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By 2030, climate change could leave 100 million people poor beyond worrying extremes. If the situation continues as it is, it seems that developing countries do stand at a greater risk of taking the brunt of global warming. These findings arrive ahead of the Paris conference on climate change that will take place in December.
Their reports included many households from 92 different countries. The study took into consideration factors such as demographic structure, income, food prices, natural hazards, and climate-sensitive diseases.
Poorer countries see greater exposure
There are multiple consequences to climate change, such as higher temperatures, rising sea levels, failing crops, water contamination, food shortage, ecosystem imbalance, and many others. Some are more likely to hit people living in poverty due to their bigger exposure to the elements.
Unfortunately, this could also include the spreading of multiple diseases. At this moment, several countries have already started feeling the effects. Be it crop failure, higher prices on food, waterborne diseases, or natural disasters, they have hit and left people in extreme poverty. And, if matters remains unattended, it will be getting worse.
According to a report by World Bank, this year, just under 10% of the entire population are living in extreme poverty. This means that around 702 million people make less than $1.90 per day. They are the most vulnerable ones, because they do not possess the financial security and social safety to compensate for the losses. Climate changes arrives with extra costs. Not all could afford them.
Poverty and climate change go together
Jim Yong Kim, who is the president of World Bank, stated it will be impossible to end poverty without taking measures against global warming. The two go hand in hand. That is why the new global arrangement that should result after the Paris summit should be very careful on how funds will be administered. Half should go toward reducing the harmful gas emissions, while the other half should be dedicated to adapting to the climate impacts.
Support from the worldwide community is vital. The developing countries, with poorer populations can only help themselves so much. They will require aid. According to Stephane Hallegatte, senior economist at World Bank, between now and 2030 is the time to establish good climate conditions. These years will be our best chances of repelling the extreme poverty from hitting so many people and placing their lives or well being in danger.
If climate change is now slowed down, a rise of 4oC in temperature will threaten 627 million people due to rising sea levels. Crop yield losses could reach 5% by 2030, and then 30% by 2080. Food prices will go up, and affect African countries especially, where there is a 12% expected increase in just acquiring sustenance. Diseases such as malaria will further impact health.
However, Hallegatte stated that the situation “is not set in stone”. This is the time for change, and it could begin in December.
Image source: storyconsulting.org
