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This report represents the World Bank's experience in climate and disaster resilient development, and contends that such development is essential to eliminating extreme poverty and achieving shared prosperity by 2030. The report recognizes however, that such development requires additional start-up costs, which pay off in the long run if done correctly. Given this, the report argues for closer collaboration between the climate resilience and disaster management communities, and the incorporation of climate and disaster resilience into broader development processes. Selected case studies are used throughout this report to illustrate promising approaches, lessons learned and remaining challenges.

This report provides a snapshot of recent scientific literature and new analyses of likely impacts and risks that would be associated with a 4` Celsius warming within this century. It is a rigorous attempt to outline a range of risks, focusing on developing countries and especially the poor. A 4`C world would be one of unprecedented heat waves, severe drought, and major floods in many regions, with serious impacts on ecosystems and associated services. But with action, a 4`C world can be avoided and we can likely hold warming below 2`C.