This chapter delves into the severe health impacts of climate change, focusing on issues such as heat stress, infectious diseases, and food insecurity. Medical doctor Sweta Koirala from Nepal shares insights on increasing heat-related illnesses and the spread of vector-borne diseases such as dengue fever. The chapter highlights the critical need for climate adaptation measures to protect human health, emphasizing the vulnerability of agricultural systems and labour productivity. Personal stories, such as those of outdoor workers facing extreme heat in Bangladesh, illustrate the direct effects on daily life and economic stability. The CVF’s Monitor and the Lancet the Lancet Countdown’s works on Health...’s works on Health and Climate Change address the interplay between climate adaptation, public health, and agricultural productivity, stressing the urgent need for comprehensive health and food security policies to mitigate these impacts.

The Climate Vulnerable Forum (CVF) and the V20 group of finance ministers address climate change impacts on vulnerable countries. This chapter introduces the interconnectedness of climate justice, economic resilience, and sustainable development. It highlights personal stories, such as Victor Yalanda from Colombia and Jevanic Henry from Saint Lucia, who share their experiences of climate change’s impacts on their communities — covering both the economic loss and the emotional devastation caused to communities. We introduce the CVF’s Climate Vulnerability Monitor — a unique study of the impacts of climate change, including fresh modelling, covering biophysical, economics and health projections up to 2100. The global community via COP27 and COP28 have agreed on the urgency of both adaptation and mitigation strategies. Yet the speed of change is not sufficient. The fate of today’s most vulnerable will soon be the fate of the world.

Three potential climate futures — 1.5 °C, 2 °C, and 3.6 °C — are predicted by the UNFCCC’s ‘climate action pathways’, each with major and escalating implications for adaptation and mitigation. Marina Romanello, Co-Lead Health Editor for The Monitor, highlights the dangers of anything above a 1.5 °C scenario, emphasizing increased health risks and economic damages. The chapter outlines the CVF Monitor’s projections for each of the three scenarios and discusses the significant differences in outcomes depending on global warming levels. Stressing the importance of adhering to international agreements like the Paris Agreement, immediate and substantial emissions reductions are crucial to avoid catastrophic impacts. The chapter underscores the need for global cooperation in achieving these goals.

Climate change impacts are, however, coming to us all — developing and developed countries alike. For instance, Hurricane Maria’s devastation in the Caribbean and extreme heatwaves in Europe exemplify how no region is immune. The chapter discusses how even developed nations face significant challenges, such as wildfires in Australia and California, and flooding in Germany. Comprehensive policy responses are essential to address these widespread impacts. Insights from experts such as Ken Ofori-Atta, Ghana’s Minister for Finance, highlight the extensive effects of climate change, including infrastructure damage, economic costs, health effects, and migration. The chapter calls for a unified global effort to mitigate climate risks, improve infrastructure resilience, and implement robust economic and health strategies to protect all populations from the escalating consequences of climate change.

Exploring the already observable impacts of climate change, this chapter features stories from regions including Asia, Africa, and the Caribbean, amongst others. Ramon Apla-on, a farmer from the Philippines, describes how unpredictable weather patterns affect agriculture, while Isaac Nemuta, a Maasai pastoralist from Kenya, discusses the severe droughts impacting livestock. Nadia Cazaubon from Saint Lucia highlights marine impacts such as coral bleaching. These personal accounts, supported by scientific data, underscore the urgency of addressing current climate realities affecting millions. The chapter illustrates how climate change is no longer a future threat but a present crisis requiring immediate action.

This chapter outlines the critical actions needed to combat climate change, drawing on perspectives from leaders such as Ban Ki-moon, former UN Secretary-General. It emphasises the necessity of international cooperation, robust policy frameworks, and significant investment in the green economy. The chapter highlights successful strategies, such as renewable energy initiatives in Germany, demonstrating the potential for coordinated global efforts to make substantial progress. Comprehensive emissions reduction plans and adaptation strategies are discussed, providing a detailed roadmap for urgent and effective climate action. The chapter underscores the importance of political will, financial commitment, and community engagement in achieving these goals, while pointing towards the CVF-V20’s solution that could solve both climate finance and economic vulnerability: supporting the Climate Prosperity Plans.

Identifying the populations and regions most vulnerable to climate change, this chapter features voices including Nakeeyat Dramani Sam from Ghana, highlighting the disproportionate impacts on young people and marginalised groups. Understanding ‘vulnerability’ is the key to addressing climate change. Jevanic Henry from Saint Lucia discusses rising sea levels and frequent hurricanes threatening coastal communities. The chapter emphasises the need for targeted adaptation strategies and global support to build resilience among low-income countries, small island developing states (SIDS), and Indigenous Peoples, and local communities (IPLCs). Isaac Nemuta, a Maasai pastoralist from Kenya, shares how prolonged droughts are decimating livestock. The chapter discusses the unique challenges faced by vulnerable groups, including limited resources, inadequate infrastructure, and political marginalisation. Calls for increased international aid, robust policy measures, and tailored climate resilience plans are emphasised, with examples like the Climate Prosperity Plans from Bangladesh and the Philippines. Empowering local communities through education, sustainable practices, and inclusive governance is crucial.

Exploring the economic ramifications of climate change, this chapter features insights from financial experts such as Sara Jane Ahmed, Managing Director and V20 Finance Advisor of the CVF-V20 Secretariat. It discusses the adverse effects on GDP growth, inflation, debt, and credit ratings, particularly in vulnerable economies. The chapter highlights the crucial role of financial markets, insurance, and climate finance in addressing these challenges. Innovative financing solutions such as Green Bonds and pre-arranged and trigger-based financing, including loss and damage finance, are explored as means to build economic resilience. The importance of sustainable economic policies and international cooperation is emphasised, with case studies from countries successfully integrating climate resilience into their economic planning. The chapter calls for increased investment in climate adaptation and mitigation to safeguard economic stability and promote sustainable development.

Offering a message of hope and resilience, reflections from climate advocates emphasise the possibility of limiting global warming and mitigating its impacts. Renato Redentor Constantino, senior advisor to the CVF-V20, calls for innovative financial solutions and increased international cooperation to support vulnerable economies. Indigenous voices, such as Victor Yalanda from Colombia, stress the importance of preserving traditional knowledge and protecting natural resources. Nakeeyat Dramani Sam from Ghana underscores the urgency of immediate action to safeguard the future for young people. The chapter calls on governments, businesses, and individuals to take decisive action now. The critical role of international agreements like the Paris Agreement is underlined. A powerful call to action urges all stakeholders to seize the remaining opportunities to protect the planet and ensure a sustainable future. United efforts can still create a world where people and the planet thrive amidst climate challenges – if we act fast.