Climate change, a crisis that defies national borders, demands urgent action as highlighted by the latest State of the Climate in Asia report. This report warns that extreme weather events like storms, heatwaves, and floods are intensifying, and rising sea levels are worsening the risks for coastal communities. In response, geospatial technologies are proving essential in Asia’s climate adaptation efforts, enabling precise monitoring, risk assessment, and disaster preparedness.
In Japan, the Arakawa 3D Flood Hazard Map offers Tokyo’s residents real-time flood risk data for the Arakawa River area, detailing inundation depths and flood retention times. By integrating live camera feeds, residents can gauge potential flooding impacts on homes or workplaces and make timely evacuation plans. South Korea’s Urban Flood Map, part of its Flood Risk Information System, also uses real-time rainfall data to predict urban flood zones and depths, informing public safety measures.
China, faced with an increased risk of coastal storm surges, has developed a storm surge vulnerability framework. This system, devised by the Chinese Academy of Sciences, employs satellite and ground data to analyze storm surge risks for coastal provinces. By assessing 15 different indicators, officials can better allocate resources and prepare coastal defenses.
To increase public awareness, several Asian nations have created climate change status maps. South Korea’s Climate Change Status Map lets users explore past and projected climate data for extreme weather events, while Russia combines satellite and ground-based observations to examine climate-driven changes in land cover, biomass, and soil carbon. Such data allow communities to grasp the tangible impacts of climate change and understand local vulnerabilities.
The 2024 Compendium on Geospatial Applications for Sustainable Development, published by UN ESCAP, details over 100 climate solutions across Asia. Thailand, for instance, is developing an Integrated Climate Observing System that uses satellite data to assess environmental impacts. Indonesia, the Philippines, and Vietnam focus on monitoring mangrove ecosystems to mitigate coastal erosion and storm surges, while India employs a drought-monitoring system combining satellite and ground data to forecast drought patterns.
As the world prepares for the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP29) this month, the compendium demonstrates how enhanced cooperation on geospatial technology can drive climate adaptation. With global temperatures on course to exceed the 1.5°C target, collaboration on these innovative solutions offers a vital path forward, underscoring the urgency to act together to meet this shared crisis.
Reference: https://www.preventionweb.net/news/geospatial-innovation-transforming-climate-adaptation-asia