Climate Change and Poverty

Addressing climate change is a justice issue. The effects of climate change are already being felt the most by those who can least afford to deal with its effects. And as the climate continues to change, the impact will be more keenly felt both by low-income communities in the U.S. and least developed and developing nations abroad. Water scarcity, drought, cropfailure, increased disease, and flooding are just a few of the impacts. The interconnectedness of these two issues cannot be missed.

Our Resources and Links:

One of the consequences of Climate change is flooding. More people will be at risk for severe flooding, with people living in poverty at the greatest risk. The number of major flood disasters has risen, six in the 1950s; seven in the 1960s; eight in 1970s; 18 in the 1980s; and 26 in the 1990s. Read more from National Geographic on flooding.
Hurricanes & Tropical Storms - Over the last 30 years the destructive power of storms has increased 70 percent in both the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans. Over the same period, the percentage of hurricanes classified as category 4 or 5 increased.

Environmental degradation and climate change around the world is creating a new category of people known as "environmental refugees", read more here!
Christian Aid: The Climate of Poverty: Facts, Fears, and Hope

Earth Day Resource "The Poverty of Global Climate Change". Click here for a free download. Click here to download the Ecological Footprint resource.
UN Human Development Report notes effects of climate change.
Episcopal Bishop reflects on poverty and climate change
“The Environment Times” from the UN
Climate and Church: How Global Climate Change WIll Impact Core Church Ministries - Climate change threaten all of God’s creation and will make it more difficult for people of faith to care for those in need. Download the full report here. (note: you will be directed to a sign up page first)
Earth Trends

For More Information Contact:

Eco-Justice Program Office
National Council of Churches
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info@nccecojustice.org