One of the most important issues of our day is climate change, which poses serious threats to economies, ecosystems, and human welfare everywhere. Even if its effects are felt everywhere, they are not equally dispersed, with impoverished communities suffering a disproportionate share of the fallout. In this introduction, we examine how environmental degradation exacerbates pre-existing socioeconomic disparities and sustains cycles of poverty and vulnerability in relation to climate change and poor populations.
Relatively Large Effect on Poor Communities: Poor people, marginalized groups, and indigenous peoples are among the underprivileged communities that are disproportionately impacted by the effects of climate change. These populations are more susceptible to climate-related disasters including floods, droughts, storms, and heatwaves because they frequently live in vulnerable places like coastal regions, river deltas, and dry areas. Their susceptibility is increased by social inequality, poor infrastructure, and restricted access to resources, which makes it more difficult for them to adjust to and recover from shocks and stresses associated to climate change.
The Global Crisis of Climate Change: The Earth’s climate system is changing at a rate never seen before due to human activity like burning fossil fuels, deforestation, and industrial processes. Growing emissions of greenhouse gases trap heat in the atmosphere, causing changes in precipitation patterns, an increase in the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, global warming, and rising sea levels. These alterations have profound effects on ecosystems, economies, and societies; they have an impact on everything from human health and migration patterns to the security of food and water.
Loss of Livelihoods and Food Insecurity: Millions of people depend on agriculture, fisheries, and natural resources for their income and sustenance, and these livelihoods are at risk due to climate change. Variations in temperature and precipitation cause crop failures, livestock losses, and depletion of fish supplies by interfering with agricultural productivity. Food security is compromised, and hunger and poverty are made worse, especially in rural and subsistence farming communities where agriculture is the main source of income.
Environmental Justice and Health Risks: Health hazards are increased by climate change through a variety of channels, including heat stress, air pollution, vector-borne infections, and waterborne illnesses, especially for poor communities. Vulnerable populations, such as children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing medical disorders, are disproportionately affected by these dangers, which are further exacerbated by poor access to healthcare, poor sanitation, and crowded living situations. Environmental justice concerns highlight how environmental benefits and harms are not equally distributed, with impoverished populations suffering disproportionately from pollution and environmental degradation.
Social Inequities and Climate Justice: Social injustices and inequalities already exist, and climate change makes them worse by widening the gaps in opportunities, resources, and decision-making authority. Women, indigenous peoples, and ethnic minorities are examples of underprivileged communities that frequently deal with a variety of interconnected vulnerabilities, such as poverty, lack of political representation, and prejudice. Reducing greenhouse gas emissions and enhancing resilience are important aspects of combating climate change, but so is advancing climate justice by addressing the underlying causes of social inequality and making sure that the most vulnerable populations are included in decision-making processes.
In conclusion, creating just and efficient responses to the climate catastrophe requires a knowledge of how poverty and climate change are intertwined. We can work toward a more resilient, inclusive, and sustainable future for all by acknowledging that the most vulnerable communities are disproportionately affected by climate change and by incorporating social justice concepts into climate action.