How the World Can Adapt to Climate Impacts

Climate change is harmful in many different ways.

It increases the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events. Hurricanes, droughts, and wildfires are more likely to disrupt people’s lives and put them in serious danger.

And there are more indirect effects too. Climate change is expected to put pressure on food and water supplies, help spread infectious disease, and undermine economic growth.

Millions are expected to migrate across countries, fleeing from the worst effects of climate change. Experts think that the effects of climate change could contribute to disorder and conflict in ways that would undermine many countries’ security.

While everyone will face the impacts of climate change, they will not face them equally. Less developed countries—with fewer resources to commit to adaptation—are expected to face the hardest challenges.
 

In a globalized world, harms in one region can have negative consequences in others, so policymakers are searching for ways to address the effects of climate change at home and abroad. There are major challenges for climate adaptation, but there are many opportunities for leaders to build a stronger, more sustainable world.