AAPI Heritage Month: How Asian Cities are Being Affected by Climate Change

Author: Redina Rapi, 281

Date: May 31st, 2021

As Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month comes to a close, it is important to highlight the environmental issues that are disproportionately affecting cities in Asia at this very moment. For years, the voices of Asians around the world have been drowned out and ignored; it is up to us, as allies, to uplift them and help in any way we can. We all live on the very same Earth, and it is crucial that we help each other protect it.

As of right now, Asia is “home to 99 of the world’s 100 cities facing the greatest environmental challenges” (MSN). Scientists and researchers have ranked different cities on the basis of air and water quality, heat stress, water scarcity, and vulnerability to climate change. According to the data they have collected, scientists believe there are roughly 1.5 billion people living in cities with “high or extreme risk.” And as you may have already guessed, a majority of those cities are in Asia.

Jakarta, Indonesia’s capital, is said to be the most vulnerable city in terms of environmental risk. In fact, the rising sea levels and land subsidence occurring in the city have given it the title of the world’s “fastest-sinking city.” Unfortunately, scientists predict that parts of the city will be completely submerged in water by the year 2050. If that isn’t troubling enough, the city is also facing extreme air pollution due to nearby coal-fired power stations. According to the MSN article, “the situation is so bad that the Indonesian government is planning to move its capital.”

Out of the 100 cities considered at most risk, 37 of those are Chinese cities. Some hopeful news, at least, is that President Xi Jinping has made it his mission since he took office in 2013 to slowly but surely tackle the environmental crisis. He has encouraged the “replacement of coal-powered stoves in homes with gas and electric ones” and has “disciplined factories that exceed pollution limits” through various fines and shut-downs. Unfortunately, China remains intent on ignoring the warning signs and powering through with its lucrative plans; most companies are expected to build more harmful coal plants in the time to come.

Other studies suggest that African cities are possibly the most susceptible cities when it comes to environmental risk. In an index focused solely on climate risk, African cities make up for 38 of the 40 recorded. This is due mostly to the area’s “poorly funded public services and infrastructure,” not to mention the extreme heat that climate change has unfortunately made famous there. Specifically, Lagos in Nigeria is the most at risk due to air quality issues and water pollution. Lagos is ranked as the fourth most vulnerable city to climate change in the world.

As we work to combat climate change in our own communities, it is important to be aware of the climate crises other cities face across the globe. While it is a bit harder to make direct change in those cities from our homes here in Philadelphia, the best we can do as young climate activists is bring awareness to these issues and bring to light the environmental challenges cities in Asia and Africa face on a daily basis.