Severe weather events driven by climate change are disproportionately affecting impoverished farmers and fisherfolk in South and Southeast Asia, leading to dire living conditions and increased vulnerability. The influence of phenomena such as the Indian Ocean Dipole and El Nino is resulting in extreme climatic shifts, with significant fatalities reported from recent typhoons. The global response, including substantial financial commitments made during COP 28, emphasizes the urgent need for action to address the impact of climate change on these marginalized communities.
Climate change is exerting severe pressure on marginalized communities, particularly farmers and fisherfolk, whose livelihoods depend heavily on natural resources and who already live in precarious conditions. The monsoon season of this year has been extraordinarily harsh, bringing an end to a protracted drought across South and Southeast Asia, characterized by unprecedented heat and rainfall attributed to anthropogenic pollution and climate change. Farmers and fisherfolk, who represent a significant portion of the impoverished populations in these regions, are facing a myriad of challenges. Their struggles include illegal fishing practices, destructive fishing methods like electric nets and trawling, and the construction of upstream dams which diminish their catch. Furthermore, they are uprooted by climate-induced phenomena as they seek more stable livelihoods. The transformation of climate change from a theoretical concept, initially articulated by Svante Arrhenius in 1896, to a widely acknowledged reality is evidenced by the work of Guy Callendar in 1938 and the subsequent establishment of the Conference of the Parties (COP) in 1995. Recent advancements in science have enabled more accurate weather forecasting, underscoring the impact of complex patterns like the Indian Ocean Dipole and El Nino, both of which significantly affect global weather systems. These patterns, influenced by sea temperatures, lead to extreme weather variations, with the frequency of such extremes increasing dramatically. This year has recorded alarming temperatures and weather events, including the hottest April on record in South and Southeast Asia, alongside devastating typhoons that have resulted in significant fatalities and displacement. For instance, Typhoon Yagi led to the deaths of hundreds in Myanmar and Vietnam, displacing millions and severely impacting children’s access to essential services. Moreover, research from World Weather Attribution indicated that climate change has intensified the impact of storms like Hurricane Helene, highlighting that human activity significantly contributes to these increasingly violent weather patterns. The resultant floods, erosion, and destruction of infrastructure disproportionately affect the poor, who often reside in inadequate housing susceptible to such disasters. The ramifications of climate change extend beyond immediate physical dangers; they manifest in broader socio-economic disruptions. Increased greenhouse gas emissions lead to altered growing seasons, marine ecosystem alterations, and intensified air pollution, compelling governments to rethink disaster preparedness and response frameworks. Amidst these challenges, the international community, as demonstrated at COP 28, is committing substantial resources toward transitioning to sustainable energy solutions, with public figures like Pope Francis emphasizing the urgent need for comprehensive change in societal habits. His poignant observation, “If we took the planet’s temperature, it will tell us that the Earth has a fever. And it is sick,” reflects a growing consensus that urgent action is required to combat the ongoing climate crisis effectively.
The text discusses the dire effects of climate change on impoverished communities in South and Southeast Asia, particularly farmers and fisherfolk, who are suffering due to extreme weather patterns exacerbated by anthropogenic factors. The historical context of climate science is provided, outlining the evolution of understanding of climate change from theoretical origins to an accepted global phenomenon, coupled with the latest observations on weather patterns such as the Indian Ocean Dipole and El Nino and their implications for future climatic events. This sets the stage for understanding the vulnerabilities faced by these communities under increasing environmental stress.
In summary, climate change poses an existential threat to the livelihoods of the impoverished in South and Southeast Asia, particularly impacting farmers and fisherfolk through extreme weather events and socio-economic disruptions. The increasing frequency of severe weather patterns, driven by anthropogenic factors, necessitates a reevaluation of living conditions and disaster preparedness strategies. The urgent call for action from global leaders and organizations underscores the need for a collective response to mitigate the escalating climate crisis and protect vulnerable populations from its adverse effects.
Original Source: www.heraldmalaysia.com
