Systemic risks of climate change and inequality

In India, the poorest 40%—those working outdoors, living in tin-roof homes, and lacking cooling—are estimated to account for 60–75% of heat-related deaths. Meanwhile, the wealthiest 20% face only 5–10%, protected by air conditioning, shaded offices, and private healthcare. New estimates suggest India experiences nearly 90,000 excess deaths annually due to extreme heat—vastly higher than the ~2,000 reported officially. (Source: Prabhat Jha, University of Toronto; The Washington Post, 2023) We visualized this disparity through three images: A laborer in the sun A commuter braving heat An executive in a cool office Same heatwave. Different odds of survival. While these are rough estimates, they reflect a harsh truth: climate change amplifies inequality. Those least responsible for the crisis suffer most from its impact. It's time for urgent public action: Heat-safe labor laws Affordable cooling solutions Shaded, accessible public spaces Real-time health monitoring No one should lose their life simply because they cannot afford protection from the heat. #ClimateJustice #Heatwave #Inequality #India #PublicHealth #Sustainability #SocialImpact

The impact of climate change on the SDGs 🌎 The latest State of the Global Climate 2024 report from WMO provides a clear assessment of how accelerating climate change is affecting global stability. With 2024 recorded as the hottest year on record—1.55°C above pre-industrial levels—the implications extend far beyond temperature increases. The findings highlight the direct and systemic risks climate change poses to achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Rising temperatures, ocean acidification, sea-level rise, and glacial melt are driving widespread environmental and socio-economic disruptions. These changes are not occurring in isolation; they are interconnected, amplifying existing challenges related to food security (SDG 2), water availability (SDG 6), economic resilience (SDG 8), and biodiversity loss (SDGs 14 & 15). Ocean changes are among the most critical risks. Increasing ocean temperatures and acidification are disrupting marine ecosystems, reducing fish stocks, and weakening the ocean’s ability to act as a carbon sink. This has significant consequences for coastal communities, food security, and global supply chains. Glacial loss and sea-level rise are reshaping landscapes, affecting infrastructure, water resources, and human settlements. Coastal erosion, land degradation, and increased flooding threaten urban development (SDG 11), economic productivity (SDG 9), and disaster resilience (SDG 13). These impacts also contribute to population displacement, further straining social and economic systems. The increase in extreme weather events, from heatwaves to hurricanes, is exacerbating global inequality. Agricultural losses, infrastructure damage, and rising adaptation costs are disproportionately affecting developing regions, slowing progress toward economic stability, sustainable production, and resource security (SDGs 8 & 12). The WMO report emphasizes that while exceeding 1.5°C in a single year does not mean the Paris Agreement target has been breached, the trend underscores the urgency of reducing emissions and strengthening adaptation strategies. Without immediate action, climate risks will continue to escalate, undermining progress toward the SDGs and increasing long-term economic and environmental costs. Addressing these challenges requires systemic policy shifts, investment in climate resilience, and cross-sector collaboration. As climate change intensifies, integrating sustainability into decision-making at all levels will be essential to mitigating risks and safeguarding global development objectives. Source: State of the Global Climate 2024 #sustainability #sustainable #business #esg #climatechange #sdgs

The stark contrast in per-capita consumption-based carbon emissions between countries in the Global North and the Global South. This disparity underscores a fundamental inequity: nations that contribute the least to global #greenhousegasemissions often bear the brunt of #climatechange's adverse effects. The graph shows the consumption-based emissions, carbon emissions to the country where goods and services are consumed rather than where they are produced. This methodology reveals the true carbon footprint of a nation's lifestyle. Wealthier nations have higher consumption patterns, leading to more significant emissions. This is not just due to industrial activities but also because of the demand for goods and services that have high carbon footprints. Many developed countries have shifted manufacturing and production to developing nations. While this move reduces their production-based emissions, their consumption-based emissions remain high because they still consume these goods. Developed countries have historically contributed the most to cumulative global emissions due to early industrialization. This historical context adds another layer to the injustice, as past emissions continue to affect the current climate. As we lead to the next round of negotiations at #COP29 we must recognise that those who contribute most to emissions have a greater responsibility to lead in mitigation efforts and provide financial and technological aid to countries in the Global South to help them adapt to climate impacts and develop sustainably.

🚨New study on Climate and Inequality 🚨 Thrilled to share that our latest paper, "Climate Change and the Global Distribution of Wealth", has just been published in Nature Climate Change! In this work, we explore how climate change and climate policies are reshaping wealth inequality worldwide. Our findings reveal that climate impacts and investments could significantly alter the distribution of wealth, affecting everything from housing to financial assets. For instance, we show that the top 1% global wealth share could rise from around 38.5% today to 46% in 2050 if the wealthiest individuals own all the new low-carbon infrastructure. Conversely, if low-carbon investments are financed by a tax on the top 1% and then owned by governments or not-for-profit actors, the top 1% wealth share could drop to 26%. Climate change and climate investments have the potential to reshape global wealth inequalities on an unprecedented scale. It’s going to be critical to keep an eye on this. Thanks to our incredible team (Cornelia Mohren, Philip Bothe and Gregor Semieniuk) and all those who supported this work. Comments welcome! Published article : https://lnkd.in/ehQVkEQC Open-access preprint : https://lnkd.in/ePzdtCFQ

As climate-related hazards like floods, droughts, cyclones, and heatwaves grow more frequent and severe, the intersection of poverty, shared prosperity, and the planet becomes ever more critical. The latest The World Bank Poverty, Prosperity, and Planet Report (#3PR) introduces a groundbreaking way to measure vulnerability: the percentage of people at high risk from climate-related hazards globally. This measure captures individuals who are both exposed to climate hazards and highly vulnerable—lacking the resources or capacity to cope with these challenges. Alarmingly, the report finds that nearly 1 in 5 people worldwide (18%) face high climate-related risks. This stark reality underscores the urgent need for action to protect people from extreme weather events, especially those most vulnerable. By identifying the populations most at risk, we can drive targeted and effective policies to build resilience and safeguard livelihoods. Read the full report to explore how addressing climate risk is pivotal for reducing poverty and promoting inclusive growth: https://lnkd.in/gYyAJUDz #EndPoverty

The adverse impacts of climate change are worsening each year, and the window for action is rapidly closing. In the current economic system, the negative effects of climate change lead to exacerbating poverty, and widening inequality, particularly in regions that are more vulnerable to climate shocks and economic shifts, according to researchers Iskandar Sangini and Aya Timurova. Green and Just Transition There is an urgent need to transition away from fossil fuel-based economies to a more sustainable, low-carbon system. This global movement of just transition aims to address climate change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions, transitioning to renewable energy, and promoting sustainable practices across industries. It also emphasizes the importance of social justice and equity, ensuring that vulnerable communities, workers, and marginalized groups are not left behind during this transformation. The green and just transition refers to shifting towards a sustainable, low-carbon economy that ensures social justice and equity. This global movement aims to address climate change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions, transitioning to renewable energy, and promoting sustainable practices across industries.  Central Asia is heavily reliant on fossil fuels, with 95% of its total energy supply coming from unsustainable sources. This reliance contributes to environmental degradation and makes the region vulnerable to the global shift towards decarbonization. Therefore, for Central Asia, a green and just transition can be seen as a pathway to greater resilience, equity, and long-term socio-economic stability in the face of growing environmental and economic challenges. #cabarasia #iwpr #centralasia