Implications of the aging population for climate change adaptation in Southeast Asia

Abstract

Climate change adaptation efforts are challenged by rapid population aging and thus an increased proportion of vulnerable individuals. Despite its importance for adaptation planning, the link between aging demographics and climate adaptation remains unexplored. This study investigates the relationship between aging populations and green infrastructure development, a major climate adaptation strategy. Employing high-resolution satellite images and the difference in differences framework, the study assesses the spatiotemporal relationship between aging demographics and greenspace coverage change patterns across 320 Southeast Asian cities over the last two decades. The results show that cities with an increased concentration of elderly residents exhibit greater vulnerability due to inadequate green infrastructure provision. Findings reveal greenspace reduction in aging communities, more pronounced in socioeconomically disadvantaged, rapidly aging cities. Nonetheless, coastal cities, facing higher climate risks, exhibit no such decline due to their functional demand. The results recommend considering socio-demographic shifts and geospatial disparities in city adaptation strategies.