Norway: Leading the World in Climate Resilience
Norway stands at the top of the ND-GAIN Index, which measures a country’s ability to adapt to climate change and recover from environmental shocks. Its high ranking isn’t by chance—Norway has invested heavily in robust infrastructure, sustainable energy, and smart urban planning. The nation’s government is known for its long-term climate strategies, including aggressive emissions reduction targets and substantial support for green technology. Experts like Dr. Eirik Wærness, chief economist at Equinor, have praised Norway’s “forward-thinking policies that keep communities safe even as global risks grow.” Norwegians benefit from a well-maintained public transport system and disaster preparedness programs that set a global standard. The country’s stable political environment further strengthens its ability to plan for the future. All these efforts combine to make Norway a model for climate resilience, showing the world what’s possible with the right investment and vision.
Finland: Harnessing Policy and Nature for Stability
Finland doesn’t just enjoy beautiful forests and lakes—it also boasts some of the most effective climate resilience policies in the world. The Finnish government has enacted strict environmental protections, and its cities routinely top rankings for air and water quality. According to a 2024 European Environment Agency report, Finland’s frequency of extreme weather events remains low compared to other European nations. The country’s ability to blend nature with policy makes it uniquely resistant to climate disruptions. Finland’s “Climate-Smart Forestry” program is one example, balancing timber production with biodiversity and carbon sequestration. In the words of Prime Minister Petteri Orpo, “We see resilience as a national responsibility, not just a government task.” Finland’s approach proves that careful planning and respect for the environment can keep a country ahead of the curve, even as the world gets hotter and storms more frequent.
New Zealand: Proactive and Prepared for Tomorrow
New Zealand has earned global recognition for its proactive approach to climate adaptation. The government’s National Adaptation Plan, launched recently, addresses everything from rising sea levels to increased flooding risks. According to the country’s Ministry for the Environment, New Zealand is investing billions in infrastructure upgrades and community education programs. The island nation’s unique geography presents challenges, yet this has only strengthened its resolve to build resilient cities and protect vulnerable communities. New Zealand’s indigenous Māori communities are also involved in shaping adaptation strategies, lending traditional knowledge and values to modern policies. As climate scientist Dr. James Renwick notes, “New Zealand’s blend of innovation and inclusivity is a blueprint for others.” With regular emergency drills and strict building codes, New Zealand is proving that preparedness is a shared responsibility—and that it pays off.
Chad: Facing Unrelenting Climate Hardship
Chad consistently ranks as the most vulnerable country to climate change according to the latest ND-GAIN Index. This landlocked African nation is battered by floods, severe droughts, and food insecurity—all while grappling with ongoing military conflicts. The United Nations has warned that millions are at risk of famine, with humanitarian agencies struggling to keep up. Chad’s resilience is hampered by a lack of infrastructure and limited governmental resources. The country’s agricultural sector, which employs most of its population, has been devastated by unpredictable weather and shrinking water sources. As climate activist Mariam Mahamat put it, “Every season brings new uncertainty, and survival is never guaranteed.” The world’s attention on Chad is growing, but so far, meaningful solutions remain elusive.
Somalia: Drought, Instability, and Humanitarian Crisis
Somalia is facing an unprecedented crisis as climate change collides with political instability and violence. More than eight million people are at risk of famine due to prolonged drought and poor harvests, as reported by the UN in early 2025. The situation is compounded by the government’s limited ability to coordinate relief or invest in long-term infrastructure. Rural communities, in particular, are struggling to access clean water and basic services. Aid agencies have described the situation as “dire,” with increasing displacement and malnutrition. In the words of UN humanitarian chief Martin Griffiths, “Somalia is on the frontlines of climate catastrophe, with little defense.” The country’s struggles are a stark reminder of how climate change can deepen existing vulnerabilities.
Syria: War’s Shadow Over Climate Adaptation
Syria, long ravaged by conflict, now faces a new enemy: climate-related disasters. Years of fighting have decimated infrastructure, leaving communities exposed to drought, heatwaves, and water shortages. According to the International Red Cross, millions remain internally displaced, with many living in camps lacking adequate shelter. The Syrian government’s capacity to respond is limited, making it hard to rebuild or prepare for future shocks. Farmers in the northeast, once the country’s breadbasket, are now struggling with dry wells and failed crops. As one Syrian aid worker told Reuters, “When war ends, the climate crisis begins.” The overlapping emergencies have made recovery nearly impossible and threaten to prolong the humanitarian crisis for years.
Democratic Republic of Congo: Disease, Floods, and Food Insecurity
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is another country where climate change magnifies existing hardships. Recent years have seen a rise in devastating floods, which have destroyed homes and displaced entire communities. The World Health Organization warns that waterborne diseases are spreading due to poor sanitation and infrastructure breakdowns. Food insecurity is rampant, with millions facing hunger as crops fail and markets collapse. The DRC’s vast rainforests, once a buffer against climate shocks, are shrinking due to deforestation and illegal mining. Local leaders have called for more international support, saying, “We are paying the price for a crisis we did not cause.” The struggle for survival in the DRC is emblematic of the broader injustices of global climate change.
Afghanistan: Displacement Driven by a Changing Climate
Afghanistan’s climate woes are becoming harder to ignore, with desertification and land degradation threatening both cities and rural areas. The United Nations reports that climate shocks are driving a new wave of internal displacement, as families leave barren fields in search of food and water. Crop failures have pushed prices up, making basic goods unaffordable for many. The country’s political instability makes it difficult to mount a coordinated response, leaving many communities to fend for themselves. Aid agencies have highlighted the plight of children, who are often forced into labor to support their families. Environmental scientist Dr. Farzana Kohistani has said, “Afghanistan’s future is at the mercy of the climate.” The need for urgent action is clear, but solutions remain painfully out of reach.
Bangladesh: Suffering Under Relentless Heatwaves
Bangladesh faced a particularly severe heatwave in 2024, with temperatures soaring to an astonishing 43.8°C. The government responded by closing schools nationwide, affecting millions of students and families. Hospitals reported a sharp increase in heatstroke cases, and agricultural output suffered as crops withered in the fields. Urban areas were hit especially hard, with power outages and water shortages compounding the crisis. Bangladesh’s low-lying geography makes it especially vulnerable to both heatwaves and flooding, putting enormous pressure on its disaster response systems. Local climate expert Dr. Saleemul Huq explained, “Extreme heat is the new normal, and our resilience is being tested like never before.” The country’s experience highlights the urgent need for adaptation in the face of ever-worsening climate extremes.
Pakistan: Battling the Frontlines of Extreme Weather
Pakistan is no stranger to extreme weather, but recent years have brought unprecedented challenges. The country has suffered devastating floods, with millions displaced and billions in damages. In addition, record-breaking heatwaves have strained the healthcare system and triggered widespread power outages. The economic toll is immense, as the agricultural sector—vital for the country’s economy—has been repeatedly battered. Pakistan’s Minister for Climate Change, Sherry Rehman, declared, “We are living the reality of climate change every day.” Despite major international aid efforts, rebuilding remains slow and many communities are still living in temporary shelters. Pakistan’s story is a stark warning: when climate and vulnerability collide, the consequences can be catastrophic.
