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Evaluating Technologies to Support Climate Change Adaptation in Developing Asia


An example of a sector-specific adaptation technology summary table from the evaluation report
An example of a sector-specific adaptation technology summary table from the evaluation report. Abt developed similar analytical tables for each sector addressed in the study. (Click on image to view full size) Asia faces a wide range of risks associated with climate change, including decreases in water supply and food production, increased threats to coastal areas, and increased exposure to more intense extreme events. These risks can impede or even reverse development progress in the region. Adaptation can reduce these and other potential impacts related to climate change.

One approach to adaptation is through the deployment of new and modified technologies. However, in many cases there is a lack of information about effective technology options that are best suited for specific adaptation needs.

Recognizing this need, the Asian Development Bank commissioned Abt Global’s staff to conduct an evaluation of a range of existing and emerging technologies that can help Asia adapt to climate change. Abt’s researchers and adaptation specialists first identified adaptation technology needs in the agriculture, water resources, coastal resources, human health, transportation, and disaster risk management sectors by cataloging potential adverse impacts from climate change. The team then identified technologies that could respond to those needs and analyzed each technology option according to the following criteria:
  • Effectiveness;
  • Relative cost;
  • Co-benefits;
  • Co-costs;
  • Barriers to implementation;
  • Feasibility of implementation;
  • Scale of implementation;
  • Applicable locations and conditions; and
  • Potential financing and marketing.
This effort involved an extensive literature review and interviews with subject matter experts.

The final technology evaluation report, Technologies to Support Climate Change Adaptation in Developing Asia, was released in November 2014.
Focus Areas