Climate Change & Nutrition Resources

Climate Change & Nutrition Resources

SUN CSA members work together, with the Lao government and with other nutrition stakeholders, to improve nutrition outcomes and reduce climate change impacts through coordination, collaboration, advocacy, capacity building and knowledge management.

Climatic events in Laos persistently affect the nutritional well-being and food security of Lao families and the broader national development context. These events include floods, heatwaves, pollution, and other extreme weather-related occurrences, which increasingly impact people’s livelihoods and overall health.

Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, economic repercussions have been felt by families in Laos. Reduced livelihoods, stemming from returning Lao migrant workers, decreased remittances, halted tourism, and an overall economic downturn, have exacerbated existing challenges. Furthermore, inflation surged dramatically in late 2021, closely tied to the depreciation of the Lao Kip (LAK) against foreign currencies. Inflation rates reached over 30% in 2022, 40% in 2023, and currently hover around 25% in 2024. Consequently, costs for essential items, including food and household goods, have escalated significantly.

The combination of extreme climate conditions and economic strain poses a serious threat to the progress Laos has made in recent years regarding nutrition indicators such as wasting, stunting, and overall child malnutrition. To address these challenges, a comprehensive understanding of climate change impacts is essential. Government interventions and collaboration with development partners must be responsive to these critical issues.