Environmental and social justice
Climate change is both an environmental and social issue. The disadvantages brought about by climate change are unlikely to be spread evenly throughout society. Evidence shows that the poorest and least able will be those who suffer the most – this is a social injustice.
Already many working in international development have claimed that the people who are suffering most from climate change are those who have done the least to cause it, and have the least resources to do anything about it (Clifford, 2007). The global distribution of climate change impacts will be highly uneven. Not only are environmental inequalities acutely visible at an international level they also exist within nations – between the rich and poor in the UK.
At BTCV we strongly believe in/push for environmental justice. Everyone should have the right and be able to live in a healthy environment, with access to enough environmental resources for a healthy life. But at present it is predominantly the poorest and least powerful people who are missing out on good quality environments.
Climate scientists predict that in the future a warming world will mean flooding, heat waves, rises in sea level, and unpredictable weather, all affecting human health, housing and livelihoods. “People in poverty are the most vulnerable to the negative effects of climate change, as they tend to have poorer health, live in worse housing with less access to insurance, and have fewer resources to cope with rising costs” (Johnson et al, 2009: 2). Similarly, policies to halt emissions and combat climate change, such as increasing taxation on fossil fuels may disproportionately impact upon the poorest in society.
It is crucial that our response to climate change serves to counter social injustice. Through its Carbon Army Campaign and other environmental programmes BTCV is committed to:
- using proven and innovative ways to increase levels of community engagement especially from under-represented groups and excluded communities.
- Responding effectively to the changing needs of diverse and developing communities.
- Supporting poverty reduction and enabling sustainable livelihoods.
References: Clifford P (2007) All creation groaning: a theological approach to climate change and development. Christian Aid.
Johnson V, Simms A and Cochrane C with contributions from members of the Roundtable on Climate Change and Poverty in the UK (2009) Tackling Climate Change, Reducing Poverty: the first report of the Roundatble on Climate Change and Poverty in the UK NEF: London
