325 Million Exposed to Natural Disasters by 2030

Research published last year by the U.K.’s Overseas Development Institute (ODI), had a grave powerful message, that seems to have gone largely unnoticed.  It examines the relationship between disasters and poverty, suggesting that extreme weather events will keep people poor in many parts of the world. The report, The Geography of Poverty, Disasters and Climate Extremes in 2030, states that where disasters like drought are prevalent, they can be the most important cause of poverty, and that up to 325 million people will be living in countries highly exposed to natural hazards by 2030. It argues that if aid is not used to reduce these risks, the progress made in fighting poverty could disappear. Developed countries haven't recognised the role that these severe weather events have in keeping people poor.

Using population projections, climate models and estimations of how governments can cope with extreme events, it forecasts the next 20 years, suggesting that up to a third of a billion people could be living in the 49 countries most exposed to the full range of natural hazards and climate extremes in 2030. In sub-Saharan Africa 118 million people in poverty will face extreme events. The big weather issues that will face most poor people are drought, extreme rainfall and flooding.

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Sangeeta Haindl writes on social innovation, social enterprise, and social entrepreneurs. She is the owner of Serendipity PR, in London, U.K., where she works with high-profile brands and organizations in the public, non-profit, and corporate sectors, winning awards for her work from the communications industry. She describes herself as a Spiritual Entrepreneur, Conscious Explorer, and Futurist. She enjoys helping others, paying it forward, and being a mum.