HOW WILL CLIMATE CHANGE IMPACT ON THE MEKONG BASIN?
The countries of the LMB are recognised as among the most vulnerable to climate change in the world. Although no-one knows exactly how rising world temperatures will impact on the basin, according to global climate modelling that has been downscaled to basin level by the MRC and its partners, the following is likely: • A change in rainfall patterns, which could increase the risk of flooding in some areas and affect agriculture; • An increase in the number and severity of extreme weather events; • An increased risk of extremes of hot and cold in different parts of the basin. This could make drought more likely and increase the risk faced by farmers in what are already poor areas; • Sea level rises of up to one metre are predicted, making the Mekong Delta one of the five most vulnerable deltas in the world. • Significant displacement of people and migration into urban areas • Changes in the flow of the river and tributaries, which could influence fish migration patterns, run-off and allu
