How can leaders protect the people who are exposed to climate change?

The number of climate-related disasters has tripled in the last 30 years. The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) reports that the number of disasters increased by a factor of five between 1970 and 2009. Between 2006 and 2016, the rate of global sea-level rise was 2.5 times faster than it was for most of the 20th century, furthermore between 1970 and 2019, climate-related disasters accounted for 75% of economic losses from natural hazards. More than 20 million people are forced from their homes by climate change each year.

Vulnerable communities in every region of the world are living under the shadow of climate change, with more extreme weather, rising ocean levels, and shifting ecologic systems putting lives and means of existence at risk. It is evident now more than ever that the impact of climate change has to be dealt with effective leaders who possess vision. Taking effective steps has become an implication for the leaders to protect the people, who are exposed to climate change.

Here are some ways the global leaders can achieve this:

• Establishing Proactive Climate Change Strategies

The first thing leaders can do is to develop and put into operation is effective climate change adaptation strategies. These strategies should specifically aim at creating resilience within populations that are most vulnerable to climate-related disasters. Areas that are flood-prone, drought-prone, or heat wave prone require weather-proof designs of their infrastructure.

For example, places situated along the coast can put up flood walls while arid regions-­a dry climate where the amount of evaporation is much higher than the amount of precipitation, can adopt crops that do not need much rainfall. Strategy makers have to embrace development that is long-term and sustainable and which cuts down on exposure, like improving the water management systems and increasing the readiness towards any disasters.

more than 50 million people from different geographies are living in areas that are directly affected to the natural calamities, more than 100 million people get affected due to natural disasters. It becomes important ensure that those most at risk are able to access adjusted resources in the face of changed circumstances. This means basic health care services, clean water, adequate housing, and food as well as nutritional security. The government, in this regard, has to work with specialist agencies to figure out which areas and populations are likely to suffer the most from climate change and target those areas and populations with resources and efforts.

• Promoting Global Partnerships on Climate Action Efforts

Climate change is a global phenomenon, and there is more to it than national boundaries. It is a problem that cannot be solved by any one nation alone. There is a need for leaders to cross borders and regions and exchange information, technologies, and best practices. For instance, most developing countries have a significant portion of their population that is vulnerable to the impact exposed but do not have the necessary financial and technical means to cope with it. For example

• Climate-related hazards: Developing countries have experienced a five-fold increase in climate-related hazards since the 1970s.
• Deaths: Developing countries account for nearly 70% of deaths caused by climate-related disasters over the last 50 years.
• Economic impact: Disasters can impact the economies of developing countries around 10 times worse than the economies of the richest countries.
• Crop and livestock production loss: Droughts and floods are the deadliest and costliest hazard events in developing countries.

International climate change treaties, like the Paris Accord, help facilitate the convergence of countries toward a goal of the reduction of their greenhouse gases.

Additionally, it is the responsibility of the developed countries to extend financial and technical assistance to the developing countries which are hardest hit by the effects of global warming. It is also a global supporting responsible preparatory measures, the United Nations ‘Green Climate Fund which is designed to help developing countries implement projects on climate change adaption and mitigation. Responsibilities of leadership in each of these countries should include advocacy for stronger funding and support commitments on vulnerable populations.

• Development of Climate-Resilient Infrastructure

One of the approaches to reducing the risks and effects of climate change on populations is through building infrastructure that is robust to climate change. For instance, urbanized cities with heat waves can construct cool environments like green walls, plant trees, and use other cooling methods. Flood prone cities can also sink less flood into cities by construction of elevated infrastructure such as roads and buildings.

For example, The Dique Canal in Colombia is an example of resilient infrastructure that serves as a vital source of fresh water, transportation, and livelihood for local fishermen.

In the case of remote regions, investment in infrastructure can take the shape of reinforcing existing irrigation systems, improving the current road network so that it is storm resistant or developing storage spaces for perishables to safeguard from harvest losses. In this way, building climate resilient infrastructure will make certain that these communities are able.

