Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam are the four ASEAN countries that are among the world’s top emitters and at high risk of climate disaster. They are among 13 countries with a ‘clear overlap’ of perpetuating global warming while also facing the harshest climate impacts, according to a new research.
These four Southeast Asian countries and 26 others are the top 30 responsible for almost 90% of the world’s carbon emissions and are likely to face the most severe impacts of climate change.
The latest edition of Verisk Maplecroft’s Climate Hazard Index was published in May 2024. The index that measures countries’ exposure to 16 chronic and acute climate risks, showed that there is a clear overlap between the countries perpetuating global warming and those set to face the harshest consequences. The risks measured include extreme temperatures, drought and severe storms.
The global risk advisory firm said the top 13 countries identified as major emitters, will also be the most exposed to climate hazards if current emissions trajectories continue. Other countries on the list include Brazil, India, Saudi Arabia and the UAE.
Verisk Maplecroft said the UN Conference of Parties (COP) process might give the impression that countries are either drivers or sufferers of climate change. But the analysis revealed a clear overlap between those perpetuating global warming and the societies and economies set to face the harshest consequences.
The world’s two largest emitters, the US and China, should, for the most part, escape the very worst of outcomes.
Verisk Maplecroft’s data suggests that extreme heat is the standout physical risk for most of these countries. Malaysia, Mexico and Brazil are expected to experience ‘hot days’ of more than 35 degrees Celsius in a worst-case scenario. Southeast Asia has already suffered multiple casualties due to extreme heat over the past few weeks, with temperatures nearing record highs.
These findings should provide a clear incentive for these countries to cut emissions as soon as possible. M