coastal areas, will be in Asia and the Pacific. Climate change will likely exacerbate existing pressures on key resources associated with growth, urbanization and industrialization. In 2010, more than 30 million people in Asia and the Pacific were displaced by environmental disasters such as storms and floods. Many returned home, but others did not. Climate change is expected to increase the frequency of extreme weather events, bringing about significant changes in migration patterns. This will pose a major threat to the growth and security of Asia and the Pacific unless measures are taken soon. While some displacements are temporary, the sudden eviction of large numbers of people from their home area can place significant pressure on infrastructure and services. Climate-induced displacement will undermine economic growth, enhance the risk of conflict, and lead to deterioration of social indicators.

The Asian Development Bank aims for an Asia and Pacific free from poverty. Approximately 1.4 billion people in the region are poor and unable to access essential goods, services, assets and opportunities to which every human is entitled.

Get involved. Share this video.

Learn more and interact with ADB by visiting our