Environmental Claims Journal, 2025 (Scopus)
One of the world’s most climate-vulnerable areas, South Asia is experiencing major effects from climate change, such as increased temperatures, changed precipitation patterns, rising sea levels, and an increase in the frequency of severe weather events including heatwaves, droughts, and floods. A number of industries that are essential to the socioeconomic stability of the area are being negatively impacted by these changes, including public health, agriculture, water resources, and coastal infrastructure. With an emphasis on comprehending the risks and reactions in nations like India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and the Maldives, this abstract examines the body of research on the effects of climate change and adaptation tactics in South Asia. The discussion highlights the profound effects of temperature rise, including heatwaves and disruptions to monsoon rainfall, which severely impact agricultural productivity, water availability, and public health. Water resources, particularly in the Indus, Ganges-Brahmaputra, and Himalayan River systems, face increasing pressure from reduced glacier melt, shifting rainfall patterns, and rising demands, exacerbating water scarcity and tensions. Coastal regions are particularly vulnerable to sea-level rise, with Bangladesh and the Maldives facing significant risks of displacement and loss of livelihood. In response to these challenges, South Asian nations have implemented various adaptation strategies, including the promotion of climate-resilient crops, improved water management techniques, and coastal protection measures such as embankments and cyclone shelters. Furthermore, there is a growing emphasis on community-based adaptation approaches, integrating local knowledge and practices to build resilience. Despite these efforts, the region’s vulnerability remains high, and the effectiveness of current strategies is often limited by financial constraints, governance issues, and lack of regional coordination.