A new U.N. report authored by Faculty of law Scholar Professor Attiya Waris, an expert on foreign debt, highlights the detrimental impact of climate change on vulnerable nations like the Bahamas. The report emphasizes how natural disasters exacerbated by climate change have plunged these countries deeper into debt, hindering their ability to provide essential services to their citizens.

Professor Waris found that the Bahamas, with its population of approximately 400,000 people, has been significantly affected by five major hurricanes since 2012. These disasters have forced the country to accumulate billions of dollars in debt for reconstruction efforts, straining its tourism-dependent economy. Consequently, the government has been unable to allocate sufficient funds for critical programs such as food assistance, business loans, and unemployment benefits, which are increasingly needed in the aftermath of climate-induced disasters.

Hurricane Dorian, the most recent devastating hurricane in 2019, inflicted approximately $3.4 billion in damages, equivalent to a quarter of the country's GDP. The aftermath of the storm compelled the government to borrow approximately $500 million for cleanup, temporary shelters, and other necessities.

Professor Waris observed a vicious cycle wherein the Bahamas struggles to recover from one disaster before being hit by another, perpetuating its debt burden. She emphasized that the economic survival of such nations is at stake under these circumstances.

Furthermore, climate change projections indicate a rise in the frequency and intensity of hurricanes and sea-level rise, exacerbating flooding, coastal erosion, and other environmental challenges. These environmental changes directly threaten the Bahamas' tourism industry, a significant contributor to its GDP and employment.

Professor Waris urged the international community to provide concessional loans, cancel debt related to climate-induced disasters, and contribute to the Loss and Damages Fund. She emphasized that countries like the Bahamas, which contribute minimally to global greenhouse gas emissions, are disproportionately affected by climate change and require support.

In her visit to the Bahamas in 2022, Professor Waris witnessed firsthand the dire conditions faced by communities still recovering from Hurricane Dorian. She also addressed broader issues in the country's governance, including concerns about money laundering and inadequate taxation.

Highlighting the connection of climate financing and human rights, Professor Waris called for increased efforts to prevent illicit financial flows and advocated for the establishment of a global tax body. She will present her report to the U.N. Human Rights Council on March 6th, emphasizing the urgent need for action to address the plight of climate-vulnerable nations like the Bahamas.