As global risks intensify, from extreme weather events and resource scarcity to economic volatility and supply chain disruptions, their impacts are projected to vary significantly across regions. Strengthening adaptation and resilience to these evolving risks has therefore become a global priority.
Analyses by S&P Global (2023) and the World Bank (2022) highlight that the economic effects of climate and environmental risks will be highly uneven. By 2050, these physical risks could place up to 10–18% of GDP at risk in South Asia, compared with around 6–8% in Sub-Saharan Africa and the Middle East and North Africa. In contrast, Europe and North America are projected to face less than 2–3% of GDP at risk, reflecting their more diversified economies, though sustained investment in resilience remains essential.
These disparities illustrate how environmental disruptions translate into interrupted livelihoods, damaged infrastructure, and stalled supply chains, ultimately constraining economic growth. Resilience must therefore be regarded not as a cost, but as a strategic investment in long-term stability and prosperity.
📌 Explore the key highlights from the session in the Activity Snapshot we’ve prepared. It’s now available to read!