Launching the book
Risk and Resilience in the Era of Climate Change, the event will highlight the interaction between risk and resilience in the era of runaway climate change. It will especially focus on Southeast Asia, a region not only at the forefront of climate disasters, but also one that is among the highest contributors to greenhouse gas emissions. It faces the daunting imperative of decarbonizing economic activities and pursue a far more sustainable growth path.
Broadly speaking, three insights for greater traction on climate policy emerge from the book.
First, to get public opinion behind actions to slow climate disasters, it is vital to account for the root causes of the problem, not just the symptoms. It is therefore crucial to link carbon emissions from fossil fuels to mounting climate disasters.
Second, there needs to be a transformation in the way growth economics is positioned. It must factor in the failure of businesses and governments to tackle global warming. This calls for a fundamental revision in the teaching and practice of business and economics.
Third, prevention must become a far bigger component of resilience building, and there needs to much greater preparedness in Southeast Asia for more frequent catastrophes built in. Recovery from a disaster is not just about returning to status quo but building back better.
The discussion will frame the challenges in the context of the current growth patterns in Southeast Asia. It will aim to bring out the roadblocks to achieving far reaching changes in the present carbon-intensity of growth and see how they can be dealt with. It will also consider needed policies and investments in building greater climate resilience in the region, recognizing the other priorities governments struggle with.