As the world faces the escalating climate crisis, social protection is increasingly recognized as essential for both climate mitigation/adaptation and a just transition. The report argues that strong, universal social protection systems must deliver a dual purpose: protecting people from ordinary life-cycle risks — childhood, unemployment, illness, old age — and supporting climate action. With the planet already 1.1°C warmer and risks of tipping points beyond 2°C, climate change is now the biggest threat to poverty reduction, decent work and social justice.