Extreme hunger is surging in climate hotspots and is a stark reminder of the growing global inequality. The poorest countries are hit the hardest by climate-driven famines, Oxfam reports. The Western world should do more to combat this global injustice. It could forgive debts to countries that are hardest hit and provide life-saving funds to help those countries adapt to changing climate conditions.
Environment
Oxfam reports that extreme hunger is on the rise in some countries as a result of climate change, including the Horn of Africa. It warns that this global crisis is accelerating, and calls for more action to mitigate it, including debt cancellation and increased investment in local food production. In a statement, Oxfam said it has visited some of the worst-affected countries, including Somalia, where the country is in the midst of one of the worst humanitarian crises in history.
The report highlights 10 countries that have suffered the highest level of hunger in the past decade. These countries have the highest number of United Nations humanitarian appeals related to food and water crises. These countries are particularly vulnerable to the effects of climate change, with more severe weather destroying crops and homes. Almost half of these countries are in Africa. In Somalia, for example, the worst drought in 50 years has left 1 million people displaced and a quarter of the population famished. And in Kenya, 2.5 million people are facing starvation caused by drought.
Impact of climate change on hunger
Impact of climate change on hunger has often been associated with food insecurity. This has been particularly true in low-income countries. However, it should be noted that this relationship is not necessarily causal, as many factors can influence the level of hunger. For example, the sensitivity of hunger to climate-induced changes in yield is not the same in different parts of the world. The sensitivity of hunger to climate-induced changes is also affected by the level of trade.
In developing countries, a majority of the world’s 821 million hungry people live in areas that are particularly vulnerable to extreme weather events. These environments are more vulnerable to climate hazards, which can disrupt crops, trade routes, and food assistance programs. Additionally, poor people are less able to adapt to these risks and are more likely to suffer a food crisis during climate-related disasters. As a result, these changes will compound the existing issues of poverty and inequality.
In some regions, climate change has led to the introduction of new pests and crop diseases. It has also reduced the nutrient content of crops. It is also causing more droughts, which is a major contributor to food insecurity and hunger in many regions. Moreover, extreme weather events have increased dramatically since the 1990s. These disasters also affect the productivity of crops and lead to increased food prices. In the most vulnerable countries, the impact on food security and malnutrition is disproportionately negative.
UN appeal for famine relief in climate hotspots
The UN has launched a massive appeal to provide humanitarian aid to the countries in crisis due to extreme weather events. The appeals are aimed at meeting the most urgent needs, but they barely scratch the surface of what is truly needed. Recent reports estimate that the cost of climate-related extreme weather events will amount to $329 billion in 2021.
The latest appeal from the UN refugee agency UNHCR is aimed at providing humanitarian aid to displaced people, as well as host communities. It is aiming to provide US$ 42.6 million for internally displaced people in Ethiopia and 22 million for Somali refugees in eight camps in the Somali region. A further US$ 11.1 million will help people in Kenya’s Kakuma and Dadaab camps. In the meantime, the UN humanitarian response is shifting from emergency relief to famine mitigation and prevention.
Impact of climate change on inequality
Oxfam has recently released a report analyzing how climate change affects inequality. In particular, the organization has found that the rich have emitted far more carbon than the poor. In fact, the rich’s emissions are roughly three times as large as the poor’s. Oxfam’s report says that governments must take steps to combat climate change and tackle inequality. It calls for governments to increase revenue for public services and invest in low-carbon industries. This would help the poor end their cycle of poverty.
Many countries have already suffered the effects of climate change, but the poorest are the most vulnerable. These countries have been hit by extreme weather conditions, including floods and droughts. The impact on women is particularly severe because they rely on agriculture and have few other options. Climate change is threatening their livelihoods and lives.
