Archive for category: Global Poverty

Key articles and information on global poverty.

FORAGUA Tackles Water Scarcity in Ecuador

Water Scarcity in EcuadorFor many in Ecuador, water shortages are a part of daily life. With the country’s population increasing from 8 million to 18 million in just 40 years, population growth puts pressure on unstable water systems and leads to more of Ecuador’s land being used. According to the United Nations, only 67% of the population has access to safely monitored drinking water, illustrating the gravity of water scarcity in Ecuador. 

Background

Poor land and forest management is one of the main causes of water scarcity in Ecuador. Since the federal government has no water policy, the well-being of watersheds is overlooked. As a result, citizens using land for livestock and agriculture threaten the quality of freshwater sources. Water pollution from pesticides and human waste, as well as desertification from overuse of farmlands, makes Ecuador’s water supply unacceptable for daily consumption or use. 

Rural and isolated lands are hit especially hard by the lacking water infrastructure in Ecuador. As more forests are cleared to make space for cities and towns, trees and vegetation do not catch water and soak it up for use later in the dry season. For instance, Zaruma, located on the dry Andean slopes, cannot sustain its cattle or agriculture during the dry season when it only receives two to four hours of water per day. 

What are Water Funds?

However, municipalities of rural and urban areas are putting their efforts together in organizations called water funds. As defined by The Nature Conservancy, water funds occur when towns, cities, companies, residents and other water users use financial mechanisms to protect their water sources. 

With a focus on watershed conservation, water funds are helping both the people and the environment. Providing citizens with a sanitary source of water ensures fewer people catch waterborne illnesses like E. coli and more citizens can make a living. In an economy dominated by agriculture where clean water is necessary to care for crops and cattle, water scarcity in Ecuador puts impoverished rural communities at risk. 

The Work of FORAGUA

The Regional Water Fund of Southern Ecuador (FORAGUA) is one of many water funds working in Ecuador. Targeting 14 municipalities and 500,000 residents, FORAGUA requires community residents to pay $1 per month for water consumption. The price is not demanding for locals, and 90% of the funds go towards water conservation efforts. 

FORAGUA uses its funds to purchase land or enter into agreements with farmers with the intention of allowing the environment to regrow its natural vegetation. Residents receive an income for letting their land rewild, meaning farmers cannot cut trees or native plants. While giving watersheds the time to restore themselves, FORAGUA also provides rural dwellers with funds. With the rural poverty rate in Ecuador at 43%, a consistent income provided by the water fund helps communities dependent on cattle and agriculture avoid poverty. 

FORAGUA is tackling poverty among farmers in a sustainable way. The water fund has so far restored 3,700 acres of land and planted 400 trees for every 160 acres to optimally protect ecosystems. Allowing lands once occupied by humans to return to their original states allows for biodiversity to advance as natural fauna and flora can flourish. 

Even though water scarcity in Ecuador remains a pressing issue, water funds are innovative financial mechanisms protecting citizens’ water accessibility by restoring the environment. At the intersection of environmentalism and humanitarianism, FORAGUA demonstrates how communities can come together to tackle financial instability among rural individuals while simultaneously helping the planet.

– Meilyn Farina
Photo: Flickr

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5 Facts About Poverty in the Caribbean

Poverty in the Caribbean
The Caribbean is a region in the mid-Atlantic Ocean composed of island nations known for their easy-going lifestyle and beautiful weather. The Caribbean has everything that a tourist looking for the perfect beach vacation could want; from historical landmarks to world-renowned beaches and more, the Caribbean is a popular choice for vacationers of all preferences.

However, like many tourist destinations, the Caribbean has economically successful tourist towns bordering impoverished villages. The region boasts mansions of the world’s ultra-wealthy but also houses an astounding number of the world’s extremely poor. Despite the wealth that a healthy tourism industry can bring to a country and a people, many inhabitants of the Caribbean’s island nations experience extreme poverty. Here are five facts about poverty in the Caribbean.

5 Facts About Poverty in the Caribbean

  1. The Caribbean is one of the poorest regions of the world. Currently, about 32% of people in the Caribbean live below the poverty line. While one in three below the poverty line is already too many, it is not the highest rate of poverty in the world. However, because of the lack of economic growth, poverty in the Caribbean is worsening, and the Caribbean is on track to become the poorest region in the world as soon as 2050.
  2. Haiti is the poorest country in the Caribbean. Overrun by gangs, damaged by natural disasters and vulnerable to corruption, Haiti is a fragile nation. The economy often experiences crashes and has had an average of 2% negative growth over the last four years. Because of their weak economic state, people are ransacked by extreme poverty without hope of leadership or guidance from the government.
  3. Poverty in the Caribbean causes two challenges that ultimately lead to increased amounts of trafficking and other crimes — unemployment and institutional weakness. Unemployment in the Caribbean is high, averaging more than 7% across all of the countries, so many have to find ways to generate income other than a traditional job. In addition to relatively unsteady labor markets, Caribbean countries often suffer from corrupt or otherwise weak governments and unstable economies. Because these institutions are unreliable, Caribbean persons often have to resort to crime and trafficking to make money and stay out of extreme poverty.
  4. The massive dip in tourism that COVID-19 brought on shocked Caribbean economies and halted growth, even in the wealthier countries. Tourism makes up nearly a quarter of the Caribbean’s total GDP. The Caribbean depends on tourism to create jobs and continue the cycle of money in and out of the country. Because the pandemic nearly eliminated travel in all parts of the world, the Caribbean suffered from a huge cut in income for many consecutive months during the height of the pandemic. This hit to the economy increased poverty in all Caribbean countries, even those who had previously been on the road to economic success, including Barbados and Jamaica.
  5. The Caribbean depends on foreign investment to keep its economy alive. In 2021, Latin America and the Caribbean received nearly $143 billion in foreign investment. The COVID-19 pandemic decreased foreign investment because main investors like the U.S., the U.K. and Canada shifted resources from foreign investment to their domestic fights against the pandemic. An unforeseen lack of foreign aid shocked the Caribbean economy and caused many to fall below the poverty line. Since 2020, foreign aid has steadily increased but has not yet reached pre-pandemic levels and poverty rates have remained high.

