Climate change is creating real challenges for people everywhere. Extreme weather—like heatwaves, flooding, and droughts—affects daily life and forces us to adapt. Sadly, not everyone can afford to live in safe areas, and many won’t want to stay in high-risk zones.
In my book, Sink or Swim, I discuss the tough decisions ahead. We need to determine where it’s safe to live, who makes those decisions, and how we can adjust our food systems to meet everyone’s needs, especially in hard times.
Currently, COP30 in Brazil is focused on generating financial support for low-income countries. Last year, at a UN conference in Baku, governments committed to gather at least $300 billion by 2035, with a goal of up to $1.3 trillion. Unfortunately, many wealthy nations haven’t pulled their weight, leaving a gap of $187 billion to $359 billion annually for adaptations in poorer countries.
We do need more funds, but cash alone won’t solve the issues. My experiences show that adaptation efforts have mostly been small-scale. Initiatives like early-warning systems and flood barriers help, but we need larger, more strategic changes to tackle challenges like heatwaves and crop failures.
One tough choice we face is whether to relocate communities from areas prone to flooding and sea level rise. There are examples of managed relocations in places like China and Fiji, but it’s not always easy. For instance, residents in Wales were surprised to learn that their town’s sea defenses wouldn’t be maintained. Many areas in the UK face similar risks.
Governments must decide which locations to protect and which to allow communities to leave. It’s essential to involve those affected in these discussions, ensuring their voices are heard while providing support for relocation.
Another critical decision is achieving balance in our food systems. The current system lacks diversity, making it vulnerable to climate shocks. Many staple crops are grown in just a few regions, which is risky. Building a more diverse agricultural system would add resilience but will require careful planning and investment.
Governments need to support diverse food varieties and local farming while fostering broader trade relationships. The initial costs might be high, but the long-term benefits would outweigh these expenses when disasters strike.
As we navigate choices in areas like migration, water use, and biodiversity, we will rely on significant public and private investments. These discussions will involve trade-offs and potential short-term political fallout. Yet, avoiding these challenges could lead to ongoing chaos from the climate crisis.
As we face these difficult paths, one thing is clear: addressing the climate crisis requires honest discussions and decisive action.
Susannah Fisher is the author of Sink or Swim: How the world needs to adapt to a changing climate.
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