How Climate Change Impacts Low-income Nations: Issues and Resilience Measures

Ioa Miliou^*
*Correspondence: Ioa Miliou, Department of Finance, University of Exeter, UK, Email:

Introduction

Climate change has become a global crisis that impacts ecosystems, economies and communities around the world. However, its effects are not felt equally. Low-income countries, particularly those in regions like sub- Saharan Africa, South Asia and parts of Latin America, are disproportionately affected by climate change, despite contributing the least to greenhouse gas emissions. These countries are more vulnerable due to their geographical exposure to extreme weather events and their heavy reliance on natural resources and agriculture, which are highly susceptible to changes in climate. Furthermore, limited financial resources and a lack of access to advanced technologies make it challenging for these nations to adapt effectively to changing environmental conditions. For these countries, climate change is not merely an environmental problem—it’s a multidimensional threat that exacerbates poverty, disrupts food security and poses substantial risks to public health and economic stability. Rising temperatures, more frequent and intense storms, shifting rainfall patterns and sea-level rise are already forcing millions of people in these regions to face resource scarcity, forced migration and declining living standards. Addressing climate change's impact on lowincome countries requires global cooperation, as well as innovative solutions to help these vulnerable regions build resilience and adapt to an uncertain future. In this communication, we examine the effects of climate change on low-income countries, focusing on the challenges it poses to agriculture, public health, infrastructure and migration. We will also explore potential adaptive strategies that can help mitigate these impacts, highlighting the need for international support and local initiatives aimed at fostering resilience in the face of climate adversity [1].

Description

Agriculture forms the backbone of many low-income economies, providing food, employment and income for millions of people. However, agriculture is also highly vulnerable to climate change, as it depends heavily on stable weather patterns. In recent years, rising temperatures, unpredictable rainfall and frequent droughts have severely impacted crop yields, threatening food security in these regions. For instance, droughts in East Africa and unpredictable monsoon patterns in South Asia have led to crop failures, reduced food availability and increased prices. This not only affects farmers’ livelihoods but also raises food insecurity, as low-income families often spend a significant portion of their income on food. Climate change exacerbates the cycle of poverty by making it more challenging for smallholder farmers to sustain their crops, leading to income losses and nutritional deficiencies for families. Climate change has a direct and severe impact on public health in low-income countries. Rising temperatures and changing weather patterns have contributed to the spread of diseases such as malaria, dengue and cholera. For example, warmer climates have expanded the geographic range of malaria-carrying mosquitoes, exposing new populations to this life-threatening disease. Additionally, extreme weather events like floods and hurricanes can contaminate drinking water sources, increasing the risk of waterborne diseases. With limited access to healthcare, these countries often lack the infrastructure and resources to respond effectively to disease outbreaks, leading to high morbidity and mortality rates. Malnutrition, exacerbated by food shortages, further weakens immune systems, making communities even more vulnerable to infections [2,3].

Extreme weather events like floods, hurricanes and cyclones pose significant threats to infrastructure in low-income countries, where buildings, roads and bridges are often not designed to withstand such forces. Flooding can damage transportation networks, disrupt access to schools and healthcare facilities and lead to costly repairs that strain already limited budgets. Economic losses from climate change also extend beyond physical damage. When people lose their homes, land and livelihoods to climateinduced disasters, poverty levels increase and economic development stalls. For low-income countries, where significant portions of the population rely on informal work or subsistence agriculture, even minor disruptions can have lasting effects. As a result, climate change not only affects immediate infrastructure but also hinders long-term economic growth and development. Climate change is a major driver of displacement and migration, particularly in low-income countries where vulnerable populations are forced to leave their homes in search of more viable living conditions. Rising sea levels, for instance, threaten low-lying coastal areas and islands, making them uninhabitable over time. People from affected areas often migrate to urban centers in search of work and shelter, placing additional stress on already overburdened urban infrastructure. Displacement due to climate change also leads to a range of social and economic challenges. Migrant populations face difficulties integrating into new communities, while host communities may experience increased competition for limited resources like water, food and housing. This can contribute to social tensions and instability, particularly when resources are scarce and poverty levels are high.

Low-income countries face financial and technological barriers that make it difficult to implement climate adaptation strategies. While high-income countries can invest in climate-resilient infrastructure, renewable energy and advanced agricultural technology, low-income countries often rely on foreign aid and limited public funds. Without adequate financial resources, these countries struggle to develop early warning systems for extreme weather events, build resilient infrastructure, or transition to more sustainable agricultural practices. In addition to financial limitations, low-income countries may lack access to the technology and expertise needed to implement effective climate solutions. For example, while drought-resistant seeds or efficient irrigation systems can help mitigate agricultural losses, they are often inaccessible or unaffordable for smallholder farmers in low-income regions. The lack of investment in climate adaptation not only hampers immediate resilience but also limits the long-term potential of these countries to achieve sustainable development [4,5].

Conclusion

Climate change represents a formidable challenge for low-income countries, impacting nearly every aspect of daily life—from food security and health to economic stability and social cohesion. The inability to cope with these environmental changes perpetuates poverty, disrupts economic growth and contributes to a cycle of vulnerability. Addressing these challenges requires a comprehensive and inclusive approach. International cooperation, increased financial assistance and the sharing of technology and expertise are critical to supporting low-income countries in building resilience to climate change. At the same time, local governments and communities must also prioritize sustainable practices, invest in climate education and strengthen their adaptive capacities. By taking a proactive stance, the global community can help mitigate the disproportionate impact of climate change on lowincome countries and contribute to a more equitable and sustainable future.

Acknowledgement

None.

Conflict of Interest

None.

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