With around 70% of the Lao population relying on subsistence agriculture for their livelihoods, climate change effects, such as unpredictable rains and extended dry seasons, will have a signficant impact on the lives of people across the country.

Lao PDR is not a major contributor to climate change but is likely to be disproportionably affected. The country is concerned about the serious consequences of climate change to its economic development, human capacity, poverty reduction and environment sustainability.

The Government of Lao PDR ratified the UNFCCC in 1995 and the Kyoto Protocol in 2003. This strategy builds on the country's commitment to its climate change adaption efforts.

To date, there has only been limited assessment, analysis or projections regarding the potential climate change impacts on the physical and social environment in Lao PDR, due to the lack of long-term climate data to support projections of future climate trends.

This strategy provides insight into Lao PDR's plans to counter cimate change.