Climate, from Syria to Ethiopia, the ten countries on the brink of disaster amid drought, floods and humanitarian crises

ROME – Climate change produces new humanitarian crises and exacerbates existing ones. The climate change research group of theInternational Rescue Committee sounds the alarm: drastic cuts in greenhouse gas emissions are needed to prevent the world from suffering a rise in global temperature and the resulting catastrophic consequences. The ten countries most at risk are Syria, Afghanistan, Ethiopia, Somalia, Chad, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the Central African Republic, Nigeria, Yemen and South Sudan.

Reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Unfortunately, the poorest populations are already grappling with the effects of climate change, which makes them even more vulnerable. To mitigate the consequences of extreme meteorological events – underlines the IRC – the richest countries need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Because the paradox is this: the wealthiest countries contribute significantly to climate change, but the most vulnerable countries pay the price, which in this way find themselves having to face new problems in addition to the crises already underway. The ten countries listed by the IRC’s climate experts are all grappling with a humanitarian crisis that is likely to worsen over the course of 2023 due to the weather.

Threats and responses. A country’s exposure to the climate threat is measured by calculating that country’s ability to respond to extreme weather events, to secure its citizens and therefore to continue to provide services. Places already experiencing conflicts such as Afghanistan or Syria, for example, both of which are on the IRC list, are obviously less likely to protect their inhabitants from the risks of a flood or a long period of drought.

Somalia. Climate change has had a devastating impact on the country and has produced severe levels of food insecurity. Furthermore, political instability has not allowed to protect vulnerable communities. By mid-2023, it is estimated that more than eight million Somalis – nearly half of the country’s population – will be food insecure.

Syria. More than a decade of war has eroded the country’s ability to respond to crises. Conflict and an intense economic crisis have forced 90 percent of Syrians to live below the poverty line. Complicating the situation are the extreme drought that Syria has been experiencing for some time and the February 2023 earthquake on the border with Turkey.

The Democratic Republic of the Congo. It is a country torn between persistent conflicts, economic challenges and outbreaks of disease. Over 100 armed groups battle each other for control of eastern Congo, often targeting civilians. Major disease outbreaks, including measles, malaria and Ebola, strain an already weak health system. The country is unable to deal with the effects of climate change, which is already causing floods and food insecurity.

Afghanistan. Since the Taliban returned to power in 2021, the country has grappled with deepening fragility as foreign aid flows have been cut off and economic collapse has exacerbated poverty. Afghanistan has now entered its third year of drought, as intense flooding in parts of the country has reduced food production and forced thousands from their homes.

Yemen. Many years of conflict have led to an economic crisis such that, at the end of 2022, 17 million people were in need of food assistance, while 1.3 million pregnant or breastfeeding women and 2.2 million children needed treatment for malnutrition . Climate change has worsened desertification and drought levels in the country.

Chad. It ranks as the world’s most climate-vulnerable country according to the Notre Dame-Global Adaptation Initiative Index, which examines a country’s exposure, sensitivity, and ability to adapt to the adverse effects of climate change. Floods in late 2022 affected more than 1 million people, while the economic crisis has led to widespread food insecurity.

Southern Sudan. While the civil war that rocked the country officially ended in 2018, local conflicts remain rife. In these conditions of poverty and conflict, the country does not have the adequate tools to protect citizens from climate shocks, such as the severe floods that affected over 900,000 people at the end of 2022.

Central African Republic. Competition for control of political power and natural resources has destabilized the Central African Republic (CAR). The floods threaten the safety and health of citizens, especially those living in camps for internally displaced persons. Diseases borne by contaminated water, such as cholera, plus outbreaks of malaria, meningitis and monkeypox strain the already fragile health system.

Nigeria. Floods in late 2022 affected 2.5 million people and caused extensive damage to farmland. By mid-2023, an estimated 25 million Nigerians will face high levels of food insecurity.

Ethiopia. The drought is affecting more than 24 million Ethiopians. This number is expected to rise as the country enters its sixth drought season. Scattered conflicts across the region and political instability have made it more difficult for organizations and authorities to deliver humanitarian aid instead of dealing with the impacts of climate change.