Addressing climate change requires shared responsibility. Wealthy nations must fulfill financial and technical support commitments

Climate change disproportionately affects the world’s poorest and most vulnerable communities. For them, it’s not just an environmental issue but a daily struggle for survival. Living in precarious conditions, these populations bear the brunt of climate-induced disasters such as floods, droughts, and extreme weather, which devastate their homes, livelihoods, and food security. As global warming intensifies, it deepens social divides, further endangering marginalised groups and underscoring the urgent need for inclusive and compassionate action.

The ILO’s World Social Protection Report 2024-26, titled Universal Social Protection for Climate Action and a Just Transition, highlights the intersection of structural inequalities and climate vulnerability. It reveals that over 90 per cent of people in the 20 countries most affected by the climate crisis lack access to social protection, such as child or unemployment benefits. Similarly, in the 50 most climate-vulnerable nations, 75  per cent of the population-2.1 billion people-remains unprotected. These gaps leave millions exposed to the worsening impacts of climate change.

In India, climate change has become an immediate reality. The Yale Programme on Climate Change Communication found that 85 per cent of respondents had experienced global warming effects firsthand, an 11 per cent increase since 2021-22.

Unequal Toll

Vulnerable regions face higher mortality rates during climate-related disasters. Between 2010 and 2020, deaths from floods, droughts, and storms in high-vulnerability areas were 15 times higher than in low-vulnerability ones. In South Asia, climate-induced migration poses a growing threat. Research estimates that up to 45 million people in India could be displaced by 2050 due to rising sea levels and shifting rainfall patterns. These patterns highlight the unequal risks faced by marginalised communities.

Socio-Economic Trade-Offs

Transitioning to renewable energy presents both opportunities and challenges. In India, while 85 per cent of people believe renewable energy will reduce air pollution, concerns about job losses and rising electricity costs persist. Balancing environmental goals with socio-economic realities is essential for equitable progress.

Addressing Inequities

Effective climate solutions must consider inequality. For example, carbon pricing can disproportionately burden low-income households if not implemented thoughtfully. Similarly, conservation efforts restricting access to forests can harm Indigenous livelihoods. Community engagement is crucial to creating inclusive policies. In India’s Bundelkhand region, local water management projects have reduced migration by improving resource access, demonstrating the potential of community-led solutions.

Equitable Climate Action

India’s commitment to carbon neutrality by 2070 and interim goals for 2030 signal progress. Achieving these targets will require collaboration across governments, businesses, and communities, alongside investments in renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, and green infrastructure. Educational initiatives promoting climate literacy are vital. Empowering communities with knowledge enables them to advocate for their needs and engage in decision-making.

The Cost of Inaction

Failing to act will have catastrophic consequences. Global temperatures could rise by over 3°C, intensifying extreme weather and threatening ecosystems. In South Asia, climate disasters already displace millions, while extreme heatwaves in India-with temperatures surpassing 50°C–disrupt lives and livelihoods. Human-induced warming now accelerates at 0.26°C per decade, emphasising the urgency for immediate and sustained action.

(The writer is a leader in disaster management, specializing in governance, climate change adaptation, and gender inclusion. Views are personal)