The World Social Protection Report 2024-26: Universal Social Protection for Climate Action and a Just Transition, the latest flagship publication by the International Labour Organization (ILO), provides a comprehensive global overview of social protection progress since 2015, emphasizing its pivotal role in addressing the climate crisis.
Over half of the global population (52.4%) now benefits from some form of social protection, marking an encouraging increase from 42.8% in 2015. However, significant gaps remain, particularly in climate-vulnerable regions. In the 20 countries most exposed to the climate crisis, a staggering 91.3% of people lack any form of social protection. Globally, most children and a large proportion of women also remain excluded, underscoring persistent inequities.
The report highlights how social protection can be a critical tool for softening the impacts of climate change and facilitating a just transition to sustainable economic practices. From supporting individuals and communities during climate shocks to equipping workers with skills for green jobs, social protection systems are indispensable in mitigating the risks posed by a volatile climate.
However, the potential of social protection is hindered by significant underinvestment. While high-income countries allocate 16.2% of GDP to social protection (excluding health), low-income countries spend just 0.8%. To guarantee at least basic social protection in the most affected countries, an additional annual investment of $308.5 billion is required—a challenge that necessitates urgent international collaboration.
This report is noteworthy reading for policymakers, researchers, and advocates working at the intersection of social health protection and climate resilience. Explore the report’s findings and recommendations to better understand the critical role of social protection in building a fairer and more sustainable future.