if we continue on our current trajectory without taking significant steps to mitigate climate change, the consequences will be severe and far-reaching:

Environmental Impacts

• Rising sea levels:Coastal cities and low-lying areas will be inundated,leading to mass displacement and economic loss.
• Extreme weather events:More frequent and intense hurricanes,typhoons,floods, droughts,and heatwaves will occur,causing widespread destruction and loss of life.
• Ecosystem collapse: Many plant and animal species will face extinction, disrupting ecosystems and affecting food chains.
• Ocean acidification:Increased carbon dioxide absorption by oceans will harm marine life and coral reefs.
• Permafrost thaw: Release of methane, a potent greenhouse gas,will accelerate warming.

Societal Impacts

• Food and water scarcity: Changes in precipitation patterns will affect agriculture,leading to food shortages and increased competition for water resources.
• Mass migration:Climate-induced displacement will create global refugee crises and political instability.
• Health risks: Heat-related illnesses,the spread of diseases, and mental health issues will increase.
• Economic instability:Damage to infrastructure, agriculture, and tourism will lead to economic downturns.

Global Security

• Conflict and instability: Competition for resources,such as water and land, could escalate tensions between nations.
• Geopolitical shifts:Countries may become more isolated or form new alliances to address climate challenges.

It’s important to note that these are just some of the potential consequences, and the actual impacts could be even more severe and complex. The longer we delay taking action, the more difficult and costly it will be to adapt to these changes.

• New Climate Economics Index stress-tests how climate change will impact 48 countries, representing 90% of world economy, and ranks their overall climate resilience
• Expected global GDP impact by 2050 under different scenarios compared to a world without climate change:
  -18% if no mitigating actions are taken (3.2°C increase);
  -14% if some mitigating actions are taken (2.6°C increase);
  -11% if further mitigating actions are taken (2°C increase);
  -4% if Paris Agreement targets are met (below 2°C increase)
• Economies in Asia would be hardest hit, with China at risk of losing nearly 24% of its GDP in a severe scenario, while the world’s biggest economy, the US, stands to lose close to 10%, and Europe almost 11%