Global Homelessness May Be On The Rise Due To Climate Change
by ERIN SWAN, Causecast Editor
Recent tragedies like Hurricane Katrina and the earthquake in Haiti have turned the world’s attention to the importance of preparing for natural disasters. With the climate changing as quickly as it is, more floods, droughts, and natural disasters could destroy homes and eventually make populated areas unlivable. Cities like England’s East Yorkshire, are preparing for disaster. The Institution of Civil Engineers and the Royal Institute of British Architects are building gondolas to save people from the floods that will likely occur in the area. In preparing for the worst, East Yorkshire hopes that fewer people will lose their homes or their lives in the event of disaster.
In a recent blog posted on treehugger, Earthwatch‘s Caroline Chisholm explains that architectural changes may not be the only answer. She argues that people around the world need to be more environmentally conscious and help reduce carbon emissions. In doing so, pollution will reduce and perhaps have a direct impact on natural disasters and the rise of the world’s homeless population.
Originally posted on treehugger:
People become homeless for varied and complex reasons. And unless you can guarantee that you’ll never face any serious issues with family, relationships, employment, health, abuse, alcohol or drugs, then you may be vulnerable to homelessness at some stage in your life.
Now, our basic right to shelter is under threat from a new phenomenon: climate change. According to the International Organization for Migration, 20 million people were made homeless last year as a result of sudden-onset environmental disasters. But that could rise to one billion in the next 40 years as the effects of climate change take hold, testing not only public attitudes but our capacity to provide support and accommodation.
Read full article on treehugger.com.
Photo by Patrick Doheny, flickr.
- Posted by Causecast
Related causes: Environment, Human Rights
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