The Countries Most Vulnerable To Climate Change

Climate change is here, and as it worsens, it will effect every country. But the cruel truth is that its effects won’t be felt equally.

The maps below show that while rich, technologically advanced nations are most responsible for climate change, it will impact poorest nations hardest. Most European and North American countries are relatively better prepared and less vulnerable to the effects of climate change, while many countries in Africa, Asia and the Middle East exhibit a dangerous combination of high vulnerability and low preparation.

The maps, by The Eco Experts, visualize data from the University of Notre Dame’s Global Adaptation Index. The Index analyses 192 countries on 45 internal and external indicators of climate change vulnerability and readiness.

The findings highlight the need for richer countries to do more to support poorer nations, helping them prepare for the severe impacts of climate change.

Eight out of the top ten countries considered most at risk from climate change by the index are located in Africa. Hurricanes, earthquakes, droughts and flooding are all real dangers for some of these areas, and this is compounded by a lack of national strategy to counteract the effects. Chad ranked lowest in the index suggesting it will be the country hardest hit by climate change.

Parts of Asia also exhibit a dangerous combination of high vulnerability and low preparation.

Seven out the top ten countries considered least at risk from climate change are European; Norway ranks top of the index and has done since the index started in 1995. These countries cannot become complacent and must continue to prepare for the impacts of climate change.

To view all the maps visit http://blog.theecoexperts.co.uk/climate-change-map