Tackling climate change will help us fight poverty and beat the downturn
Published: 12 January 2009
Tackling climate change will help us fight poverty and beat the downturn, says new report
A new coalition of leading UK environmental and social justice groups, convened by Oxfam and nef (the new economics foundation) and including Friends of the Earth and the Royal College of Nursing, says the government cannot choose between tackling poverty and climate change; it must begin to tackle these related issues together and it must take action now.
At a time of rising unemployment and economic insecurity, some people argue that we cannot afford the ‘luxury’ of protecting the environment; but the report, Tackling Climate Change, Reducing Poverty shows that tackling climate change actually offers a huge opportunity to boost the economy and tackle Welsh poverty at the same time.
One in five people in Wales still live in poverty, often without enough money to heat their homes or to eat healthily. The new report shows that the poorest people in the Wales will be most affected by the effects of climate change. They tend to live in poorer housing, have poorer health, less access to home insurance, and less money to adapt to price rises. Their situation could be worsened by measures to combat climate change such as higher taxation on fossil fuels, or the move away from carbon-producing jobs (notes to editors 3).
But the report also shows how the need to combat climate change could present a huge opportunity to tackle poverty too. Home insulation cuts fuel bills, keeps homes warm, and reduces CO2 emissions; investment in public transport provides affordable travel for all and cuts air pollution; and the move to a low-carbon economy could be a stimulus for new skilled jobs in home insulation and energy efficiency (notes to editors 4).
The message from the coalition is clear: now, more than ever, government can – and must – tackle poverty and climate change. If not, the poorest people, both in Wales and around the world, will pay the price.
Coalition members in Wales – Friends of the Earth Cymru, Oxfam Cymru and Royal College of Nursing Wales - have added their support to the report’s recommendations.
Gordon James, Director, Friends of the Earth Cymru, said, “Along with the natural environment, the poor are the first casualties of climate change both in the wealthier and under-developed nations. We need to implement ‘win-win’ solutions, such as energy saving in homes and better public transport, which will cut emissions of climate-changing gases, improve the quality of life for poorer people and create jobs. We welcome the Welsh Assembly Government’s recent announcement to create Europe’s largest Low Carbon Zone that will improve energy efficiency in thousands of homes in deprived areas in the Welsh valleys. This programme needs to be expanded to cover other areas in Wales as soon as possible in order to reduce the twin problems of poverty and climate change.”
Richard Jones, Deputy Director RCN Wales, said: "The prevalence of certain diseases throughout the world can be directed attributed to local climate. Nurses know all too well that extreme temperatures can lead to health problems. Every winter, many of our elderly population in Wales are effected by the weather. The last two weeks we have experienced some very cold weather. But it's not just the cold. Hot weather can increase air and water pollution. The people who are affected the most are our most vulnerable, including the elderly, children and the poor. We all have a responsibility for climate change and there are things that we can do to make things better. "
The report recommends:
Improving household energy efficiency, reducing both emissions and fuel poverty.
Planning for an equitable transition to a low carbon economy; paving the way for us to capitalise on the opportunities and reap the benefits of the new low-carbon economy including the creation of new ‘green collar’ jobs.
Promoting sustainable public service provision, including low-carbon food procurement for hospitals and schools.
Improving the existing housing stock; moving towards low carbon design in housing and urban development.
Investing in a public transport system, which is better for the environment and more equitable.
For more information, to interview spokespeople, please contact:
Luned Jones, Oxfam Cymru: t: 02920 8032920 m: 07887 571687 e:lujones@oxfam.org.uk
The Roundtable on Climate Change and Poverty in the UK was convened by nef (the new economics foundation) and Oxfam GB. The report is based on the work and input of group of environmental and social justice organisations, including:
nef (the new economics foundation)
Oxfam GB
Friends of the Earth
The Royal College of Nursing
Sustain: The alliance for better food and farming
WEN (The Women’s Environmental Network)
Climate and Health Council
Capacity Global
Bassac
Medact
With additional contributions from: Sustrans, TUC, UNISON, Help the Aged, the Community Development Foundation and the NHS Confederation