The World Food Programme (WFP) warned that even a one-degree rise in global temperatures could push an additional 70 million people into food insecurity across 45 countries where it operates. As COP30 concludes in the Amazon, WFP highlighted how extreme weather is intensifying the global hunger crisis. Recent disasters such as Hurricane Melissa in the Caribbean and Typhoon Fung-Wong in the Philippines show how storms, floods and droughts uproot families, damage crops and disrupt supply chains. Shrinking humanitarian funding has further increased risks, leaving vulnerable communities without the resources needed to prepare for or recover from climate-driven shocks.
WFP emphasized that lack of preparedness turns extreme weather into a hunger catastrophe. The agency stressed that acting only after disasters strike is a costly mistake, noting that early and innovative interventions save lives and livelihoods. Last year, WFP implemented anticipatory actions ahead of 16 extreme weather events in 13 countries, sending early warning messages to nearly 14 million people and providing cash transfers to 1.3 million households. Each dollar invested in anticipatory action saves up to seven dollars in avoided losses and faster recovery.
WFP also supports countries by ensuring disaster insurance payouts triggered by climate events are channelled to vulnerable groups through social protection schemes. In 2024, WFP provided financial protection worth US$361 million to more than six million people across 37 countries. The agency stressed that strengthening community resilience is essential, calling for more financing to boost local food systems, restore degraded land and support smallholder farmers.
As COP30 wraps up in Belem, WFP praised Brazil’s leadership and urged global stakeholders to turn climate commitments into tangible action. It called for efforts to keep the 1.5°C target within reach, accelerate adaptation measures and ensure climate finance reaches those most affected.
