The world's coastlines are highly dynamic landforms, tapestries of terrestrial and aquatic life and distinctive ecosystems. The coastal zone also contributes to human sustenance, culture, and economics in ways that belie its small size, but 5 percent of Earth's landmass.

The unique wildlife of the Galapagos Islands -- penguins, fur seals, swimming iguanas and flightless birds -- is profoundly threatened by climate change, scientists said on Wednesday.

Low-lying Bangladesh risks devastating impacts from rising world sea levels caused by climate change with risks that millions will be forced from their homes this century, Foreign Minister Dipu Moni said.

She told Reuters that rich nations would have to help the densely populated country of 150 million people, possibly by opening their borders to environmental refugees.

CLIMATE change is 'largely irreversible' for the next 1,000 years even if carbon dioxide emissions could be abruptly halted, according to a new study led by the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). The study's authors said there was 'no going back' after the report showed this, AFP news agency reported from Washington.

A fast melt of ice from the Andes to the Arctic should be a wake-up call for governments to work out a strong new United Nations treaty this year to fight climate change, Norway said on Tuesday.

Southeast Asia faces one of the world's highest climate change bills, the Asian Development Bank said on Monday, unless the region adapts to climate change and joins the rest of the world in cutting greenhouse gas emissions.

THOMAS FULLER
NEW YORK TIMES SERVICE

The report focuses on Indonesia, the Philippines, Thailand, Singapore and Vietnam
With diminished rice harvests, seawater seeping into aquifers and islands vanishing into rising oceans, Southeast Asia will be among the regions worst affected by global warming, according to a report scheduled for release on Monday by the Asian Development Bank.