Introduction

Long neglected and dismissed as scientifically unfounded, global warming has been accepted as a new reality that will have a direct impact on the safety, security, and environment of human habitats. The effects of climate change due to global warming include the increase in frequency and intensity of adverse weather events; water shortages; sea-level rise and, as a consequence, flooding and subsequent destruction of coastlines; a decrease in crop yields as a result of increasing temperatures and a reduction in water supply; and an increase in climate-sensitive illnesses and deaths. Traditional industries such as agriculture, fisheries, and tourism might be reduced or even disappear altogether in regions that are heavily affected by climate change. Port cities located in the deltaic regions, mostly in Asia, with its vast coastline and dense population, will have to endure detrimental effects from climate-linked storm surges and rises in sea level. Hundreds of millions of people living near low-lying coasts will be displaced. Asia may soon be faced with disappearing states and loss of livelihood as a result of inundation. If societies are not able to adapt to climate change, great human suffering will occur.