The Mekong River Commission (MRC) has launched a new programme aimed at combating the expected regional effects of climate change. Funded with aid from the Australian government, the Mekong Climate Change and Adaptation Initiative (CCAI) aims to prepare the region to combat rising temperatures, increased rainfall and more frequent flooding. The MRC, which brings together the governments of Cambodia, Laos, Thailand and Vietnam, expects to roll out the initial phase of its adaptation plan in 2010.