A new initiative to build climate resilience in the most vulnerable countries of the world has been launched at COP21 in Paris.

The ‘Anticipate, Absorb, Reshape’ scheme was announced by UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon.

It aims to strengthen the ability of nations to anticipate hazards, absorb shocks and reshape development to reduce climate risks.

It is expected to help almost 634 million people who live in risky coastal areas and regions threatened by droughts and floods.

The UN expects the initiative will mobilise financing and knowledge, help co-ordinate activities to help reach tangible results, catalyse research and develop new tools in the next five years.

Mr Ki-moon said: “Three out of four humanitarian disasters are now climate related. Economic losses have increased by more than half over the past decade. Ecosystems and food and water supplies are under increasing pressure. The hardest hit are the poor and vulnerable – including small farmers, fishing communities and indigenous peoples.”

India and France also launched an international solar alliance in Paris.