Climate change is no longer a distant threat but a systemic development crisis. Its impacts are most severe in least developed countries and Small Island Developing States, where repeated shocks are reversing progress and deepening poverty. This paper shows that taking early action through social protection systems is far more cost-effective than reactive post-disaster responses. It highlights two resilience pathways — anticipatory direct benefit transfers and long-term adaptive investments — demonstrating higher benefit–cost ratios and stronger social outcomes. Drawing evidence from Bangladesh, Ethiopia, Ghana, India, Malawi, Pakistan, Senegal, and Uganda, it makes a compelling case for anticipatory social protection.