New maps show exactly where Latin America's poor face the most climate risk

A new World Bank study maps out exactly where poor communities in Latin America are most exposed to climate hazards. It turns out that poor people in the region are 30% more likely to face droughts, floods, and heatwaves than their wealthier neighbors, especially in specific 'hotspot' areas.

Development agencies knew that climate change hit the poor hardest. This paper provides the specific maps and numbers to prove it, identifying exactly which communities in Latin America are most at risk from specific hazards like floods or droughts. This means aid organizations and governments can now pinpoint 'hotspots' in places like the Brazilian northeast or the Caribbean islands, making climate resilience efforts far more targeted and effective.