A new report prepared by UNESCO together with La Caixa Foundation warns that, due to climate change, around 2.5 billion people will be exposed to extreme conditions.
This is expected by 2025, and of that total, approximately 240 million will live in extreme poverty.
This increases their vulnerability to prolonged heatwaves, droughts, floods, and other severe climate events.
Climate change and inequality in exposure
The study, titled Who Pays the Price? How to Address Inequalities Derived from Climate Change and Climate Action, was presented in Barcelona.
The report reveals that existing social and economic inequalities worsen as a direct consequence of climate change.
Using a composite index, researchers identified that the most affected groups are those already living in vulnerable conditions, especially in countries in the Global South.
The consequences of climate change.
3.6 billion people currently inhabit regions considered highly vulnerable to climate impacts.
The lead author of the report, Rodolfo Lacy, explained that the research presents a set of composite indices assessing how different sectors and populations will be affected by mid-century climate scenarios.
The analysis highlights that the Global South is the region most affected by climate change. It is estimated that 2.5 billion people will be exposed to temperatures exceeding 35°C for more than 12 weeks per year.
Within this group, 239 million live in extreme poverty, limiting their adaptive capacity and increasing health risks and livelihood vulnerabilities.
The need for urgent climate policies
Facing this scenario, the report emphasizes the urgency of implementing inclusive climate policies, considering not only emission reductions, but also the protection of the most vulnerable populations.
Promoting climate justice and strengthening social resilience will be crucial to prevent an unprecedented humanitarian crisis.
