Extreme weather events are becoming increasingly common and costly, posing a significant challenge to the global economy and the competition between China and the United States. As the world's largest emitters of carbon dioxide, both countries face substantial risks from climate-related extreme weather, which threatens their economic and technological power. The 2026 Climate Risk Index highlights the economic and human toll of extreme weather in China and the United States, with both countries ranking among the top 20 countries most affected between 1995 and 2024. As global temperatures continue to rise, the impact of extreme weather will only intensify, making adaptation a critical priority for both nations.
China has been proactive in integrating climate adaptation into its policy planning for over a decade, releasing its first National Strategy for Climate Adaptation in 2013. The country has invested significantly in climate monitoring, early warning systems, disaster prevention, and climate-proofing infrastructure, agriculture, and public health systems. Beijing has also launched various pilot projects, such as the 'sponge city' initiative, to reduce flood risk in urban areas and improve water management. Additionally, China has invested in disaster prevention and emergency management, with spending increasing by an average annual rate of almost nine percent between 2019 and 2023.
In contrast, the United States has no consistent national strategy for climate adaptation. The federal government has recognized climate risks but has not followed up with sustained policy planning. The U.S. Government Accountability Office has repeatedly warned about the negative financial consequences of extreme weather, and the Biden administration released a national adaptation framework in 2023. However, the Trump administration has rejected the idea of climate risk, reducing public access to climate information and dismantling federal efforts to address climate change. Some U.S. cities and states have made progress on their own, but more than half the states do not have their own adaptation plans.
The economic and technological competition between China and the United States will be significantly influenced by their ability to adapt to climate change. Extreme weather and ecological disruptions are expensive, and the country that can better adapt will gain substantial advantages. China's investment in climate adaptation technologies and infrastructure is already paying off, with the country dominant in clean energy industries and poised to benefit from growing global demand for climate-resilient infrastructure. The United States, on the other hand, risks ceding ground in emerging industries if it continues to underinvest in adaptation-related technologies and expertise.
In conclusion, climate adaptation is a critical priority for both China and the United States, and the country that can better adapt to extreme weather will gain substantial advantages in the economic and technological competition. China's proactive approach to climate adaptation, including its investment in infrastructure and technologies, positions it to benefit from the growing global demand for climate-resilient solutions. The United States must prioritize investing in adaptation to protect its infrastructure and economic assets, or risk falling behind in the race for economic and technological dominance.
