The Climate-Malnutrition Equation: Insights and Actions for Asia-Pacific

The Climate-Malnutrition Equation: Insights and Actions for Asia-Pacific

Rome (Italy): World Food Programme (WFP), 2024.

English

137 p.

WFPELR3604

Climate change has been called a “profound existential threat” for the Asia-Pacific region (UNDP, 2024). Indeed, those living in the region are six times more likely to be affected by climate hazards and disasters than those living elsewhere (EM-DAT, 2024), while climate-related shocks cause more damage in the region than the rest of the world, with average annual losses amounting to $924 billion (USD), or 2.9% of GDP (UN-ESCAP, 2023). At the same time, the region has amongst the highest prevalence of all forms of malnutrition in the world, with persistently high levels of undernutrition and a rapid, alarming rise in overweight, obesity, and non-communicable diseases (NCDs). In fact, more the majority of the world’s stunted children (52%), more than 70% of children affected by wasting, and nearly half of children under five who are overweight call the region home (UNICEF, WHO, and the World Bank, 2023). The overall aim of this report was to investigate and assess the direct and indirect effects of climate change on all forms of malnutrition in the Asia-Pacific region, with a particular focus on vulnerable populations, to inform the integration of nutrition-focused strategies into the World Food Programme’s (WFP) climate response system in countries most at risk. This aim was achieved by conducting a literature review, ten key informant interviews, and data mapping.

Public

ELR 3604

eng