Governments worldwide are missing the opportunity to use social protection systems effectively to mitigate the impacts of climate change. A new International Labour Organization (ILO) report highlights this critical issue. According to the World Social Protection Report 2024-26: Universal Social Protection for Climate Action and a Just Transition, countries most at risk from climate change also have the least social protection.
GLOBAL SOCIAL PROTECTION COVERAGE GROWS, BUT GAPS REMAIN
For the first time, over half of the global population (52.4%) has some form of social protection. This figure has increased significantly from 42.8% in 2015, coinciding with the adoption of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). However, the report reveals stark regional disparities.
In the 20 countries most vulnerable to the climate crisis, a staggering 91.3% of people (about 364 million individuals) remain without any social protection coverage. In the 50 most climate-vulnerable nations, 75% of the population (approximately 2.1 billion people) also lack adequate protection.
CLIMATE VULNERABILITY AND SOCIAL PROTECTION GAPS
The link between climate vulnerability and lack of social protection is undeniable. Vulnerable communities face not only environmental risks but also economic instability. The ILO report underscores the fact that social protection systems play a pivotal role in reducing the adverse impacts of climate change. This protection can include income security, healthcare access, and other essential services that help people adapt to climate-related shocks.
CHILDREN AND GENDER GAPS IN SOCIAL PROTECTION
The report sheds light on a distressing global reality: most children (76.1%) have no access to effective social protection. This leaves them exposed to the long-term consequences of climate change, such as food insecurity, displacement, and poverty. Additionally, there is a noticeable gender gap, with women’s effective social protection coverage (50.1%) trailing behind men’s (54.6%).
SOCIAL PROTECTION’S ROLE IN CLIMATE RESILIENCE AND A JUST TRANSITION
Social protection is vital in helping individuals and communities cope with the effects of climate change. It provides income security and access to healthcare during climate-related disasters, enabling people to rebuild their lives. Furthermore, social protection systems can facilitate a just transition by supporting workers, families, and enterprises during the shift toward green economies.
Countries must invest in reskilling and upskilling workers to prepare them for employment in low-carbon industries. Training programs, supported by robust social protection, will ensure workers are not left behind as economies move toward sustainability. Social protection also guarantees that these green jobs offer decent working conditions and adequate benefits.
CALL FOR UNIVERSAL SOCIAL PROTECTION
In the report, ILO Director-General Gilbert F. Houngbo emphasized the need for universal social protection. “Climate change does not recognize borders,” he stated, “and we cannot build a wall to keep the crisis out. The climate crisis affects us all and represents the single gravest threat to social justice today.”
He also called for greater global cooperation in building robust social protection systems. Houngbo pointed out that the consequences of the climate crisis will inevitably spill over into other regions, making universal social protection an ethical and practical necessity.
ECONOMIC DISPARITIES IN SOCIAL PROTECTION SPENDING
On average, countries spend 12.9% of their GDP on social protection, excluding health. However, the disparity between high-income and low-income countries is glaring. High-income nations allocate around 16.2% of their GDP to social protection, while low-income countries spend just 0.8%.
Low-income countries, particularly those most vulnerable to climate change, need an additional $308.5 billion per year to ensure at least basic social protection for their populations. Without significant international support, these nations will struggle to close their social protection gaps.
INVESTMENT IN SOCIAL PROTECTION FOR CLIMATE ACTION
Governments must recognize the dual role of social protection in addressing both climate mitigation and adaptation. By investing in universal social protection, countries can build resilience in the face of climate-related challenges and secure public support for environmental policies.
The ILO report urges global leaders to take bold action and close the current gaps in social protection. The world’s most vulnerable populations cannot afford further delays in addressing the climate crisis. Universal social protection is a powerful tool that can help prevent the deepening of inequalities and ensure that no one is left behind in the transition to a sustainable future.
CLOSING THE SOCIAL PROTECTION GAPS
The World Social Protection Report concludes with several recommendations to guide policymakers:
- Prepare for climate-related risks: Governments should establish social protection systems that are ready to respond to both routine life cycle risks and climate-related shocks.
- Mitigate and adapt: Social protection should play a key role in both climate change mitigation efforts and adaptation strategies, ensuring public acceptance of necessary measures.
- Prioritize investment: Investment in social protection must be prioritized, especially for low-income countries with limited fiscal space. International support is crucial to closing these gaps.