Lao PDR is highly vulnerable to climate change, with rising temperatures, increased extreme weather events, and significant impacts on natural resources, livelihoods, and infrastructure, based on the Climate Risk Country Profile – Lao PDR report from World Bank Group. Projections indicate that by the 2090s, temperatures could rise by up to 3.6°C under high-emission scenarios, leading to more intense heat waves, health risks, and reduced agricultural productivity. The frequency of extreme heat events will particularly affect urban populations and outdoor laborers.
Flooding and droughts are significant concerns, with riverine and flash floods projected to worsen and affect over 80,000 people annually by the 2030s. These floods pose threats to agricultural production, infrastructure, and human settlements. At the same time, increasing drought occurrences will challenge water availability for farming and energy production. The Mekong River’s hydrology is changing due to climate change and hydropower development, altering water availability and increasing risks of extreme weather-related disasters.
The country’s high dependency on agriculture, which employs 73% of the population, makes it especially vulnerable to climate shocks. Climate change is expected to reduce rice yields and disrupt food security, disproportionately affecting poorer rural communities. Deforestation and unsustainable land use practices also exacerbate climate-related vulnerabilities, making integrated water and forest management crucial for long-term resilience.
Recognizing these challenges, Lao PDR has adopted policies such as the National Adaptation Plan (NAP) and the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) to the Paris Agreement. These efforts aim to strengthen disaster risk management, promote climate-resilient agriculture, and enhance sustainable water resource management. However, greater collaboration among stakeholders—including government agencies, local communities, and international partners—is essential for effective climate adaptation.
Source: https://www.adb.org/publications/climate-risk-country-profile-lao-pdr
Discussion Question:
What are the most urgent climate resilience measures Lao PDR should prioritize? Share your thoughts on:
- Challenges: What are the biggest barriers to climate adaptation in Lao PDR?
- Recommendations: What policies or initiatives could strengthen climate resilience?
- Lessons Learned: What can Lao PDR learn from other countries with similar climate risks?
- Stakeholders: Who should be involved in climate action, and how can collaboration be improved?
