Which Chinese regions face the highest climate change risks?

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Jiangsu and Shandong Lead Global Rankings for Climate Change Risk in China

Nine of the top ten regions most vulnerable to climate change-driven weather extremes are located in China. Jiangsu and Shandong, two of China's largest sub-national economies, have been identified as leading the global ranking for risk. This analysis, based on modelling damage from 1990 to 2050 under a pessimistic global warming scenario, highlights the significant exposure of major economic centres to physical infrastructure risks.
Leading Chinese Provinces Identified

The comprehensive analysis by The Cross Dependency Initiative (XDI) found that Jiangsu and Shandong provinces in China are at the forefront of global risk from climate change impacts. These regions, despite being significant economic powerhouses, face the most severe threats from increasingly destructive weather events. The study underscores that China, alongside the United States and India, constitutes a substantial portion of the top 100 most at-risk regions globally.
Broader Economic Hubs at Risk

Beyond Jiangsu and Shandong, other Chinese economic hubs also feature prominently in the top 100 most at-risk regions. These include Beijing, the nation's capital, and Taiwan. The concentration of significant built infrastructure within these areas amplifies their vulnerability, making them susceptible to substantial economic fallout from climate-related disasters.
Drivers of Risk and Potential Impacts

Inland and coastal flooding have been identified as the primary risks to physical infrastructure across these vulnerable regions. However, the analysis also encompasses dangers from extreme heat, forest fires, soil movement, extreme wind, and freeze-thaw cycles. According to Karl Mallon, head of science and innovation at XDI, the presence of "engine rooms of the global economy" with extensive built infrastructure in countries like China, the US, and India makes them particularly exposed. This heightened risk could influence investment decisions, potentially leading to risk pricing in affected areas or even capital flight as investors seek safer locations.

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Which Chinese regions face the highest climate change risks?

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