Climate Change Puts 1.2 Bn People At High Risk Worldwide

The World Bank Group has said that about 1.2 billion people face life-changing risks through exposure to at least one critical climate hazard, such as heatwaves, flooding, hurricanes and drought. 

It outlined how faster development and sustainable economic growth can reduce climate change-related economic and quality of life losses. The report argued that to better protect people and communities, faster development, better development and targeted adaptation interventions are essential.

The report finds that economic growth and building resilience to climate change go hand-in-hand, estimating that a 10 per cent increase in GDP per capita will reduce the number of people who are most vulnerable by about 100 million. Improving income is, therefore, important, but countries also need to enact a range of climate-informed policies to build people’s resilience.

The report also highlighted the importance of tailoring policies to each country's specific situation. For example, wealthier countries should prioritise upgrading their existing infrastructure, while lower-income countries– where much of the infrastructure is still being developed – have an opportunity to build it sustainably from the outset.

“The sobering reality is that every country can be hit by climate change, but this challenge is gravest for the world’s poorest countries,” said Axel van Trotsenburg, Senior Managing Director, World Bank. “That's why the World Bank Group is working to better prepare people for climate shocks by doubling our efforts on food and agriculture, water, ecosystems and biodiversity, infrastructure, social safety nets, poverty eradication, and livelihoods.”

India And Climate Change
Driven by rising sea levels and decreasing labour productivity, climate change could cause a reduction in gross domestic product (GDP) across the Asia and Pacific region by 16.9 per cent by 2070 under a high-end emissions scenario, as highlighted by a report by the Asian Development Report (ADB). India could suffer a 24.7 per cent GDP loss by 2070 due to the same.

The report titled ‘Asia-Pacific Climate Report 2024’ shed light on the range of damaging impacts threatening the region. The report stated that around 300 million people in the region could be threatened by coastal inundation in the event of sea ice instability. Models suggest that around USD 1 trillion of annual flood damage could occur by 2070 under a high-end emissions scenario, primarily in South Asia.

During a conference in the national capital, CBRE South Asia stated that half of India's public infrastructure is ill-prepared for disaster planning and management. It further emphasised the need to strengthen the country's public infrastructure to better handle potential crisis. Explaining the root cause of this issue, the firm pointed out that India is facing a significant rise in both natural and man-made disasters, which pose threats to the economy, population, and long-term sustainable development.

A new study by IPE Global and ESRI India revealed that over 85 per cent of Indian districts are now vulnerable to extreme climate events such as cyclones, floods, droughts, and heatwaves. Alarmingly, 45 per cent of these districts are witnessing a shift in weather patterns, with traditionally flood-prone areas becoming drought-affected and vice versa.

The report, which was presented at the Climate Technology Summit’s plenary session on "Leveraging GIS Technology to Mitigate Climate Risks," highlights a sharp increase in the frequency and intensity of these events. According to the study, extreme weather occurrences have surged fourfold in recent decades, with the last ten years alone seeing a fivefold rise.