Flood controls in Southeast Asia

This white paper documents research conducted to assess the impact of climate change in Southeast Asia, especially in regards to differing consequences for rural and urban areas and in relation to flood control and ecosystem vulnerability. The report outlines various technologies and water management systems used by government agencies to tackle local flood control challenges, including both natural methods and new technologies. These cases highlight the fact that each scenario requires a systematic way of thinking that addresses the different stakeholders, considers the local context and history, and takes into account the possible future fallout from climate change.

A consistent message that came across from the 417 Southeast Asia respondents surveyed and interviewed for this study was that not enough was being done at a local or regional level to prepare for the impact of climate change. In particular, the main concern seems to be that dry periods are getting longer and rainfall, when it occurs, is getting heavier. If Southeast Asia is to be able to cope with the impact of the effects of rising sea levels and heavier precipitation, a lot more dialogue and understanding of the nature of the problem needs to take place. Governments need to ensure adequate levels of funding to build more proactive programmes, institutes and water management systems for defending the region against the impact of climate change.