Cambodia, characterized by its rich cultural heritage and predominantly agrarian economy, is highly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. Rising temperatures, changing precipitation patterns, and increasing frequency of extreme weather events have far-reaching implications for the country’s land use, property development, and economic activity.
Here we discuss these interrelated aspects and highlight the challenges and opportunities the Kingdom of Wonder faces in navigating a climate-resilient future.
Climate change impacts on land use
Cambodia’s land use patterns are heavily influenced by agriculture, forestry, and urbanisation. Climate change has begun to disrupt these traditional uses in significant ways:
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Agricultural Vulnerability
Agriculture accounts for over 30% of the country’s GDP and employs a significant portion of its population however it is highly sensitive to climate variability:
- Changing Rainfall Patterns: For example, in recent years, farmers in Battambang Province have reported erratic monsoon seasons, leading to delayed planting and lower rice yields.
- Soil Degradation: In Kampong Cham, excessive rainfall has caused soil erosion in rubber plantations, reducing productivity and profitability.
- Loss of Biodiversity: The Tonle Sap Lake, crucial for fish breeding, has experienced lower water levels, affecting local fisheries.
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Deforestation and Land Degradation
Cambodia’s forests have been shrinking at an alarming rate due to illegal logging, agricultural expansion, and land concessions. Climate change accelerates this degradation:
- Increased Forest Fires: In Prey Lang Wildlife Sanctuary, prolonged dry seasons have caused more frequent forest fires, threatening biodiversity and livelihoods.
- Ecosystem Imbalance: Deforestation in the Cardamom Mountains has disrupted water cycles, affecting downstream agricultural communities.
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Urbanisation Challenges
Urban areas like Phnom Penh are expanding rapidly, but climate change poses risks to sustainable urban development:
- Flooding Risks: In 2020, heavy rains caused severe flooding in Phnom Penh, submerging roads and damaging homes in low-lying neighbourhoods like Boeung Tumpun.
- Heat Islands: Rising temperatures have led to increased energy consumption for air conditioning in areas like Sen Sok, adding pressure to the national power grid.
Climate change and property development
The real estate and property development sector continues to boom, driven by foreign investment and a growing middle class. However, climate change introduces complexities that developers and policymakers must address:
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Flood-Resilient Infrastructure
Flooding is a critical concern for property development:
- Design Innovations: For instance, modern apartment complexes in Phnom Penh, such as those in Chamkarmon District, are being built with elevated foundations and underground water storage to mitigate flooding.
- Zoning Regulations: The government has restricted construction in flood-prone areas like the Mekong River banks, though enforcement remains a challenge.
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Green Building Practices
There is a growing trend towards sustainable construction practices:
- Energy Efficiency: The Olympia City project has incorporated solar panels and energy-efficient lighting systems to reduce carbon footprints.
- Water Management: New resorts in Siem Reap have adopted rainwater harvesting systems to ensure sustainable water use and reduce reliance on municipal supplies.
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Coastal Development Risks
Cambodia’s coastline, particularly in areas like Sihanoukville, is experiencing rapid property development, but sea-level rise and storm surges pose significant threats:
- Erosion and Infrastructure Damage: Coastal erosion in Otres Beach has forced resorts to invest in protective barriers and replanting mangroves.
- Insurance Challenges: Developers of luxury condominiums in Sihanoukville face rising insurance premiums due to heightened climate risks.
Economic implications of climate change
Cambodia’s economy, deeply intertwined with agriculture, tourism, and manufacturing, is highly exposed to climate change:
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Agriculture and Food Security
As noted, the agricultural sector is the backbone of Cambodia’s economy. Climate-induced disruptions have ripple effects:
- Reduced Productivity: Farmers in the Mekong Delta region have reported up to a 20% reduction in rice yields due to prolonged droughts.
- Rural-Urban Migration: In provinces like Kampong Thom, many farmers have migrated to Phnom Penh in search of alternative livelihoods after consecutive crop failures.
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Tourism Sector
Tourism, another vital economic pillar, is vulnerable to climate change:
- Heritage Site Damage: For example, extreme weather has caused visible cracks in the sandstone structures of Angkor Wat, prompting restoration efforts.
- Seasonal Variability: Unpredictable rainfall has reduced tourist footfall in eco-tourism hubs like Mondulkiri during peak seasons.
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Manufacturing and Trade
The manufacturing sector, particularly garment production, faces indirect climate risks:
- Supply Chain Disruptions: Flooding in Phnom Penh’s industrial zones has delayed exports, leading to financial losses for garment factories.
- Energy Challenges: Factories in Kampong Speu have reported higher costs due to increased cooling demands during heatwaves.
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Public Health Costs
Climate change exacerbates health risks such as heat stress, vector-borne diseases, and waterborne illnesses, increasing healthcare costs and reducing workforce productivity:
- Example: Dengue fever outbreaks have risen during prolonged rainy seasons, affecting urban areas like Siem Reap and rural provinces alike.
Mitigation and adaptation strategies
To address these multifaceted challenges, Cambodia is pursuing various mitigation and adaptation measures:
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Policy and Governance
The Cambodian government has developed national strategies to combat climate change:
- Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs): Under the Paris Agreement, Cambodia aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 41% by 2030, focusing on renewable energy and reforestation.
- Climate-Resilient Agriculture: Programs promoting drought-resistant crops like IR50404 rice and improved irrigation systems, such as those in Battambang, are being implemented.
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Community Engagement
Local communities play a vital role in adaptation efforts:
- Education and Awareness: NGOs in Kampot Province are training farmers on sustainable farming techniques to combat soil erosion and salinity.
- Participatory Planning: Village councils in flood-prone areas are collaborating with authorities to design more effective evacuation plans and flood defences.
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Private Sector Involvement
The private sector is increasingly recognizing the importance of sustainability:
- Green Investments: Banks, such as ACLEDA Bank, are offering green loans to support renewable energy projects and eco-friendly developments.
- Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR): Apparel companies operating in Phnom Penh are funding tree-planting drives to offset their carbon footprints.
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International Collaboration
Global partnerships provide critical support:
- Funding and Technology Transfer: Access to international climate funds has facilitated solar energy projects in rural areas like Pursat Province.
- Regional Cooperation: Collaboration with Mekong River Basin countries has led to shared flood management strategies and data-sharing agreements.
Opportunities amid challenges
While climate change poses significant risks, it also presents opportunities to innovate and grow sustainably:
- Renewable Energy Expansion: Abundant solar and hydropower potential offers pathways to reduce carbon emissions and enhance energy security. For example, the Sesan II Hydropower Dam contributes significantly to the national grid.
- Eco-Tourism Growth: Initiatives like the Cardamom Tented Camp promote eco-tourism, providing livelihoods while conserving biodiversity.
- Sustainable Urbanisation: Projects such as the Green City Development Plan in Phnom Penh aim to integrate green spaces and energy-efficient transport systems into urban planning.
Climate change is a defining challenge, with profound implications for land use, property development, and economic activity. By embracing proactive mitigation and adaptation strategies, Cambodia can transform these challenges into opportunities for sustainable development.
Collaboration among the government, private sector, and international community will be essential to building a climate-resilient future that benefits all present and future Cambodians.
