Report calls for urgent action to address climate change inequality

A report found that the most vulnerable people in Wales are those who are poor and marginalized.

The study was done by Cardiff University, Sophie Howe, Future Generations Commission for Wales, and Public Health Wales. They examined the connections between inequality, health, and poverty. Climate Change.

Despite being least responsible Climatecrisis, the report shows that those living in the most depressed areas of the country are more at risk from extreme weather events, such as flooding, which could cause serious damage to their homes and livelihoods.

Dr. Sara MacBride Stewart (Researcher in Cardiff University’s School of Social Sciences) said: “After COP26 we are at something of an important moment for action on Climate Change here in Wales and across the UK and the rest of Europe. Our report also highlights the dire consequences for certain sections of society if this is not done.

“So far, mitigating factors such as reducing the number of cars on the roads, while effective in reducing emission, make it more difficult for poorer residents in remote areas who might not have the means or ability to access greener modes. For large swathes, it is still prohibitive to make significant financial investments in energy-saving measures in our homes and when we shop for low-carbon organic food.

“We want this to be acknowledged in climate change action so that inequalities do not increase as new measures are introduced. It is crucial that we recognize the importance of climate change in our understanding of equality. Decarbonisation should be one part of a series of ambitions to achieve sustainability and well-being on our planet.

The report also highlights how a business-as usual approach to policy development could make inequality worse for people without the resources to respond to, cope with, and recover.

Instead of excluding these communities from climate change mitigation efforts, policymakers should invite them to regional citizens’ meetings. The team believes that this will allow them to share their experiences and prevent inequalities from worsening.

Sophie Howe, Future Generations Commissioner for Wales, said: “Climate change is an equality issue and this report finds that the link has so far been overlooked in Wales—we must reinvent policies to address the disadvantages to those who are most vulnerable.”

Drawing on Welsh Government strategy, the report shows how an estimated 245,000 properties in Wales are at risk of flooding—a result of climate change caused by rising carbon emissions.

Sophie Howe, who is also an Honorary Research Fellow at Cardiff Business School, added: “With flooding occurring more and more often, we need a plan to ensure the financial burden doesn’t fall on those least able to pay—and an agreed Wales-wide approach to ensuring public services are able to respond in the right way.

“The Well-being of Future Generations Act stipulates that the law requires us to improve everyone’s well-being in order to get to net zero. Public bodies and decision-makers need to act now to prevent the devastation caused by climate change for future generations.

The report also examined how changes to the work environment and demographic change will impact existing jobs Inequality.

The study calls to:

• Higher diversity in education will help those from disadvantaged backgrounds to benefit from the predicted growth of science, technology, green jobs and increased diversity in training.
• Focus on job design and training in conjunction with the growth and adoption of AI and automation
• Consideration of equality when implementing new policies on universal basic and remote income
• Health and wellness: Adapted systems social care, education, employment, and pensions
• A ‘care-led Recovery’ that places older people’s care and childcare on equal footing with those who do green jobs in the interest of health, the environment, and economic growth.

Dr. Alison Parken (Centrer in Management, Employment and Organisation at Cardiff Business School), co-author, stated: “COVID-19 is having an immeasurable effect on the people and communities of Wales and has significantly affected our systems for work, education, and care.

“And, while many have felt the fallout, it has not been felt equally. Our ReportThis spotlights the most vulnerable and gives policymakers guidance on where to go for action to address inequalities that we knew existed long before the pandemic, which has been compounded over the past 18 months.

“I am happy to report that the Welsh Government has already taken action. They have taken forward a recommendation from the Gender Equality Review as well as the Future Generations Commission research into future inequalities. This includes looking at the future of skills, training, and retraining for the transition to Net Zero. An Evidence Panel, consisting of equality and sustainability organizations as well as policymakers and academics, is currently working on an equality mainstreaming approach to policymaking to avoid bringing existing labor market inequalities into the transition towards net zero jobs and skills.

“The panel is looking at both new jobs and existing roles that will require new skills. We have the chance to work together to plan for the long-term how to prevent the reoccurrence of structural inequalities during the next economic era.