Yemen Climate and Health Vulnerability Assessment

Investment Rating - The report does not explicitly provide an investment rating for the industry Core Insights - The Republic of Yemen is facing severe humanitarian and development crises exacerbated by climate change, with a projected GDP growth of 2% in 2024, still significantly lower than the 2014 GDP of USD 22.7 billion [18] - The assessment identifies key climate-related health risks, including food insecurity, waterborne diseases, vector-borne diseases, heat-related morbidity, and risks to health infrastructure due to flooding [84] - The report emphasizes the need for targeted adaptation measures to enhance the adaptive capacity of vulnerable populations in Yemen [21] Summary by Sections Section I: Climate - Yemen's climate is characterized by extreme temperatures and variable rainfall, with an average national warm season maximum of 36.5°C in June and an annual average rainfall of 190 mm [33][34] - The mean annual temperature has increased by 0.42°C per decade from 1971 to 2020, with projections indicating further increases under high greenhouse gas emission scenarios [35] - The report highlights that approximately 100,000 people are exposed to natural and climate-driven disasters annually, with flooding being the most significant risk [49] Section II: Climate-Related Health Risks - Yemen is undergoing an epidemiological transition, with non-communicable diseases becoming the primary cause of death, while communicable diseases still represent a significant health burden [82] - Food insecurity is a critical issue, with 17 million people food insecure as of 2022, and the country ranks 123rd out of 125 on the Global Hunger Index [89][90] - Waterborne diseases are a major health concern, with a history of cholera outbreaks and significant challenges in accessing clean water [102][104] Section III: Adaptive Capacity and Readiness - The report discusses the importance of leadership and governance, health information systems, service delivery, and health financing in enhancing adaptive capacity [31][32] - It emphasizes the need for improved health infrastructure and financing to address the projected health impacts of climate change [37] Section IV: Proposed Actions - The report outlines proposed actions for improving governance, health information systems, service delivery, and financing to better prepare for climate-related health risks [40][41][42] - It calls for further research to understand the economic costs of health impacts due to climate change [43]