40 million Indians at risk from rising sea levels: UNEP

The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) in the third week of May 2016 released a report titled Global Environment Outlook (GEO-6): Regional assessment for Asia and the Pacific.

As per the report, nearly 40 million Indians will be at risk from rising sea levels by 2050.

Highlights of the report

• The worst impacts of climate change are projected to occur in the Pacific and South and South-East Asia.

• Settlement patterns, urbanisation and socio-economic status in Asia have influenced observed trends in vulnerability and exposure to climate extremes.

• By 2050, seven of the 10 most vulnerable countries worldwide will be in the Asia Pacific region.

• In 2011, six of the ten countries most vulnerable to climate change worldwide were in Asia and the Pacific.

• By 2050, areas of storm surge zones are expected for Bangladesh, China, India, Indonesia, and the Philippines, with a combined total of over 58 million people at risk.

• India tops the chart with nearly 40 million people in the country projected to be at risk from rising sea levels.

• Mumbai and Kolkata have the maximum exposure to coastal flooding in future due to rapid urbanisation and economic growth.

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