1st Regional Consultation for a Review of the Economics of Climate Change in Southeast Asia (RRECCS)
Welcome Remarks by
Ursula Schaefer-Preuss
Vice President
Knowledge Management and Sustainable Development
Asian Development Bank
3 April 2008
ADB Headquarters, Mandaluyong City
Honorable Dr. Emil Salim, distinguished panel members, guests and speakers, ladies, and gentlemen: Good morning. On behalf of the Asian Development Bank, it is a privilege for me to welcome all of you to the 1st Regional Consultation Meeting for a Review of the Economics of Climate Change in Southeast Asia.
I would like to extend my special thanks to the Government of the United Kingdom for financing this regional study. I would also like to thank you all for coming here to contribute your knowledge, expertise, and insights to this Regional Consultation.
Climate change poses a serious global challenge. The economic development of the past several decades has contributed to the emission of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases reaching a magnitude that is altering the fragile balance of the world's climate system. The case for action on climate change is particularly strong in Southeast Asia, as the region is expected to suffer from many of its most detrimental impacts. There could be a rise in the occurrence of extreme weather events. Its coastal mega cities including Bangkok, Jakarta, and Manila could be at risk to flooding and damages due to the rising sea level and unpredictable weather patterns. Overall, Southeast Asia is considered a highly vulnerable region since food production, biodiversity, water resources, coastal ecosystems, and human health could be greatly affected. Climate change will have serious adverse implications for the region's economic potentials and well-beings of its people. The poorest people in the region will suffer first and most.
The objective of this regional study is to contribute to the regional debate on economic costs and benefits of unilateral and regional actions on mitigation and adaptation measures; raise awareness of the urgency of climate change challenges and their potential socio-economic impact in the Southeast Asian region and concerned countries; and support government and private sector actions to mitigate and adapt to climate change. The study and activities planned under it are tangible evidence of the international community's determination and commitment to reducing the threats posed by global warming and climate change. They represent concrete actions toward achieving consensus and cooperation among policy makers in the region, especially on the measures needed to address climate change in Southeast Asia. I hope that these activities will help improve our understanding of the economics of climate change in the region and facilitate the adoption of programs, projects, plans, and policies dealing with adaptation and mitigation.
ADB's participation in global initiatives to address climate change dates back to 1997 when we served as an observer at the Third Conference of Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change where the Kyoto Protocol was adopted. Since then, ADB has developed an extensive program to support its developing member countries in dealing with challenges arising from climate change, including interventions through financing, technical assistance, and capacity building, covering both mitigation and adaptation measures. This Regional Consultation for a Review of the Economics of Climate Change in Southeast Asia is part of such technical assistance and capacity building efforts.
ADB will continue to play an important role in meeting the challenges of climate change and environmental management in Asia and the Pacific region. To do this, we have committed to collaborating further with other development partners. ADB has been seeking strong partnerships with other stakeholders including the UN family, ASEAN, and multilateral and bilateral development agencies and to jointly spur with great urgency local and regional actions that would lead to global solutions. This Regional Consultation is one step toward such partnerships.
Again, thank you very much for participating in this event. We look forward to your fruitful discussions.
Thank you.
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