Mitigating the Effects of Natural Disasters as a Result of Global Warming in Underdeveloped Regions

By Nancy Juliaa
Global warming is a natural increase in global temperature, aided by greenhouse gas emissions from naturally occurring processes, such as the carbon cycle. Accelerated increase of this phenomenon, rooted by the recent dramatic increase in greenhouse emissions largely due to urbanization and industrialisation, is key in the emerging, detrimental occurrence termed “climate change”.  
Undoubtedly, this results in adverse effects to the environment, including the melting of polar ice caps, increase in sea levels and loss of aquatic and terrestrial biodiversity. From a human-centered perspective, effects include increased droughts, increased floods in other regions of the world, enhanced frequencies of wildfires, insufficient food resources, tropical hurricane formations (due to varying precipitations patterns), amongst many such others, all collectively designated the term “natural disasters”.  
It should be noted that whilst these effects manifest on a global scale, the communities weathering the heaviest burden are the ones contributing infinitesimally to climate change. According to the Global Carbon Budget (2023), less than 1% of all CO2 emissions world-wide were emitted by the so-called Low-Income Countries (LIC) as opposed to the 46% emitted by the Upper-Middle Income countries. Conversely, organizations like the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) have recognized the heightened vulnerability of lower income countries when mitigating such natural disasters, amplified by their lack of resources, infrastructure, and adaptive capacity.  
In fact, as the address by CARE at the Global Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction in Geneva is titled, “Poverty causes disaster and disaster causes poverty”. This is especially true for underdeveloped countries as destruction of a single means of livelihood can mean the whole region loses their only source of income. Several villages in India and Africa, to give an example, are agricultural entities dependent almost entirely on agriculture of a certain crop(s) as their only source of monetary income. Flash floods or hurricanes destroying agricultural fields can mean devastation for these communities, resulting in loss of livelihoods, food insecurity, and increased poverty levels. Without alternative sources of income or adequate social safety nets, affected households may struggle to recover from such disasters, perpetuating a cycle of poverty and vulnerability.  
One other impact of climate change-induced natural disasters is the spread of diseases such as Malaria. Over 95% of all malaria-related deaths were from regions classed as underdeveloped, according to the WHO 2022 report. Warmer temperatures can create more favorable conditions for mosquito breeding, which is the main vector for transferring the malaria-causing Plasmodium, lengthening the already long reach of malaria.  
 
Other diseases like dengue fever and tuberculosis are also exacerbated by the increasing temperatures. This results in a multi-pronged attack on communities already weakened by decades of battling other diseases. Many such underdeveloped regions have already strained healthcare infrastructure, rendering it impossible to cater to the needs of all patients. This increases their vulnerability if epidemics break out, once again trapping individuals in a never-ending, vicious cycle of poverty. 
But what if that cycle can be broken? Can underdeveloped regions be empowered to deal with the effects of natural disasters with minimal casualties? 
The Paris agreement is an international treaty signed between 196 countries to reduce global temperatures by 2 degrees Celsius. Countries have the flexibility to set emission reduction goals and fund other, underdeveloped countries to empower them in this aspect as well.  
While this is a significant step towards addressing climate change, there is a need for more concentrated effort when tackling empowering underdeveloped countries. Firstly, education and awareness programs should be used to raise acknowledgement throughout the region. This can include training in evacuation plans, disaster response and early-warning systems. Secondly, incorporating indigenous knowledge with existing technology by inclusive discussions and planning with especially marginalized groups like women, children, and the elderly, can promote usefulness and sustainability of such procedures.  
Moreover, access to essential and basic amenities like healthcare, food aid and temporary shelter should be strengthened for use in times of need. Cash transfer mechanisms and insurance schemes should be implemented to ensure economic security. 
In conclusion, the detrimental impacts of climate change-induced natural disasters on underdeveloped regions are undeniable. From exacerbating poverty to spreading diseases, these communities face formidable challenges compounded by their limited resources and infrastructure. However, breaking the cycle of poverty and vulnerability is possible through concerted efforts and international cooperation. More focused initiatives are needed to empower underdeveloped countries. By enhancing education, incorporating indigenous knowledge, and strengthening access to essential amenities, we can build resilience and mitigate the impacts of natural disasters, paving the way for a more equitable and sustainable future for all.