Priorities for Addressing Slow-Onset Events (SOEs) in Selected ASEAN Countries

Slow-onset events such as increasing temperature, desertification, loss of biodiversity sea-level rise, and forest degradation constitute a significant part of climate change impacts that demand greater attention. Among these, ASEAN member states (AMS) are seriously concerned about sea-level rise and loss of biodiversity that can have important implications for societal resilience and economic development, while other slow-onset events have localized impacts and significance. This chapter evaluates the national priorities in terms of specific slow-onset events, maps out various adaptation actions prioritized by countries, and assesses challenges that need to be overcome to realize these actions and provide a way forward. For this, the chapter utilizes the experiences from Cambodia, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Vietnam.