Climate change in the global south: Trends and spatial patterns

Abstract

During the last few decades, research on climate change has increased tremendously mainly due to the increasing awareness of the buildup of greenhouse gases. In this regard, it is imperative to understand the regional level manifestations of climate change for the more densely populated and less-explored, fast-developing regions of the Global South. There remains a great amount of uncertainty for these regions due to limited spatial and temporal spread of climate data. Based on the analysis of long term climate records, the majority of the Global south is extremely vulnerable and under-prepared for the impending impacts of climate change. Some of the specific impacts include decreasing trends in precipitation accompanied by increasing trends in temperatures and extreme weather events. Specifically, some areas, such as small low-lying islands in the Pacific, are more vulnerable to climate change and the impacts resulting from sea level rise. Furthermore, the concentration of population along the coast with limited access to resources and poor infrastructure makes this region more vulnerable. These impacts will be disproportionately burdened on women and girls, due to high gender inequality and their high representation below the poverty line.