Независимый Диалог
Местоположение:
Бангладеш, Камбоджа, Корейская Народно-Демократическая Республика, Фиджи, Индия, Индонезия, Япония, Кыргызстан, Лаосская Народно-Демократическая Республика, Монголия, Мьянма, Непал, Папуа-Новая Гвинея, Филиппины, Самоа, Соломоновы Острова, Таджикистан, Таиланд, Тимор-Лешти, Tonga, Вануату, Вьетнам
Major focus
Agriculture has supported Asia Pacific communities for thousands of years, but in recent years, population growth, deforestation and the intensification of crop production for commercial purposes has threatened the very foundation of agriculture: the soil. Soil condition and fertility vary considerably across countries, with more fertile and productive soils found in volcanic lands and islands. The loss of soil fertility threatens the productivity of crops, and soil erosion through run-off into the sea is damaging the coral reefs on which island communities largely depend for their protein. Jo
... Подробнееn Barnett (2011) summed up the potential impact of climate change: ‘Climate change will adversely affect food systems in the region, including the supply of food from agriculture and fisheries, the ability of countries to import food, systems for the distribution of food, and the ability of households to purchase and utilize food. In these ways, climate change puts at risk the very basic and universal need for people in the islands to have access to sufficient, safe and nutritious food at all times’ Agricultural products are a significant component of exports for many countries in the region and food production activities (agriculture and fishing) continue to employ the greatest percentage of the labour force, either in commercial enterprises, or more commonly, in self-sufficiency endeavors. This is despite the Asia Pacific region comprising the most environmentally vulnerable nations in the world. Natural disasters, such as cyclones, floods and droughts are not new to the region. However, the climate projections for the 21st century and beyond, suggest that extreme events such as heatwaves, droughts, tsunamis, typhoons and floods are likely to increase in frequency and intensity, projected rainfall and rainfall patterns are likely to create problems for a region already affected by droughts and floods, and cyclones, typhoons are most likely to increase in intensity. Extreme high tides and storm surges will probably continue to threaten low-lying flat lands and islands, as will the ongoing sea level rise, which will cause contamination of groundwater. It is vital therefore that the Asia Pacific region assesses the vulnerability of its agriculture sector, so that strategies can be developed both to cope with extreme climate events and improve the resilience of production systems to the changing climate. Vulnerability to climate change has different dimensions as the focus turns from plants, trees and animals through agricultural systems and landscapes, to individuals, households, communities and countries. Individual plants, trees and animals have vulnerabilities to changes in climate, which can be assessed by considering their physiological thresholds or limits within different emission scenarios. The vulnerability of agricultural systems can be modified by changing practices, such as altering planting dates, changing the mix of varieties or species, introducing innovative systems or reviving traditional practice weaved in with modern day sciences. Women tend not to have access to the key information and education critical for adapting to a rapidly changing climate (McOmber et al. 2013). This is due to many factors linked to tradition (in the Pacific) and work burdens. At best, this reduces their potential to contribute to household, community and national responses and at worst their vulnerability to extreme weather events is increased. It is crucial that women are fully involved in the development of climate change adaptation strategies and in capacity building related to climate change, as it is women who tend to remain behind to run farms and gardens when men move away to seek employment in urban areas. Understanding the gendered division of labour within Asia Pacific communities can assist in providing more in-depth understanding of community perspectives on changes to climate and the environment. It can also provide a useful entry point for harnessing specialized knowledge in developing strategies for adapting to climate change. Adaptation solutions must build on the diverse knowledge, priorities and capacities of both wo Скрыть
Направления деятельности: 3, 5
Ключевые слова: Environment and Climate, Policy, Women & Youth Empowerment