Special Report

26 Climate Crisis Disasters That Will Get Worse If We Do Nothing

Source: Warrick Page / Getty Images

16. Severe water scarcity

Several billion people will experience water scarcity by the end of the century. According to one estimate, there could be a 40% gap between global water demand and reliable water supply already by 2030.

Source: Paula Bronstein / Getty Images

17. Severe drought in India and Pakistan

India’s national water supply is forecast to drop to half of demand as soon as 2030, and Pakistan will face severe water scarcity by 2025.

Source: doug4537 / Getty Images

18. Increase in vector-borne diseases

Changes in temperature, precipitation rates, and humidity are expected to increase the incidence of diseases like malaria and dengue fever.

Source: Burak Kara / Getty Images

19. Extreme political instability

Changes in available food and water resources, mass migrations, and other issues could result in widespread instability in regional governments as well as severe armed conflicts.

Source: 3D_generator / Getty Images

20. Nuclear war

Resource shortages and displaced populations, which are escalated by the climate emergency, are triggers of conflict. Scientists have not ruled out such worse-case scenarios as the possibility of nuclear war.

Sponsored: Find a Qualified Financial Advisor

Finding a qualified financial advisor doesn’t have to be hard. SmartAsset’s free tool matches you with up to 3 fiduciary financial advisors in your area in 5 minutes. Each advisor has been vetted by SmartAsset and is held to a fiduciary standard to act in your best interests. If you’re ready to be matched with local advisors that can help you achieve your financial goals, get started now.