Climate change is one of the greatest threats facing humanity, with far-reaching and devastating impacts on people, the environment, and the economy. Climate impacts affect all regions of the world and cut across all sectors of society. People who did the least to cause the problem—especially those living in poverty and fragile areas—are most at risk.
• Without adaptation, climate change may depress growth in global agriculture yields up to 30 percent by 2050. The 500 million small farms around the world will be most affected.
• The number of people who may lack sufficient water, at least one month per year, will soar from 3.6 billion today to more than 5 billion by 2050.
• Rising seas and greater storm surges could force hundreds of millions of people in coastal cities from their homes, with a total cost to coastal urban areas of more than $1 trillion each year by 2050.
• Climate change could push more than 100 million people within developing countries below the poverty line by 203
The report makes the case for bold adaptation action, provide specific insights and recommendations by key sectors, and introduce major initiatives to jump-start a Year of Action.
Year of publication | |
Authors | |
Geographic coverage | World |
Originally published | 07 Jan 2021 |
Knowledge service | Metadata | Global Food and Nutrition Security | Climate extremes and food security | Smallholder agriculture |
Digital Europa Thesaurus (DET) | adaptation to climate changeAgriculturefood security |