“Climate Gap”
About a week ago, Nilanjana Bhowmick published an article about how not everyone is suffering equally from climate change. Right under the title, there are images of women carrying vases of water, a young man walking by carbon emission factories, a wildfire storm, and a hurricane storm. These images are a few of many ways we suffer from natural disasters. However, the author states that we are not suffering equally, and a “climate gap” exists. Bhowmick compares the climate gap to an income gap because there is a vast wage difference between the haves and have-nots in an income gap, just like there is a massive difference in how the haves and have-nots suffer in natural disasters due to climate change. Throughout the article, Bhowmick discusses different natural disasters and how low-income people are affected the most. Therefore, after some extended research, it becomes clear that natural disasters are becoming worse, and the human race does not suffer equally.
Furthermore, when the temperature rises, so does the intensity level of various storms. For instance, in 2017, Hurricane Harvey submerged most of Texas underwater. This storm went from category 1 to category four because the storm traveled over warm ocean water, which intensified the bombardment, causing heavier rainfall and high winds. Unfortunately, the state of Texas has not fully recovered. A few years later, in 2020, California experienced over 8,000 wildfires due to climate change. Since the summers are drier and hotter, the land burns rapidly when a dry storm occurs with freak lightning. Only those who had insurance or could pay for the damages out of pocket have recovered the quickest in both natural disasters. However, those who could not afford home insurance or repair costs are still waiting for the city to rebuild and offer aid to those affected.
Moreover, natural disasters are not the only dangers we are facing. With the temperatures rising and carbon emission levels over the roof, the planet will soon be inhabitable. According to the IEA(International Energy Agency),” almost half of the emissions reductions needed to reach net-zero by 2050.” Not having the right technology at their disposal will cause a delay in accomplishing net-zero emissions by 2050. Human sources are the cause of carbon dioxide emissions. For example, deforestation, burning of coal, or fossil fuels are a few sources that emit carbon dioxide that causes heat to stay trapped in the atmosphere. In 2016, air pollution was linking to the high rates of asthma, lung cancer, and heart diseases that year. Similarly, a few years from now, there could be a heatwave soon causing all sorts of illnesses or deaths.
Fortunately, Dr. J. Marshall Shepard suggests that eroding the wealth gap would solve the climate gap issue. He is a meteorologist who believes that people need to determine their vulnerability to climate change and natural disasters. In doing so, they can prepare, obtain adaptive capacity, and become less vulnerable. Although this is one of the many solutions that could help destroy the climate gap. Another solution would be finding ways to live life greener so that climate change does not worsen natural disasters. Following the three Rs (Reduce, reuse, recycle) can be the key to opening a door for a new future for all people.
Ultimately, Dr. J. Marshal Shepard has a valid point. If the income gap continues to exist, then so will the climate gap. Not everyone suffers equally from natural disasters, but why should anyone suffer. Naturally, people make decisions and choices daily. The resources and information are out there for everyone to change their vulnerability status and have the capacity to adapt to climate change.
Without further a due,
Dr. J. Marshall Shepard Ted Talk Video:
Work Cited:
Bhowmick, Nilanjana. “Yes, the Weather Is Getting Worse — but We’re Not Suffering Equally. Here’s What We Can Do.” Ideas.Ted.Com, 4 Feb. 2021, ideas.ted.com/yes-the-weather-is-getting-worse-but-were-not-suffering-equally-heres-what-we-can-do.
Opinion by Fatih Birol for CNN Business Perspectives. “Opinion: IEA Head: The World Isn’t Moving Fast Enough on Clean Energy.” CNN, 1 Feb. 2021, edition.cnn.com/2021/02/01/perspectives/iea-fatih-birol-clean-energy/index.html.
Recycling, Rogue Disposal. “Exploring the Three Rs of Waste Management — Reduce, Reuse, Recycle.” Rogue Disposal & Recycling, 20 Oct. 2018, roguedisposal.com/resources/education/recycling/exploring-the-three-rs-of-waste-management-reduce-reuse-recycle.
