Mainstreaming Climate Change in Town Planning in Myanmar

Mainstreaming climate change considerations in the planning process is crucial, especially considering that Myanmar ranks second in list of most affected countries by climate extreme events between 1996-2015 (Global Climate Risk Index 2017). Adaptation to climate-related hazards will require Town planning that involves governmental institutions, academia, private sector as well as a high level of community participation.

Town planning should generally cover the following aspects: it must be efficient (economically viable and with productive use of land) as well as socially acceptable, it should facilitate land use changes or improvements that reduce inequality and land conflicts, it should be sustainable therefore meeting the needs of current and future generations.