Question

In 500-1000 words (1-2 pages, double-spaced), provide an explanation of "Socioeconomic Status/Poverty and climate change – i.e. extreme weather (harsher winters and summers) and droughts, as two outcomes of climate change, disproportionately affect poorer individuals" and why/how it affects populations as a matter of public health. You can use the provided examples above as a starting point, but they cannot be the only example you provide.

Answer 1

Climate change or global warming refers to an increase in the earth's temperature predominantly due to human activities. Deforestation, combustion of fossil fuels, and agriculture have resulted in the release of greenhouse gases which has intensified climate change. Every 1C increase in temperature has drastic impacts on the world biodiversity for instance melting of glaciers, coral bleaching, and extreme weather event. According to the studies it has been estimated that climate change will push around 120 million more people into the vicious trap of poverty.

If we look into poverty and climate change there is a strong correlation as the majority of the world population in developing countries rely on agriculture and due to the uncertain, irreversible characteristics of climate change these have been the most affected. Due to floods, desertification and droughts, the farmers are in debt and also due to lack of food are facing malnourishment. According to the Stern Review by 2050, there would be a reduction in food production by 70% in North India and even report suggest a 40% reduction in cereals which not only affect the revenue of farmer but also increases global hunger. A study by Kavi Kumar showed that a 2C rise in temperature reduces the farmer's revenue by 9 %. The impact of hunger and disaster will be first seen in vulnerable communities as after the disaster the poor tend to sell their land or asset hence transferring wealth from poor to rich which further widens the gap of inequality. According to the 2015 study the climate change has resulted in 200 million refugees driven out of south asia and the middle east. Water which is an essential aspect of life is under stress about 25% of the world is estimated to be living in water stress areas and this too is the vulnerable and poorest of the poor. Women account for 70% of the people below the poverty line hence the maximum impact of climate change is on women. This is also due to the fact the developed or rich communities are able to spend for mitigation and adaptation by building floodwall or dykes but the poorer communities lack the resources to adapt and mitigate.

An increase in temperature on the earth's surface increases the probability of spread of diseases and also deaths due to heatstroke and heat stress. The increased temperature induces smog which affects the upper respiratory areas leading to asthma and other lung diseases. Due to drought, there is less water for sanitation and hygiene and this temperature induce forest fires which affect the soil but also air quality leading to an increase in respiratory problems. Post-traumatic stress disorder has been on the rise due to climatic disasters .