By Connie Sheridan
Whilst climate change is a worldwide threat, its repercussions are inequitable. Particularly in this century, it is clear that impoverished communities are experiencing the consequences of this climate crisis the most - despite being the ones that have contributed the least to it. In 2010, the United Nations claimed that this crisis is “inextricably linked to poverty and hunger”, and without immediate measures, the World Bank states that it is likely to push a further 100 million people into poverty. Communities that already face oppression and poverty are now experiencing a new level of hardship, simultaneously paired with the fewest means to adapt and cope with these subsequent changes. This man-made change in climate has become a catalyst for further destruction: prolonged droughts are devastating food supplies and leading to severe water scarcity; severe storms, floods and landslides are both killing people and destroying their homes and subsequently, there are internal conflicts amongst communities who are competing for limited amounts of basic necessities such as land, food and water. With “75% of poor people rely[ing] on agriculture and natural resources to survive” (Mercy Corps), the need for action is more crucial than ever. This necessity is reinforced by the World Health Organisation, who claim that between 2030 and 2050, climate change is expected to cause approximately 250,000 extra deaths per year through malnutrition, malaria, diarrhoea and heat stress.
The escalation in the frequency of forest fires is particularly prevalent in recent years, with the number doubling in the US between 1984-2015. Non-stop on the news we have seen both wildlife and communities being obliterated by these fires, yet these wealthier nations hold the advantage of shielding themselves from the impacts of climate change compared to those less privileged. For instance, wealthier states can build flood barriers, can maintain food availability for its citizens more easily and have the resources to recover from these natural disasters; in contrast, only 1 in 5 of the poorest people in low-income countries are covered by social safety net programmes and thus, are less likely to be able to cope with these effects.
There are countless examples of the classist inequalities of this climate crisis and they are only going to increase if change isn’t taken immediately. It is easy for us to detach and remain oblivious or ignorant to the crisis that is taking place around us when the consequences aren’t affecting us personally; however, here are just a few of the people that are facing the devastating effects right now…
“A man wades through a water-logged road after Cyclone Yaas at Digha in Purba Medinipur district in the eastern state of West Bengal, India, in May, 2021.” (Source: REUTERS)
“A child displays a small catch at a market, on the Solomon Islands. According to the elders, there are no big fish anymore. The water is warmer, the coral is bleaching and the tidal patterns have changed. Most fish have gone elsewhere.” Photo: Klever Gaspar (Source: World Vision)
“Drought in western Afghanistan has caused hundreds of thousands of people to abandon their homes to live in makeshift camps near cities in a desperate attempt to feed their families.” Photo: Brett Tarver (Source: World Vision)
“In Angola, Ndjiole (16 years old) quit school to search for water and vegetation to keep his family alive.” Photo: Antonio Matimbe (Source: World Vision)
“In Angola, girls are having to prostitute themselves in order to help keep their families alive during the worst drought in decades. With food prices soaring, this 15-year-old girl is struggling to feed herself, her mother and her grandmother.” Photo: Brianna Piazza (Source: World Vision)
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