Anpassung an Überschwemmungen in südostasiatischen Megastädten– Was kann der Privatsektor leisten?

Abstract

Ongoing urbanisation and the first effects of climate change are increasing the risk of flooding in coastal Southeast Asian megacities. Local industries are particularly affected in their functionality and competitiveness. At the same time, in the debates on climate change adaptation and disaster risk reduction, the engagement of the private sector in flood protection is discussed, as many local authorities in Southeast Asia cannot substantially reduce flood risk on their own. Against this background, we examine how manufacturing firms in Ho Chi Minh City (Vietnam) and Jakarta (Indonesia) respond to floods, what adaptation measures they implement and the extent to which their engagement contributes to collective adaptation. The analysis of 63in-depth interviews with manufacturing firms and 30background discussions with local authorities, business associations and scientists shows that small and medium-sized enterprises in particular have difficulties in taking effective measures. Likewise, collective adaptation measures by the private sector and the local authorities have barely been implemented so far. Finally, based on the findings, policy recommendations on how the engagement of the private sector can be strengthened and better integrated are outlined. © 2021, The Author(s).