6. Vietnam
Former climate change readings give us insights into the future of the climate change scenario in Vietnam. These can be used to predict the future trends. Their repercussions for human welfare indicate the nature and extent of the impact of global warming. The climate data for much of this region starts off in the latter part of the 19th century. The yearly temperature record shows that temperatures remained relatively unchanged over much of the period of a century beginning in the tail end of the 1800′s. Sudden warming has occurred since the 1970s. The net warming is agreed to be at about 0.27 deg. C. According to projections, annual temperatures in the area of Hanoi may rise by just over 1 deg. C by the year 2050 and by close to 2.5 deg. C by the year 2100. This is almost ten times the warming pace experience over the last 70 years. If the most harsh projections are accurate, temperatures may rise by over 4 degrees celsius by the end of this century
7. Cambodia
Cambodia is another country that faces a high risk of floods and droughts. The high dependency on rain fed farming is one of the main reasons it is so susceptible to climate related issues. Between 1998 and 2002, floods caused 70% loss in rice production and drought caused 20% loss. A report suggests that due to global warming, wet season rainfall has increased while dry season rainfall has decreased. These skewed patterns in precipitation pose a major threat to this agriculture intensive economy.
8. Dominican Republic
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Though this Caribbean island is in grave danger due to the effects of global warming, one of the major challenges in overcoming climate change adaptation policies in the Dominican Republic is the low awareness of the risks. The nation stands to lose 14 percent of its territory by 2100 and the salinisation of half its aquifers due to the phenomenon. Also, recently a high risk of dengue was noted in the region. Experts cited that global warming may be contributing to this as well.
9. Philippines
The Philippines experiences an average of 20 typhoons a year. Additionally seen are numerous incidents of floods, drought, earthquakes and even episodic volcanic eruptions, making it one of the most naturally disaster-prone countries in the world. The panel on climate change says mean temperatures in the Philippines are rising by 0.14C per decade. Scientists are also registering steadily rising sea levels around the Philippines, and a water table that is steadily being depleted. These factors seem to portend an increase the likelihood and incidence of extreme weather events while adversely affecting food production and yields.
10. China
China, due to the expansive nature of its geography, is facing a number of great challenges due to varying environmental conditions. In the western plateau region, an area that covers about one fourth of China’s land surface, average temperatures have risen 2 degrees Fahrenheit just since the 1980′s. The region is heating up rapidly, and glaciers seem to shrinking by 7 percent a year. The tundra that spans Tibet and the surrounding area may eventually deteriorate into desert if present trends continue. This will intensify the droughts and sandstorms already slashing the northern domain.
In the south, however, the rivers, streams, and lakes supplied by the melting ice sheets will get flooded. Those who depend upon these bodies of water for drinking, fishing, transportation, irrigation, and electricity will find their livelihood difficult to maintain.
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