The Link Between Poverty and Climate Change
A recent UNDP report reveals that about 1.1 billion people worldwide live in severe poverty. This figure represents roughly 18% of the population in 109 countries. Factors including poor access to housing, sanitation, and education contribute to this situation. Alarmingly, many of these individuals are children.
Climate Change Impacts
The report highlights that nearly 80% of the world’s poorest people—around 900 million—are starkly vulnerable to climate hazards. These individuals bear the brunt of climate change effects, such as droughts, floods, and pollution. According to Haoliang Xu of the UNDP, “No one is immune to these risks, but the poorest suffer the most.”
Two regions most affected by poverty are sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia. Sadly, these areas are also facing the harshest consequences of climate change. As extreme weather conditions become more common, life for those in poverty deteriorates further.
Real-Life Consequences
Take the story of Ricardo from Bolivia. He lives in a small house with 18 family members. They share one bathroom and face unsafe cooking conditions. His children cannot attend school, showcasing the multiple layers of deprivation he endures. These situations are common for many living in “acute multidimensional poverty.”
The Overlap of Poverty and Climate Risks
The report underscores how poverty and environmental dangers are interconnected. Around 887 million people—nearly 79% of those in poverty—are exposed to at least one climate-related threat. Some experience multiple threats simultaneously:
- 608 million face extreme heat.
- 577 million are affected by pollution.
- 465 million suffer from floods.
- 207 million encounter drought.
The report indicates that almost 651 million people are affected by at least two of these risks, with 11 million experiencing all four in a single year.
A Call for Action
At COP30, the upcoming UN climate summit in Brazil, leaders are urged to view climate action as a means to combat poverty. While some progress has been made in poverty reduction, like in South Asia, a staggering 99.1% of its poor population encounters at least one climate hazard.
Experts warn that if current trends continue, the situation will deteriorate further for the world’s poorest countries. They advocate for a strategy that prioritizes both human welfare and environmental health.
In conclusion, uniting efforts to tackle both poverty and climate change is critical. As we move forward, it’s essential to shift from acknowledgment to decisive action.
For more information, you can read the full UNDP report here.
