There is an emerging consensus that the impact of climate change will fall disproportionately on the world's poor, whose lack of resources makes them particularly vulnerable. But given the uncertainties and pitfalls of spending heavily on climate change adaptation, how to we make sure the money ends up with those on the frontline?
Cash transfers – whereby small but significant amounts of money are given directly to the poor – could be one way.
The book destroys various myths about cash transfers, the biggest being that the money makes the poor lazy, allowing them to maintain a basic subsistence level without working as hard. In fact, evidence shows that, by providing a route out of poverty, the money can encourage participation in labour markets and productive investments. Moreover, cash transfer programmes can be tailored to circumstance. Some are specifically aimed at particular groups within the poor. What's more, cash transfers can stimulate local economies, because the poor tend to buy a large amount of their products locally.Cash transfers cannot reduce vulnerability to climate change directly, and it is unlikely the poor will use them specifically to prepare for climate related events. But by putting more assets and resources in their hands the cash transfers will increase their capacity to adapt. The result will not be perfect, but it may be preferable to strategies which aim to predict climate-related phenomena. That transfers must be accompanied by parallel improvements in services such as health and education, which should be the responsibility of governments. In the long run, the poor will also need to become better informed about the threats posed by climate change. Nor will cash transfers address broader adaptation issues.
Cash transfers – whereby small but significant amounts of money are given directly to the poor – could be one way.
The book destroys various myths about cash transfers, the biggest being that the money makes the poor lazy, allowing them to maintain a basic subsistence level without working as hard. In fact, evidence shows that, by providing a route out of poverty, the money can encourage participation in labour markets and productive investments. Moreover, cash transfer programmes can be tailored to circumstance. Some are specifically aimed at particular groups within the poor. What's more, cash transfers can stimulate local economies, because the poor tend to buy a large amount of their products locally.Cash transfers cannot reduce vulnerability to climate change directly, and it is unlikely the poor will use them specifically to prepare for climate related events. But by putting more assets and resources in their hands the cash transfers will increase their capacity to adapt. The result will not be perfect, but it may be preferable to strategies which aim to predict climate-related phenomena. That transfers must be accompanied by parallel improvements in services such as health and education, which should be the responsibility of governments. In the long run, the poor will also need to become better informed about the threats posed by climate change. Nor will cash transfers address broader adaptation issues.
By Rachel Godfrey Wood.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/global-development/poverty-matters/2010/oct/14/climate-change-adaptation-finanace-poverty
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ReplyDeleteCheers
Hi Diego
ReplyDeleteI too think that the effects of the climate change damage to the poor people.
In Chile we have seen with the earthquake, but this problem is repeated in many places
Regards!
I agree that direct cash transfers to poor people dosen't make them lazy, that's just something upper class people say to avoid helping them ..also i think is very important the role of the goverment, it depends of them how the cash is used or distributed, and to inform the people about the effects of climate change. Nice article!
ReplyDeleteThe climate change it's a serious problem for us and our enviorment, but above all for the poor people whom must survive in deplorable conditions.
ReplyDeleteBecause that the poverty is a big problem to solve in.