A new study by ODI Global, an international think tank, has revealed the staggering economic and human cost of climate change on the world's poorest countries over the past two decades. The research shows that extreme weather events, fueled by the climate crisis, have resulted in a $156 billion (£116 billion) economic impact on these nations since 2000 [1][2][3].

The study highlights the disproportionate effect of climate change on vulnerable populations. According to the findings, climate-related disasters have affected 364 million people and caused more than 42,000 deaths in the world's poorest countries since the turn of the millennium. Of these fatalities, 17,000 can be directly attributed to climate change [1][2][3].

Somalia, Haiti, and Uganda have been identified as the nations hardest hit by these climate-induced catastrophes. The research also uncovered significant agricultural losses in countries like Somalia and Ethiopia, where farmers have been forced to abandon their livelihoods due to increasing food scarcity [1][2][3].

Mike Childs, head of policy at Friends of the Earth, emphasized the injustice of the situation, stating, 'If the UK suffered tens of billions of pounds worth of damage caused by other countries' actions, our government and the public would rightfully be shouting from the rooftops about the injustice' [1][3].

The researchers at ODI Global hope these stark findings will serve as a 'wake-up call for global policymakers' [1][2][3]. The study underscores the urgent need for international action to address the climate crisis and support the most vulnerable nations in adapting to and mitigating its effects.

As the world continues to grapple with the escalating climate crisis, this research provides crucial data to inform policy decisions and highlight the need for equitable solutions in global climate action.