Climate crisis exacerbates social protection inequalities, says ILO report
MENA Newswire News Desk: Governments are not fully utilizing the potential of universal social protection to address climate change, according to a recent International Labour Organization (ILO) report. The findings suggest that countries most affected by climate crises are among the least prepared to handle their impact, particularly in terms of social protection coverage. The report, World Social Protection Report 2024-2026: Universal Social Protection for Climate Action and a Just Transition, highlights significant gaps in social protection, particularly in nations facing the gravest environmental challenges.
For the first time, over half the global population – 52.4% – is covered by some form of social protection, a rise from 42.8% in 2015, the year of the Sustainable Development Goals’ adoption. Despite this progress, an alarming 364 million people, or 91.3% of the population in the 20 countries most vulnerable to climate change, still lack any form of social protection. Expanding the view to the 50 most climate-affected countries, 75% of people (2.1 billion) remain unprotected. Even more troubling, 76.1% of children globally remain without adequate social protection, and significant gender disparities persist, with women consistently receiving less coverage than men.
Social protection plays a crucial role in climate adaptation and mitigating the effects of climate-related disasters, the ILO report stresses. It provides income security and access to healthcare, helping individuals and communities withstand climate shocks. Moreover, as economies shift toward greener practices, social protection can safeguard workers and enterprises by supporting training and upskilling in low-carbon sectors, ensuring that the transition is inclusive and fair.
“The climate crisis is the single greatest threat to social justice today,” said ILO Director-General Gilbert F. Houngbo. “Many of the countries bearing the brunt of climate change are the least equipped to manage its consequences. Universal social protection is one of the most powerful tools we have to address this challenge, preventing deeper inequalities and social exclusion.”
Despite the vital role of social protection, governments are not investing adequately to close coverage gaps. High-income countries allocate 16.2% of their GDP to social protection, compared to only 0.8% in low-income countries. To meet the basic needs of their populations, low-income nations would require an additional $308.5 billion annually, a sum that necessitates international support.
The ILO calls for integrated policies that link climate action with social protection, ensuring that both mitigation and adaptation efforts are fair and inclusive. The report also emphasizes the need for external assistance for nations with limited fiscal capacity, particularly those most vulnerable to climate impacts. To achieve a just transition, the ILO recommends prioritizing social protection investment, both domestically and internationally, to protect the most vulnerable populations from the devastating effects of climate change.