A Critical Data Gap Hinders Climate Action in Asia-Pacific

Policymakers in Asia and the Pacific are struggling to collect and analyze the data they need to effectively respond to climate change, hampering efforts in a region considered the world’s most vulnerable to the effects of a warming planet. This alarming reality was highlighted by a recent survey conducted by the Asian Development Bank (ADB), which found that the region is facing a significant data gap, hindering its ability to tackle the climate crisis.

The Impact of Insufficient Data

The Asia-Pacific region is enduring severe and complex impacts of climate change. These include heat waves with temperatures above 45°C, catastrophic floods, destructive typhoons, prolonged droughts, and ravaging bushfires. The region is also responsible for over 50 per cent of heat-trapping GHG emissions globally, and this is expected to increase, with 80 per cent of anticipated growth in coal demand coming from Asia and the Pacific. However, without high-quality data and the ability to analyze it, policymakers in the region cannot design effective, targeted measures to tackle the causes and effects of climate change - and evaluate their effectiveness.

The survey, which covered 29 national statistical offices in Asia and the Pacific, revealed that many statistical offices lack the necessary staff, resources, and expertise to effectively collect and analyze climate-related data. Some national statistical offices in the region say they do not have enough staff working on climate data, and others do not have a unit dedicated to it. Most respondents also said their access to geographically granular data was “fair” at best for many types of data, including on climate change drivers such as fossil fuel use and total greenhouse gas emissions. Key data on impacts on ecosystems, infrastructure, specific geographic areas, and water security are lacking.

The Cost of Inaction

The consequences of this data gap are far-reaching. Without accurate and timely data, policymakers are unable to make informed decisions about climate-related policies, leading to inefficient and ineffective interventions. This can result in wasted resources, missed opportunities, and ultimately, a failure to adequately address the climate crisis.

The Need for Data-Driven Solutions

The ADB report emphasizes the need for data-driven solutions to combat climate change. Having the right data enables more localized monitoring of climate change impacts, providing context for a more effective policy response that is data-driven and evidence-based. Geographically granular data can also help identify areas for policy prioritization, ensuring resources are directed where they are most needed.

Addressing the Data Gap

Addressing the data gap requires a multi-pronged approach. This includes investing in capacity building for national statistical offices, providing adequate financial resources, and developing standardized methodologies and definitions. It also means promoting collaboration and coordination among stakeholders, including governments, research institutions, and civil society organizations.

The report features a special supplement focusing on the Statistical Data and Metadata eXchange (SDMX) standard, which provides a comprehensive framework to streamline data activities that can help economies in Asia and the Pacific design and implement effective, data-driven, and evidence-based policies. Adopting the SDMX standard can help countries collect, exchange, analyze, and disseminate statistical data to help tackle climate change.

A Call for Urgent Action

The ADB's survey serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need to address the data gap in Asia and the Pacific. The region is at the forefront of the climate battle, and without robust data systems, it will be difficult to win this fight. The cost of not investing in data and statistical capacity will be far higher than the cost of these investments. The time for action is now.

Conclusion: A Data-Driven Path to a Sustainable Future

The data gap is a critical obstacle to tackling climate change in Asia and the Pacific. But it is also an opportunity. By investing in data infrastructure, building capacity, and fostering collaboration, the region can equip itself with the tools necessary to navigate the challenges of climate change and build a more sustainable future for all.