Senior Research Fellow for Innovations, Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia
Venkatachalam Anbumozhi is a Senior Research Fellow for Innovations at the Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia (ERIA), Indonesia. His previous positions include Senior Capacity Building Specialist at the Asian Development Bank Institute, Assistant Professor at the University of Tokyo, Senior Policy Researcher at the Institute for Global Environmental Strategies, and Assistant Manager at Pacific Consultants International, Tokyo. He has published several books, authored numerous research articles, and produced many project reports on climate smart development, blue economy, and green infrastructure design. Anbumozhi was invited as a member of the G20 task force on Green Cities Living Lab, the US-ASEAN advisory group on Blue economy, APEC Expert Panel on Green Growth, and the ASEAN Panel for promoting climate-resilient growth. He has taught sustainable technologies, international cooperation for sustainable development goals, and innovative finance for inclusive growth at the University of Tokyo. He obtained his Ph.D. from the University of Tokyo.
The escalating climate crisis presents an unprecedented developmental, threatening economic growth, social stability, and environmental sustainability. From intensifying extreme weather events like droughts, floods, and typhoons, to rising sea levels and disrupted ecosystems, the impacts of climate change are already being felt across the region, disproportionately affecting vulnerable communities and exacerbating existing inequalities.
Building climate resilience need a three-pronged approach
Assessing Climate Vulnerability: Examine the diverse and multifaceted climate vulnerabilities , including sectoral impacts on agriculture, forestry, fisheries, water resources, human health, and infrastructure. This included discussions on the vulnerability of the agriculture sector and different socioeconomic groups and water ecosystems within each country.
Planning Successful Adaptation Strategies: Develop robust and locally-driven adaptation strategies that can effectively address the identified climate vulnerabilities. This encompassed discussions on nature-based solutions, early warning systems, disaster risk reduction measures, and the integration of climate considerations into national and sectoral development plans.
Securing Innovative Financing: mobilize innovative financing mechanisms to support the implementation of climate change adaptation measures. This included discussions on green bonds, climate funds, carbon markets, public-private- people partnerships, and other innovative financial instruments.
This speech outlines the latest research findings on climate change impacts, vulnerability assessments, and cost-effective adaptation options. Country cases from ASEAN member states will be introduced in developing and implementing climate change adaptation policies and programs. Insights on international exchange of ideas, fostered collaborations, and explored potential synergies among different stakeholders and sectoral actions.