Climate change and the increasing vulnerability of the poor in the Commonwealth

ABSTRACT

Many millions of the most-deprived people of the Commonwealth live in highly vulnerable locations the tropical countries affected by cyclones (hurricanes or typhoons). Tropical cyclone intensities have been increasing since the mid-1990s. Their tracks may be shifting poleward. The associated storm surges are growing in height and severity. From the Caribbean to eastern Africa, the islands of the Indian Ocean, South Asia, Australia and the Pacific communities face, increasing flooding, housing and workplace damage and loss of livelihoods. Among the most vulnerable are those living in low-lying coastal communities on coral islands, the deltas of great rivers, and coastal sand barriers. These communities are often dependent on small-scale fisheries and are at great risk. This vulnerability has been aggravated by the COVID-19 pandemic which has struck urban areas already suffering from outbreaks of infectious diseases such as dengue, cholera, and diarrhoea. When storm damage affects the public health infrastructure the ability to cope with these multiple hazards is likely to be overstretched. Investment in disaster preparation and relief for these worsening vulnerability situations. Action has to be taken at all levels, from the household and local community to municipal, regional and national governments. This article argues that international support is critical and governments should be increasing international aid.