Looking Ahead

Although the Caribbean is one of the poorest regions in the world with weak institutions, trafficking issues and challenges from COVID-19, the tourism industry offers these countries opportunities for economic growth. As long as the natural beauty of the region can be preserved, the Caribbean can expect a steady and even growing tourism sector that creates jobs and brings money into local economies. This sector has the power to bolster the entire region’s economy and decrease the poverty rate in many island nations.

– Suzanne Ackley 
Photo: Flickr

Zephyrus Tackles India’s Heat

Zephyrus Tackles India’s HeatIndia’s climate is known for its severe heat, particularly in June when the country often experiences devastating heat waves. Zephyrus, a prominent organization focused on environmental issues, has taken on the challenge of addressing India’s heat problem. Just a month ago, temperatures soared to a scorching 113 degrees Fahrenheit (45 Celsius), leading to tragic consequences. The states of Uttar Pradesh and Bihar bore the brunt of this blistering heat, resulting in the unfortunate loss of 96 lives. The following is an overview of the situation and how Zephyrus tackles India’s heat.

Heat Waves Affect Daily Life

While the heat waves result in unsafe living and working conditions, this does not stop people from going out to earn a living. In attempts to protect themselves from the heat, workers tie a wet cloth on their heads. However, because of the strength of the heat, the populations’ health, productivity and economy have all taken a fall as a result. This is especially true for the plethora of workers that have to labor outdoors and in large open spaces.

Are Air Conditioners the Solution?

After working a long day in the blistering heat, it would only make sense to cool down in the comfort of air conditioning in your home. However, this is only a reality for 4.9% of Indians. According to the Stats of India Twitter Account, air coolers are more dominant than air conditioners. This is likely because they are cheaper as they take longer to cool a room when compared to an air conditioner. However, while more affordable, still only 14.1% of households have an air cooler.

Need for an Affordable Solution

Clearly, there is a huge need for a more affordable version of indoor cooling. However, there is also the challenge of ensuring the device is both environment-friendly and simple. Recently, a group of students in Gurugram found a solution. Five 10th-grade students created Zephyrus cleverly named after the Greek God of wind. They describe it as “an eco-friendly, 2-in-1 cooling device that tackles the challenges of a conventional cooler and can save water” (The Better India). Essentially, Zephyrus is tackling India’s heat problems. The students, V Sahil Seshadri, Lakshya Goswami, Uday Singh, Sourish Grover and Armaan Sharma were the masterminds behind this device.

Humidity Poses a Challenge

These boys recognized the challenge that many Indians face with a lack of cooling. To begin their journey of creating the next best thing, they interviewed school staff members who had cooling systems in their households. Through these interviews, the boys found that cooling systems come with many challenges, such as the need to constantly replace water tanks. This is especially an issue as India’s climate is very humid, resulting in the frequent use of cooling systems to combat humidity. The humidity stems from India’s long monsoon periods. The most humid period is the summer monsoon, from April to September.

How Zephyrus Tackles India’s Heat

The boys describe Zephyrus as a two-in-one heating and cooling system that is powered by cooling modules. Lakshya explains the intricacies: “When electric current flows through this device, one side gets extremely hot, and the other side gets freezing cold. This creates a necessary temperature difference required to create the dual effect of cooling.” Perhaps the most impressive part is that their system is 10% lower in cost than the typical cooler. The boys commented that when they begin to mass produce the product, they will continue to lower their price, as affordability is a primary factor to them.

Not only is Zephyrus affordable and successful at tackling India’s heat, but it is also eco-friendly. Zephyrus does not rely on a cooling agent, but rather the Peltier effect. The Peltier effect occurs when the cooling of a junction and the heating of a junction is in a circuit. This effect explains how modern refrigerators work. In addition, Zephyrus uses significantly less water than typical coolers. A typical cooler requires 3,000 liters of water a month whereas the Zephyrus only requires 300 liters. This alone could help save gallons of water nationwide.

