In a stark warning, David Miliband, former UK Foreign Secretary and current CEO of the International Rescue Committee (IRC), has urged wealthier nations to significantly boost their aid to the world’s most vulnerable countries. Speaking to The Independent, Miliband highlighted the urgent need for grant-based assistance to help these nations adapt to the escalating climate crisis, which he believes is a major factor exacerbating global conflicts.
A Crisis of Funding
Miliband’s comments come as aid budgets face unprecedented strain. With cuts from the US under Donald Trump’s administration and the UK also planning reductions, the situation is dire. The IRC has already been forced to slash its budget by approximately $400 million (£290 million), resulting in thousands of job losses. Miliband emphasised that the current approach of relying on loans for climate adaptation is not sustainable. “The last thing fragile states need is more debts,” he said, advocating instead for financial support aimed at building climate resilience.
The IRC’s recent report identifies 20 nations likely to experience worsening humanitarian crises this year, many of which are located around the equator. These regions are particularly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, but Miliband noted that the connection between climate change and conflict is often overlooked. He stated, “I think the contribution of climate change to conflict is underestimated,” pointing out that while some conflicts, like those in Ukraine and Gaza, are not driven by climate issues, resource stress caused by changing weather patterns plays a significant role in global instability.
The Challenge of Adaptation
Climate adaptation can encompass various strategies, including the establishment of mangrove forests to protect coastlines, the distribution of drought-resistant seeds, and the construction of flood defences. However, unlike mitigation efforts aimed at reducing carbon emissions, attracting private investment for adaptation in fragile nations is considerably challenging. Miliband highlighted that, historically, only about 10 per cent of funding for climate adaptation in developing countries has come from the private sector.
“It’s crucial we shift the current dynamic, where those most affected by climate change receive the least financial support for adaptation,” he stressed. This inversion of funding priorities not only hampers the ability of these nations to cope but also exacerbates their vulnerabilities.
An Unprecedented Moment
The IRC’s report, released last month, paints a grim picture of global humanitarian conditions, noting that the 20 countries identified account for 12 per cent of the global population but a staggering 50 per cent of those living in extreme poverty. The report warns that global support to address these crises is collapsing. Over the past year, the number of recorded conflicts worldwide has surged, with 61 conflicts noted in 2024—the highest since World War II. Alarmingly, 18 nations reported over 1,000 conflict-related deaths last year, underscoring the dire humanitarian implications.
Miliband’s comments echo sentiments expressed by leaders from conflict-affected nations during the recent Cop30 UN climate talks in Brazil. These leaders lamented their exclusion from key discussions on climate aid, despite being among the most vulnerable to climate impacts. They called for a substantial increase in annual aid, requesting $20 billion to meet their adaptation needs—a demand that has not yet been addressed by global leaders.
Why it Matters
Miliband’s urgent appeal for increased aid is not just about humanitarian assistance; it highlights a critical intersection where climate change, poverty, and conflict converge. As climate impacts intensify, failing to provide adequate support to the most affected nations could lead to further instability, potentially igniting conflicts that could have global repercussions. Addressing these challenges with the urgency they demand is not merely a matter of compassion but a necessity for global security and stability. The time for action is now.
