3 October 2016: The UN Department of Social and Economic Affairs (DESA) published a publication that looks at climate change resilience as an opportunity for reducing inequalities in support of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Titled ‘The World Economic and Social Survey 2016: Climate Change Resilience – An Opportunity for Reducing Inequalities,’ the publication focuses on the population groups and communities that are disproportionately affected by climate hazards. It argues that, in the absence of a continuum of policies designed to reduce the exposure and vulnerability of people to climate change, poverty and inequalities will worsen.

This flagship publication on major development issues comes on the heels of a major series of international agreements adopted by the UN Member States in 2015: the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) 2015-2030; the Addis Ababa Action Agenda (AAAA) of the Third International Conference on Financing for Development (FfD); the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development; and the Paris Agreement on climate change. These agreements mark a consensus reached by governments with regards to the need to address the linkages between the human development and environmental agendas as a necessary condition for sustainable development.

The Survey identifies key challenges to implementing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, building upon the recognition that climate hazards have a differential impact on people and communities. It notes that scientific evidence shows that climate change is likely to “result in surface-water scarcity, increased frequency of storms and precipitation extremes, coastal flooding, landslides, wildfires, air pollution and droughts.” DESA underlines that this will lead to loss of life, injury and negative health impacts, as well as damage to property, infrastructure, livelihoods, service provision and environmental resources. It further highlights that low-income countries suffered the greatest losses, including economic losses estimated to have accounted for about 5% of their gross domestic product (GDP).

On regional aspects, the report indicates that climate scenarios project that tropical areas will be at higher risk of climate hazards, including countries in Africa and South and South-East Asia, small island developing States (SIDS) and countries where livelihoods depend on climate-sensitive natural resources.

The publication is structured on five chapters that look to: climate change resilience for sustainable development; the climate change and inequality nexus; bringing inequalities to the forefront of climate assessments; coherent, participatory and adaptive policy making for climate resilience; and enhanced cooperation for climate-resilient development. [Publication: The World Economic and Social Survey 2016: Climate Change Resilience – An Opportunity for Reducing Inequalities] [Survey Webpage] [UN Press Release] [UN News Center Press Release]