Abidjan, November 17, 2025 – The World Bank Group is sounding the alarm and urging the world to “do things differently” to ensure a livable planet.

In a new publication, the institution highlights the success of local and resilient solutions implemented in Africa, Asia, Europe and the Caribbean, proving that climate action is a powerful driver of protecting people, livelihoods and creating economic opportunities.

🌊 In West Africa, the Coasts Are Coming Back to Life

In Togo, the city of Aného, once ravaged by erosion, is a prime example of the success of the WACA Project (West Africa Coastal Areas Resilience). Thanks to the construction of dikes and breakwaters, and the restoration of mangroves, the coastline has been stabilized, revitalizing the local economy.

🧑‍💼 Key Figures: A new hotel under construction is expected to create 500 direct and indirect jobs . Fishermen report the return of extinct species and a significant increase in income .

This regional program, which spans nine coastal countries and 17 West African countries, proves that protecting ecosystems is synonymous with economic resilience and increased incomes.

👩‍🌾 Agriculture and Strengthened Value Chains

In Benin , the modernization of the Agamé Cooperative has transformed the lives of its 730 members (715 of whom are women). Improvements to the organization and equipment have led to dramatic gains in productivity and income.

1. The complete production cycle is now finished in just a few hours .
2. The producers' incomes have increased significantly .

🌴 Caribbean: Smart Agriculture in Jamaica

Faced with the challenges of hurricanes and drought, the Rural Economic Development Initiative is helping small-scale Jamaican producers adapt. The adoption of greenhouses, drip irrigation, and good agricultural practices ensures reliable harvests, allowing farmers like Earl Williams to supply local markets and hotels.

Nearly 20,000 farmers and tourism providers have benefited from the initiative, enabling 90% of rural businesses to expand their market access and reduce dependence on food imports .

🏙️ Cities facing the heatwave: Vital solutions

The World Bank warns of the economic impact of extreme heat, which could reduce annual GDP by 2.5% by 2050 in many cities across Europe and Central Asia. Yet, simple solutions are already saving lives and maintaining economic activity:

1. India (Ahmedabad): A heat action plan has prevented more than 2,300 deaths .
2. Bosnia and Herzegovina (Sarajevo): Citizen thermal mapping campaigns are guiding public protection policies.

In addition, the International Finance Corporation (IFC) supports crucial innovations, such as solar refrigerators in Nigeria and energy-efficient cooling systems in Mexico, ensuring the continuity of economic activity despite rising temperatures.

📈 Resilience, a Global Priority

By 2025, more than a third of the World Bank's climate finance was dedicated to building resilience, reaching nearly 425 million people . These crucial investments aim to:

1. Keep roads passable after floods.
2. Protecting crops during periods of drought.
3. Helping households and businesses to preserve jobs and income in the event of a disaster.

The institution emphasizes the need for integrated climate action that combines resilient agriculture, ecosystem restoration, sustainable water management and low-carbon systems.