Climate Change Vulnerability in Developing Countries, Part 1 of a Multi-part Series

Studies have shown that despite contributing little to greenhouse gas emissions, developing countries are especially vulnerable to the effects of global warming, often leading to humanitarian crises. His Excellency António Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations, noted that Somalia is one of the victims of climate change. “Somalia contributes 0.003% of the emissions that cause climate change. Although Somalia makes virtually no contribution to climate change, the Somalis are among the greatest victims. Nearly five million people are experiencing high levels of acute food insecurity.”

According to the Ethiopian government, at least 400 people have died of starvation in Ethiopia’s Tigray and Amhara regions in recent months. A staggering 20.1 million individuals across Ethiopia need humanitarian assistance, with over three million facing acute food insecurity. South Sudan is at the forefront of the climate crisis, experiencing temperatures rising at two and a half times the global average, leading to devastating droughts. Consecutive years of unprecedented flooding have submerged half the country, resulting in a hunger crisis affecting 64% of the population. Afghanistan is among the countries most severely affected by climate-related threats. Sadly, parts of Afghanistan are currently experiencing their worst drought in 27 years, while in other regions, flash flooding has ravaged crops and forced people from their homes, fueling hunger. More than 33 million people affected, 1/3rd of the country submerged, the 2022 floods in Pakistan were devastating.

Scientists have warned that nearly two billion people downstream of the Himalayan glaciers are at risk of dangerous flooding and water shortages. Deadly floods in Libya, a country with approximately one-third of the population living below the poverty line, are among the costliest climate disasters of 2023. In May 2023, powerful tropical Cyclone Mocha slammed into western Myanmar, killing at least 400 people. The storm made the list of the 10 costliest climate disasters per capita in 2023.