According to a recent study published in
Environmental Research Letters, climate change could reduce global GDP by up to 40% by the end of the century—a figure far worse than initial estimates. While earlier models focused only on local impacts, this new analysis suggests that when global effects are taken into account, the economic losses escalate dramatically. The most vulnerable countries—especially those with limited resources—will be hit the hardest, lacking the infrastructure and tools needed to face the economic and environmental challenges posed by climate change.
The direct impact on poverty is devastating. Agricultural crises caused by drought and extreme weather reduce food availability, push up consumer prices, and cut household income for those who depend on farming. At the same time, natural disasters destroy essential infrastructure like homes and hospitals, forcing millions to migrate or live in even more precarious conditions. This further deepens social inequality, restricts access to basic services, and undermines social stability.