Call for Papers on Glacial Melt

The 20th International Convention of the East Asian Economic Association (EAEA) will take place on 8-9 November 2025 in Manila, Philippines, featuring selected draft papers on Glacial Melt. Glaciers are crucial for providing water for drinking, irrigation, and energy to billions in Asia, but accelerated glacial melt poses significant challenges. In response, the UN General Assembly has designated 2025 as the International Year of Glaciers’ Preservation (IYGP). The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has initiated two key programs: the Building Adaptation and Resilience in the Hindu Kush Himalayas (BARHKH) initiative, aimed at mitigating mountain hazards, and the Glaciers to Farms program, which focuses on sustainable water use and food security in regions affected by climate change. There is a noted lack of economic analysis regarding glacial melt, prompting a call for submissions that provide evidence-based recommendations to address this issue. The goal is to reduce risks for communities and infrastructure, enhance disaster-resilient project planning, and establish financing systems for such initiatives. Submissions should focus on inclusive, practical, scalable, and durable solutions, particularly those relevant to Asia and the Pacific. Suggested topics include the economic and social impacts of glacial melt, investment needs for adaptation, policy frameworks, and successful adaptation strategies. Authors are invited to submit extended abstracts of at least 1,000 words by 15 April 2025, with selected authors notified by 15 May 2025. Draft papers of at least 4,000 words are due by 15 July 2025, and selected papers will be presented at the convention. Funding will be provided for one author per selected draft paper from ADB member economies, covering travel, accommodation, and registration fees, along with a $5,000 honorarium for the corresponding author. All presenters will also serve as discussants for another paper in the session. The event is organized in partnership with the ADB and EAEA.