Disparate Climate Change Health Costs: The Emissions, Vulnerability, and Readiness Nexus

The emissions, vulnerability, and readiness nexus illustrate several interrelated disparities between the Global North and South. We examine these disparities by mapping country-level CO₂ emissions against climate-related mortality. Global North countries and China are the main contributors to CO₂ emissions, whereas African countries and India are the most affected. This relationship is further reflected in a strong negative association between readiness for and vulnerability to climate change. The dichotomy between the Global North’s contribution and the Global South’s vulnerability to climate change risks underscores the urgent need for equitable climate policies that address these imbalances and bolster global readiness.