Boosting Public Awareness and Education on Climate Risks

Surveys uncover the following facts

• 59% of people globally think about climate change daily or weekly, and 57% are more worried about it than they were a year ago.
• In 2023, 87% of respondents in 50 countries agreed that the world is heading towards an environmental disaster unless habits change quickly.
• In 2024, respondents said that switching to renewable electricity and recycling would have the most impact on reducing emissions. They also said that financial incentives or tax cuts would encourage more action.
• 49% of people think extreme weather events were worse this year than last.
• 75% of people want more protection for people at risk from extreme weather.
• 71% of people are starting to take climate change into consideration when making decisions.
• People in developing economies are more concerned about environmental degradation.

It is apparent that the population across the globe has started to worry about the issue, and the time cannot be better to launch large scale educational campaigns to spread awareness about the issue. Leaders also play an important role in increasing public awareness about the impacts of climate change and the steps individuals and communities can take to protect themselves. Educating the public on the risks of extreme weather, changing disease patterns, and the importance of sustainable practices is crucial to enhancing resilience at the grassroots level.

Public campaigns can promote understanding of how to prepare for natural disasters, reduce personal carbon footprints, and advocate for policy changes. Empowering citizens to act not only supports adaptation at the individual level but also generates broader support for climate policies and actions at the government level. Some of such famous campains are:

• Fridays for Future
• Earth Hour
• We Are Still In
• RE100

• Strengthening Social Safety Nets and Disaster Response Systems

In the face of climate-induced disasters, robust disaster response systems are essential for safeguarding the well-being of affected populations. Governments must ensure that there are strong social safety nets in place, such as emergency relief funds, food assistance, and health services that can be quickly mobilized in times of crisis.

Equally important is the strengthening of early-warning systems that provide populations with adequate time to prepare for extreme events like hurricanes, wildfires, or flooding. This can mean the difference between life and death. According to the WMO “The damage caused by a disaster can be reduced by 30% if an early warning is issued within 24 hours. About 30% of the global population are not yet covered by early warning systems”. In vulnerable regions, such as small island nations or low-lying coastal areas, disaster relief systems should include pre-positioned supplies, trained personnel, and clear evacuation routes.

Additionally, developing mental health support systems to address the psychological toll of climate disasters is a growing need. Climate-induced trauma is real, and leaders must acknowledge the emotional and mental well-being of their citizens in recovery efforts.

and ensuring internal migration due to climate impacts does not lead to increasing poverty levels.

• Understanding Different Climate Change Impacts and Seed Processing

Climate change is a global issue and has been present for more than. Policies for Climate change has a different significance on every region around the globe. In parts of the world this phenomenon brings deadlier, than the eradication of poverty. In places such as Europe, North America and parts of Canada, approximately, poses an enormous threat. Agriculture has to adapt to the changing. Changes in climatic variations, as well as improved management, have allowed agriculture to expand to areas once considered too dry for farming

Finally, the leaders must guarantee that the issue of climate change is included to national economic plans. It is possible for the state to assist in creating green jobs, provide subsidies to businesses that are friendly to the environment and put up eco-friendly facilities. A healthy economy based on logical sustainability principles is important not only for the future generation but also enhances the ability of at-risk people.

Sustainable development embodies this concept. That is, there is a need to address issues of environmental protection, economic development and social issues as well. But they should also enfold the private sector in the solutions presented on the climate embrace dynamics of the climate economy while promoting green technologies and business models within the economy respective to climate.

Conclusion

Protecting populations highly vulnerable to the likelihood of climate impacts is not merely an issue regarding the environment but is rather an ethical and political issue. In view of the magnitude and the complexity of the challenge at stake, it is necessary for leaders to take a multifaceted approach: it takes anticipatory adaptation and global ties within and beyond policymaking and infrastructure shaping. These are concerning forethought, inclusivity and audacity in leadership. Progressive global efforts can help lessen adverse climatic conditions for the people, protect those who are at risk, and promote a safe and sustainable environment for all of humanity.