Climate change is one of the most significant global risks studied in IB Geography, particularly within the Global Risks and Resilience unit. It increases global risk by intensifying environmental hazards, disrupting economic systems, and threatening human security at multiple scales. Unlike many other risks, climate change acts as a risk multiplier, worsening existing vulnerabilities and inequalities.

One key way climate change increases global risk is through the intensification of natural hazards. Rising global temperatures lead to more frequent and severe heatwaves, droughts, floods, and storms. These hazards damage infrastructure, destroy livelihoods, and increase the likelihood of humanitarian crises. As extreme events become more common, recovery becomes harder, especially for vulnerable communities.

Climate change also increases risks to food and water security. Changing rainfall patterns, rising temperatures, and more frequent droughts reduce agricultural productivity in many regions. Crop failures and livestock losses threaten food supplies and raise prices, increasing the risk of malnutrition and social unrest. Water scarcity is intensified as glaciers retreat, rainfall becomes less predictable, and demand increases, heightening competition for limited supplies.

Economic systems are also affected. Climate change disrupts global supply chains by damaging transport infrastructure, reducing productivity, and increasing disaster-related costs. Countries that rely heavily on climate-sensitive sectors such as agriculture, fishing, or tourism are particularly vulnerable. In IB Geography, this demonstrates how environmental risks translate into economic instability and reduced global resilience.

Climate change further increases human security risks. Rising sea levels threaten low-lying coastal areas and small island states, forcing displacement and migration. Climate-related migration can place pressure on urban areas and neighbouring countries, increasing the risk of conflict and political instability. Health risks also rise as heat stress, air pollution, and disease patterns change.

In IB Geography, it is important to recognise that climate change does not affect all regions equally. Low-income countries often face the greatest risks due to limited adaptive capacity, even though they have contributed least to global emissions. This inequality increases global risk by undermining international stability and cooperation.

Climate change also challenges global governance. Managing a long-term, complex risk requires international cooperation, yet political disagreements and uneven commitment slow progress. Delayed action increases future risks and reduces the effectiveness of adaptation strategies.

Overall, climate change increases global risk by amplifying hazards, threatening food and water security, destabilising economies, and increasing inequality. Addressing this risk requires mitigation, adaptation, and resilience-building at local, national, and global scales.

RevisionDojo helps IB Geography students understand climate change as a global risk clearly, linking physical processes to human impacts and supporting confident, exam-ready evaluation.