Climate change challenges in the Mekong region

the long version

"Climate change is one of the most challenging issues for mankind in the twenty-first century. It will bring risks and vulnerability for the present and future generations. The most vulnerable are the poor and those in developing countries with least capacity to cope with climate change. Approximately 325 million people live in the Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS) which covers a land area of 2.6 million square kilometres. While some countries, especially China, are in the process of industrialization, experiencing economic growth, and rapid urbanization, the great majority of people in the GMS live in the rural areas, depending largely on subsistence or semi-subsistence agriculture and fishing. The threats of climate change will have varied implications on the countries of the GMS due to their different levels of economic development, climate, and geographical location in the Mekong basin. The chapters in this book, by writers mostly from the GMS countries, explore the various issues concerning climate change. The chapters cover topics which are both regional and country specific, ranging from climate change impacts and adaptation strategies in the areas of agriculture and water resources management, mitigation measures, to the role of climate change in reframing resource politics in the GMS. Collectively, the chapters illustrate the local impacts of climate change in the GMS and actions which have been taken in terms of adaptation and mitigation. They also highlight major issues which need to be addressed by policymakers." -- book cover.