OVERVIEW OF THE IMPACT OF CLIMATE CHANGE AND ENVIRONMENTAL DEGRADATION ON KHMER ETHNIC PEOPLE’S ECONOMIC LIFE IN THE MEKONG RIVER DELTA TODAY

Abstract

With its low topography, being surrounded by the sea and covered with complex river and canal systems, the Mekong Delta is at risk of being submerged due to climate change. There are four main ethnic groups, namely Kinh, Hoa, Khmer and Cham in the region. By analyzing secondary data sources, this study contributes to clarify the impacts of climate change and environmental degradation on the livelihood of the Khmer people. The research results show that climate change and environmental degradation have impacts on the resources related to livelihoods such as land, water and forests. The most directly affected livelihood activities are agriculture and fisheries. Based on the findings, the paper aims to propose some further research directions to provide practical solutions to support the Khmer community in the Mekong Delta in the context of the impacts of climate change and environmental degradation in the region in future.