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Myanmar comes in 2nd among countries most affected by climate change

Published on 16 June 2015 Myanmar

Myanmese children play along a flooded street as a vehicle make its way in YangonMyanmese children play along a flooded street as a vehicle make its way in Yangon

Myanmar is in second place among countries most affected by climate change and the most-affected in the Asia Pacific region, said Environmental Conservation Department director general Nay Aye.

"Myanmar is very sensitive to climate change. It has suffered the most from climate change in the Asia Pacific region. If Myanmar does not deal with the situation immediately, it will suffer more in the future," he said.

"Myanmar has been facing danger in the form of cyclones, flooding, heavy rainfall, hot weather and intense heat for six decades due to its geographical location. A cyclone named Nargis entered Myanmar in 2008 and caused serious damaged. The weather is difficult to forecast," the director general said.

Myanmar is currently experiencing intense heat, dry weather, changes in rain patterns, and worsening flooding due to the early entry and exit of monsoons, frequent entering of storms, violent strong winds and the rising sea level.

The coastal areas will face erosion, brackish water, extinction of biodiversity and damage to ecosystems.

"The consequences of climate change threatens the daily life of people. The side-effects of climate change has made efforts to reduce poverty more difficult," said Nay Aye.

The Environmental Conservation Department will implement a long-term plan to reduce the effects climate change, sources from the department say.

Honduras is listed as the country most-affected by climate change by the Global Climate Risk Index, followed by Myanmar, Haiti, Nicaragua and the Philippines.

 

 

Source: Asia One | 12 June 2015