ABSTRACT
The chapter discusses the potential changes in climate, socio-economic and development processes that could exacerbate or decrease Guangdong's future vulnerability and climate risk. The regional and population differences in Guangdong's current and future climate risk constitute its adaptation challenge, and ecosystem management strategies. Guangdong's experiences in trying to incorporate disaster risk reduction measures in land use and socio-economic development planning, and beginning to consider climate change adaptation processes, not only set examples for other Chinese coastal areas but also provide lessons for inland regions. The 'Twelfth Five Year Plan' period is a crucial one for Guangdong to take the lead in building a more resilient and flexible society. It is also represents a period of strategic opportunity to rethink ecological and socio-economic development pathways, and begin addressing inequalities within the province. This period affords opportunities for Guangdong to formulate and implement strategy and adaptive planning for climate change, though many challenges remain.
