Natural Disasters Hit the Most Vulnerable – and the Climate Crisis Makes It Worse
When the ground shakes in a country like Myanmar, where the military junta has already plunged the population into a humanitarian crisis, the consequences are catastrophic. Those already living under oppression and poverty see their lives further shattered – while another, slower disaster exacerbates their suffering: the climate crisis. The people who have contributed the least to global warming are the ones suffering the most from its effects.
In the shadow of the world’s crises, a recent earthquake struck Myanmar—a country where the junta’s grip has already created a humanitarian catastrophe and where civilians live under constant repression. When natural disasters hit nations lacking stable institutions, functioning healthcare, and democratic governance, the outcomes are devastating. In Myanmar, it is not just the immediate destruction that poses a threat, but also a regime that obstructs and delays humanitarian aid—while continuing to bomb its own people. Those already enduring the worst hardship see their lives shattered once again.
At the same time, another, slower disaster is unfolding. The climate crisis is causing increasingly frequent and severe extreme weather events—and those who have contributed the least to carbon emissions suffer the most. Myanmar is one of the countries already vulnerable to climate change, facing rising sea levels, cyclones, and floods. When climate disasters strike in combination with authoritarian rule and economic hardship, we witness a perfect storm of human suffering.
This imbalance is not a coincidence; it is a direct consequence of a global system where the wealthiest countries have built their economic growth on fossil fuels and resource exploitation, while the poorest pay the price. The legacy of colonialism lives on in how the climate crisis unfolds—historical emissions from industrialized nations are responsible for the climate disasters now striking low-income countries. Myanmar is just one example, but the same pattern can be seen in countries like Zimbabwe and the Philippines—nations that barely recover from one disaster before the next one hits.
We in the wealthy parts of the world can no longer turn a blind eye to our responsibility. The way forward is climate justice. The countries and populations that have historically caused the climate crisis through emissions must take responsibility and support those most affected. This means financing climate adaptation, debt relief, and humanitarian aid—but also putting pressure on regimes that worsen disasters through oppression and mismanagement. We need a global climate transition that includes the most vulnerable, ensuring that countries in the Global South can build resilient societies without being trapped in fossil dependency and debt crises.
IM actively works for climate justice by supporting local organizations fighting for human rights, sustainable development, and social justice. We recognize that the most vulnerable communities already have the solutions, but they need resources and influence to strengthen their resilience. By collaborating with grassroots movements and civil society organizations, we can empower local communities to withstand climate disasters and claim their right to a sustainable future.
The earthquake in Myanmar is a tragic reminder of the world’s deep injustices. If we are serious about solidarity and human rights, we must also be serious about climate justice. It is time to act—not just with words, but with concrete action, both in the short and long term.
// Anders Berg, Acting Secretary General, IM
Photo from Chimanimani, Zimbabwe, which was severely affected by Cyclone Idai in 2019. Photo: Erik Törner
By: Malin Kihlström