Addressing Climate Inequity: The Disproportionate Effect on Marginalised Communities and Pathways to Solutions

Climate change worsens inequality, hitting marginalised communities hardest. This article highlights global responsibility and local solutions that can transform vulnerability into resilience.

From high-level summit talks to grassroots movements, one issue has dominated discussions over the past two decades: the growing climate crisis. Another term gaining attention is ‘climate refugees’, referring to people displaced due to climate change. Although not officially recognised under the United Nations’ Refugee Convention (1951), an overwhelming number have been forced from their homes due to heatwaves, droughts, floods, famine, and other natural disasters.

The impact of climate change is no longer a distant concern; it is being felt by communities worldwide today. While many welcomed the refreshing rains this year after an unprecedented heatwave, North India recorded an estimated 143 deaths due to extreme heat and around 28 caused by the rains. A recent World Economic Forum report warns that by 2050, the climate crisis could result in over 14.5 million deaths globally. It also highlights that climate change will deepen global inequalities, disproportionately affecting the most vulnerable and marginalised. The State of India’s Environment 2022 report projects that 45 million people will be forced to migrate by 2050 due to extreme climate events. Those most affected will include small landholding farmers, fishermen, indigenous and tribal communities, labourers, and slum dwellers.

In response, governments worldwide, including India, have urged developed nations to take responsibility for their outsized contribution to the crisis. With its history of high carbon emissions and resource consumption, the Global North must acknowledge its role and support mitigation efforts in the Global South, which continues to grapple with political and economic challenges. Countries must also safeguard their most marginalised and vulnerable populations.

Addressing climate change can help enhance the income and livelihoods of disadvantaged communities. Investments in the agriculture, forestry, and fisheries sectors, which are directly impacted by climate change, are essential for building resilience. Equitable resource allocation must be ensured, addressing the intersection of economic disparity and climate vulnerability.

Additionally, education and awareness programmes play a crucial role in empowering local communities to adapt to and mitigate climate change.

Special protection measures for marginalised groups must be prioritised.

By adopting inclusive and comprehensive strategies, governments can transform the climate crisis into an opportunity for social and economic progress, fostering a more equitable and resilient future.

As we navigate this challenging era, it is essential for all stakeholders: governments, communities, and individuals to come together and act decisively to protect both people and the planet.

Sources:

• www.undrr.org
• Harvard Public Health
• World Economic Forum Press Release
• Oxford Academic
• Business Standard
• The Economic Times

Nikita Shaw

Nikita is a Middle School Humanities educator at Shiv Nadar School, Faridabad. She holds a Master’s degree in Political Science and a Law degree from Government Law College, Mumbai. Before stepping into the world of education, Nikita worked as a corporate lawyer at Ernst & Young, gaining valuable experience in legal and analytical thinking. However, driven by a passion for teaching and a commitment to shaping young learners, she transitioned into education, where she now brings her expertise in governance, law, and social sciences to the classroom.