Climate change is not just an environmental crisis but an economic one. Central America and the Dominican Republic have mobilized millions in climate resilience projects, but it's time the world acknowledges the financial cost of climate inaction and invests accordingly.

Climate change is no longer an abstract or distant issue. Its impacts are felt worldwide, particularly in regions already vulnerable due to economic and environmental factors. Central America, one of these regions, has made notable strides in addressing climate resilience. Still, these efforts highlight a broader and more urgent truth: the economic consequences of climate change are staggering, and it is time for global recognition and action.

Since 2022, countries in Central America and the Dominican Republic have mobilized close to $14 million for climate resilience projects, targeting vulnerable areas like the dry corridor and arid zones. These initiatives, led by the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), are designed to improve the region's climate resilience and economic development. However, as these nations grapple with the dual challenges of climate adaptation and economic growth, it is increasingly clear that the financial toll of climate change is one that the rest of the world can no longer ignore.

The FAO's "Hand-in-Hand" initiative, launched globally in 2020, has become a flagship program for promoting climate resilience and development. By focusing on priority areas such as agricultural zoning for climate risk (ZARC), soil digital mapping, and providing digital tools for micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises, Central American countries have made significant progress in fortifying their economies against the destructive effects of climate change. This program, now adopted by 72 countries worldwide, has allowed the countries in the Central American Integration System (SICA), which includes nations like Belize, Guatemala, Honduras, and the Dominican Republic, to enhance the technical capabilities of their agricultural ministries and improve the management of resources in areas prone to climate extremes.

One of the most critical components of this initiative has been strengthening the National Institutes of Innovation, Development, and Agricultural Research (INIA) to ensure that local solutions are practical and sustainable. In regions like the dry corridor, where agriculture is a primary source of livelihood for 10 million people, this kind of resilience is not just necessary for survival -- it's crucial for economic stability. Yet, while the FAO's initiative is a commendable step forward, these investments reveal the high cost of failing to prepare for a future shaped by increasingly volatile climate patterns.

The economic impacts of climate change are not limited to agricultural losses, though these are undoubtedly significant in regions like Central America. In the dry corridor, frequent droughts and catastrophic floods have decimated crops, creating a cycle of food insecurity and poverty. The vast majority of those affected depend on agriculture for their livelihoods, and without significant intervention, the economic repercussions will continue to ripple through the region.

The $14 million mobilized since 2022 for climate resilience is a drop compared to the long-term costs of climate change on Central American economies. Without proper action, the region could see a dramatic rise in poverty rates, displacement, and economic instability. These challenges are exacerbated by a lack of water security and the increasing frequency of extreme weather events. It is time for governments, international organizations, and the private sector to recognize the economic risks posed by climate change and respond with the necessary investments.

For too long, the global conversation around climate change has focused primarily on the environmental impacts -- rising sea levels, deforestation, and biodiversity loss. But these issues are inextricably linked to economic outcomes. As climate change continues to wreak havoc on ecosystems, the financial consequences will only become more severe. The world cannot afford to overlook the financial costs of climate change, and the efforts of Central America should serve as both a warning and a model for how to respond to these growing threats.

One of the most pressing challenges facing Central America is water security. The dry corridor spans El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, and Panama, and it is particularly vulnerable to prolonged droughts and sudden, destructive floods. This dual threat creates an unpredictable environment for agriculture, the backbone of the region's economy.

In response, the FAO has worked to reformulate investment strategies that address the critical gaps in water security. By planning for integrated water solutions for both agricultural production and human consumption, these nations are taking steps to protect their most vulnerable populations. Water is not only essential for survival but is also a foundation for economic activity. Without it, agricultural productivity plummets, leading to food shortages, price hikes, and widespread poverty.

For many Central American countries, water scarcity is not just an environmental issue but a direct threat to economic growth and social stability. Investments in water infrastructure and management, such as those spearheaded by the FAO initiative, are vital to ensuring that these nations can withstand the economic pressures brought on by climate change. However, these efforts require significant financial resources, and the international community must provide support.

The economic costs of failing to address water security are immense. Without access to clean and reliable water sources, communities will be forced to migrate, exacerbating existing economic and social tensions. The long-term consequences of water insecurity will be felt not only in Central America but across the globe as climate-induced displacement becomes a growing concern.

The challenges faced by Central America are not unique. Around the world, countries are grappling with the economic fallout of climate change. From extreme weather events to food insecurity and displacement, the costs of inaction are clear. Yet, global efforts to address climate change often fall short of what is needed to prevent widespread economic devastation.

The FAO's initiative in Central America is a positive step, but it is not enough. Climate change is a global issue that requires a coordinated and well-funded response. Wealthier nations must recognize their role in contributing to climate change and take responsibility for helping vulnerable countries mitigate its impacts. This includes providing financial support for resilience projects, investing in sustainable infrastructure, and promoting policies that reduce carbon emissions on a global scale.

For countries in Central America and the Dominican Republic, the path forward is clear. They must continue to invest in climate resilience and economic development, with a focus on water security, sustainable agriculture, and digital innovation. But they cannot do it alone. The international community must step up and recognize that the economic impacts of climate change are not just a problem for developing countries -- they are a threat to global stability.

Also read: Martinique's Inflation Crisis: Why This Island Deserves More Attention

The time for action is now. The economic costs of climate change are already being felt, and without significant intervention, they will only grow. By investing in climate resilience today, we can prevent a future of economic instability, displacement, and poverty. The example set by Central America should serve as a wake-up call for the rest of the world: it is time to recognize the economic impact of climate change and take decisive action.