In: Economics
How are inequality and climate change related?
Climate change exacerbates inequlaity not only in rural, developing, but also in affluent, developed countries. Special attention should be given to the poor when planning Economic inequalities aren't limited to developing countries because of climate change. It says that higher temperatures in US states such as Arizona would lead to a more extensive use of cooling systems , which in turn means higher energy use and higher consumer prices.
However, some northern states may benefit from, among other factors, a reduced heating usage. For example, in Maine, the northeasternmost state of the United States, the gross county product could rise by up to 10%, while in Arizona it could fall by as much as 20%. In the Spanish capital, Madrid, over 20 % of households are at risk of energy poverty — the lack of capacity to keep homes warm in winter and cool in summer.
The risk to households run by women is 35 to 120 per cent higher than the average region. Of particular vulnerability are elderly women living alone and single mothers. Women have been cited repeatedly as more likely to experience the effects of climate change, and they still lack the ability to deal with it.