Poverty and Climate Change

The face of poverty is changing. More accurately, it’s expanding.

Poverty no longer means simply the lack of industry or financial growth. We now live in a world where developing nations not only get hit the hardest by the effects of climate change, but where they are also forced to make the gut-wrenching decision between environmental sustainability or economic survival. In both scenarios, however, the outlook seems bleak. To prioritize ecological sustainability and growth over industrialization is costly and could mean sentencing one’s citizens to a life of financial struggle. But prioritizing economic gains over environmental concerns could mean facing a future filled with limited access to basic human needs including clean air, water and food.

Recently, the news has been flooded with evidence of the connection between poverty and climate change. Developing nations are in more and more precarious situations, having to decide between economic development and sustainable environmental growth. Though the concept of sustainable development is growing in popularity, the fact remains: that which is more profitable and financially feasible is not necessarily environmentally friendly. Citizens of these countries are also faced with a similar dilemma: to pursue financial advancements or sustain and protect the already dwindling natural resources available to them.

The question of what course of action to take, however, is more complicated than it sounds. On the one hand, it can be argued that when nations are in the process of industrializing, it is easier to implement sustainable practices than for nations that have already established habit and industry. Furthermore, if nations focus on creating and implementing a sustainable environmental policy in conjunction with economic development, the citizens as well as overall infrastructure of those countries will be in a better position to push for clean and effective industrialization. The protection of environmental resources would not only guarantee a healthier citizenry, but also in many cases, preserve the environmental history and culture of the country In this case, one could claim that emphasis and investment should be placed on sustainable and environmentally friendly practices.

On the other hand, developing these practices is often more time consuming and more expensive than the tried and true traditional methods of industrialization. These traditional methods are the same methods that the developed nations have implemented, and it seems to be the fast-track to reaching economic stability. Not to mention by achieving a higher economic status in the global hierarchy, a nation will also achieve higher power status, and can then become a more influential player in the implementation of global environmental policy.

Whatever the international community decides, one thing is for certain. Climate change concerns and poverty are no longer two distinct issues. The effects of one have undeniable impact on the effects of the other.

What do you think? Register for the Global Debates and let us know your take on the connection between poverty and climate change.

Submitted by makkubida at: December 25, 2009

Please I want to act in a film. So please give me a chance to act. This is the motivation about the National Integration and peace keeping. who want to do this. But this is very simple film .Can I show my face. My mobile no +919245638161. This should be privacy. Only who wants to know me please show it.

Submitted by Lisa Munley at: October 18, 2009

Hi Jessica. I'd like to ask you a question but can't find an email address. Would you please send me an email at lisamunley@ca.rr.com? And please reference this blog so I'll know who you are when you send the note. Thanks!

Submitted by Allied Antennas at: October 13, 2009

Im really glad this topoic has been put to place to open peoples mind how bad poverty has really become. Good Article :) Cheers, Mr Singh www.alliedantennas.com.au

Nickname
Comment
Enter this word:	Change