ECOLOGICAL THREAT REPORT 2023 (Syllabus: GS Paper 3 – Env and Eco)

Context: The Ecological Threat Report 2023 revealed that more than half of the hotspot countries facing a severe threat are in sub-Saharan Africa, underscoring the pressing environmental challenges recently identified in the region.

Key Findings of Report 2023

• The compounding of ecological threats, such as rapid population growth, water risk, and food insecurity, by climate change is anticipated to lead to mass displacement of people and conflicts.
• A 25% escalation in food insecurity elevates the risk of conflict by 36%.

oSimilarly, a 25% surge in the number of individuals lacking access to clean drinking water increases the probability of conflict by 18%.

• Presently, 1 billion people inhabit 42 nations confronting severe food insecurity.
• Globally, 1 in 4 individuals lack regular access to safe drinking water.
• By 2050, the number of people residing in countries facing severe ecological threats is expected to reach 2.8 billion, an increase from the current 1.8 billion.

Ecological Threat Report 2023 

• About: This is the fourth edition of the Ecological Threat Report (ETR), which analyses ecological threats in 221 independent states and territories. 
• Produced by: The Institute for Economics & Peace (IEP).
• Coverage: 3,594 sub-national areas which account for 99.99 per cent of the world’s population. The ETR assesses threats relating to food insecurity, water risk, natural disasters, and demographic pressure.