Climate change and the impact on communities experiencing poverty
In week 2 we looked at NPC’s State of the Sector 2024 report, which showed that most charity leaders do not see the climate crisis as priority risk for their organisation.
We wanted to bring attention to some of the latest reports in this area. Although this is such a vast and important area to explore, which could have spread over many weeks and months we wanted to focus on NPC’s – How will the climate and nature crisis affect people in poverty. This report focuses on communities disproportionately affected by climate and nature crises that you may be working with.
NPC also provides excellent resources and coverage in this area in their webpages focusing on environment, which can found here NPC – Environment
The New Philanthropy Capital (NPC) is a think tank and consultancy service.
Here’s our summary and findings from the report. To download the full report please click here NPC – How will the climate and nature crisis affect people in poverty
People in poverty are disproportionately affected by climate change and nature loss, as they will often live in areas with more exposure to environmental impacts and cannot afford to mitigate these impacts. As most charities work with people already experiencing inequity consideration should be given to climate change and the impact it has on communities.
See page 3 of the report
According to the Joseph Rowntree Foundation poverty rates are high within the UK. In England the poverty rate of the total population is 22% and the child poverty rate is 31%.
See page 4 of the report
Poverty is not experienced equally between social groups with children and young people, people from ethnic minority communities, disabled people, refugees, migrants, and asylum seekers and unpaid carers worst affected. Intersectionality is fundamental to how people experience climate and nature crisis, as existing injustices and barriers to people already experiencing inequity, such as discrimination, poor health outcomes and being economically disadvantaged exacerbate environmental impacts.
See pages 5, 6 and 9 of the report
Across the country some of the direct impacts of climate change and loss of nature on people in poverty can be demonstrated by:
Health impacts of air pollution 20% more air pollution from traffic is recorded in the most deprived areas.
Mental health and extreme weather such as flooding which can lead to anxiety and depression with low income households more likely to live on tidal floodplain.
Health impacts caused by damp homes High rainfall and flooding will lead to increased damp and mould and the rise in related health conditions, such as respiratory health problems.
Financial impacts for people in poverty can include increased household builds and food costs and lack of affordability for household insurance to cover the impact of extreme weather events.
Increased obesity amongst people living in poverty due to exposure to mould, air pollution, toxic chemicals and food insecurity where households are reliant on cheaper processed food are all contributory factors.
Extreme heat and heatwaves can lead increased electricity cost with low income households unable to afford increased bills and non-essential adaptations, such as fans to reduce the impact. People on low incomes are also more likely to work outdoors or on tasks involving high temperatures and therefore face higher risks in the workplace. Heatwaves in general affect academic performance, with children living in poverty disproportionately affected.
See pages 10-12 of the report
For people in poverty living in urban areas extreme heat and heatwaves are exacerbated by the urban island heat (UHI) effect, which can be caused by a range of factors such as high population density, increased energy consumption, traffic, less green space and prevalence of heat absorbing materials, such as asphalt and concrete.
See page 19 of the report
Our three featured funders of the week are
Veolia Environmental Trust
Provides Community Grants from £10K to £75K to constituted not for profit organisations to fund improvements to community buildings and outside spaces for a healthy environment where communities can thrive
Please visit the website for more information.
The D’Oyly Carte Charitable Trust
Provides grants of £500 – £6000 to UK registered charities in the fields of
- The Arts
- Medical Welfare
- The Environment
Please visit the website for more information.
The D’Oyly Carte Charitable Trust
National Garden Scheme
Provides Community Garden Grants from £1500 to £5000 to community groups, registered charities and CIC’s to help with community gardening projects.
Please visit the website for more information
Whilst we make every effort to ensure the information is correct, we advise you to check details on funders websites yourself
Has your organisation considered the impact of climate and nature crises on the communities you work with? If so please tell us how. Does this topic resonate with you, please let your thoughts by completing the short survey below.
If you missed last week’s Fundraising News please click here to view