Next Steps

The boys continue to make Zephyrus beneficial as they are planning to reduce their dependence on power and convert to relying on solar panels. This would reduce their carbon footprint. The affordability along with creative innovation is what makes the Zephyrus so impactful. Not only did these boys create a solution to a huge problem, but they proved the significance of science and technology in aiding society.

– Samsara Shrivastava
Photo: Unsplash

5 Things to Know About the MINDS Act

MINDS ActAccording to the World Health Organization, as of 2019, 970 million people worldwide suffer from mental health issues. The Mental Health in International Development and Humanitarian Settings (MINDS) Act — which is currently being voted on in Congress — will draw political attention to the widespread mental health crisis that is occurring across the globe.

5 Things to Know About the MINDS Act

  1. The MINDS Act Is the First to Put Mental Health at the Center of US Foreign Policy. While mental health is an issue that affects hundreds of millions of people, US foreign assistance has never specifically focused on improving mental health. At the moment, less than 1% of global health funding is allocated for funding mental health programs, suggesting that this bill is important and necessary.
  2. It Has Bipartisan Support. The bill has support from both major American political parties. It was introduced by Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) in the Senate and by Representative Susan Wild (D-PA-07) and Representative Joe Wilson (R-SC-02) in the House.
  3. The MINDS Act Will Emphasize the Need to Support At-Risk Populations. Research has shown that 1 in 5 people living in conflict-affected countries suffers from mental health issues. The legislation will have a specific focus on those living in these areas as well as vulnerable populations such as women and children.
  4. The MINDS Act Will Assist Millions of People Living in Poverty. At least 2.5 million adults living below the poverty line experience mental health issues. According to the Psychiatric Times there “is strong [evidence] for a causal relationship between poverty and mental health,” suggesting that these mental health problems can make it difficult for individuals to escape poverty thus creating an “intergenerational cycle of poverty and poor health.”
  5. The MINDS Act Will Provide People With Resources They May Not Have Otherwise Had Access To. 75% of people who live in low-income and middle-income countries and suffer from mental health issues do not receive any type of treatment. The MINDS Act serves as an opportunity to assist those who cannot access resources and programs that will provide them with the help they need.

Looking Ahead

Putting the MINDS Act into law is just one step in the fight to advocate for mental health. Many nonprofit organizations are advocating for increasing mental health funding and resources worldwide. For example, World Vision, a supporter of the MINDS Act, is an advocacy group with a variety of goals, one of which is providing mental health support to children. Another organization working to advocate for mental health is United For Global Mental Health whose mission is to “raise awareness, reduce stigma and increase support for mental health around the world.” Between legislation such as the MINDS Act and organizations such as World Vision and United For Global Mental Health, hopefully, the ongoing mental health crisis will soon come to an end.

– Nicole Alexander
Photo: Wikimedia Commons

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These Organizations Are Tackling Dengue in Singapore

Dengue in SingaporeSingapore typically faces a spike in dengue cases between May and October, as a result of the warm conditions that perpetuate the breeding of Aedes mosquitoes. Cases of the virus have risen in recent years, necessitating a response from the country’s government and efforts to mitigate its mosquito population. Several efforts are underway to help curb the spread of dengue in Singapore.

What is Dengue?

Dengue fever is characterized by symptoms such as headaches, nausea and vomiting, rashes and aching. The disease is spread through the bite of infected Aedes mosquitos. While it does not spread directly from person to person, a mosquito may become a carrier if it draws blood from a person infected with dengue.

The disease is best prevented by anti-mosquito measures, such as repellents and nets. However, Singapore is currently experimenting with new methods to help control the country’s mosquito population.

Wolbachia Mosquitoes/EHI

Recently, Singapore’s Environmental Health Institute has developed a program involving the release of lab-grown mosquitos infected with a bacteria called Wolbachia. These male mosquitoes can reproduce with females, but the eggs will not hatch. This strategy has been shown to suppress mosquito populations within a given area. As a result, the spread of dengue in Singapore should be mitigated.

Fogging/NEA

Another method that Singapore’s National Environmental Agency is deploying against mosquito populations is known as fogging. In this process, insecticide is released as a mist in an effort to control a large mosquito population in a dengue cluster. However, it is worth noting that this process does not eliminate the source of the population, and overuse may lead to insecticide-resistant mosquitoes.

Temasek Foundation

Along with these initiatives, several organizations are working alongside the government to help slow the spread of the virus. In 2022, the non-profit group Temasek Foundation partnered with the NEA to provide mosquito repellent to all students in Singapore. This effort was made to counter the spread of dengue through infected mosquitos. Overall, repellent was provided for more than 800,000 students.

Community Efforts

In order to combat the spread of dengue, several grassroots organizations have volunteered their efforts. These community-led efforts help to raise awareness about mosquito mitigation tactics, as well as inform the public on the symptoms and risks of dengue.

These community efforts included door-to-door visits in areas with a high dengue concentration. Volunteer groups from Singapore’s People’s Association, a government program with a large network of community-based organizations, contributed to this campaign.

Reduction in Dengue Cases

In 2023, cases of dengue in Singapore have dropped significantly. The WHO reports a 72% decrease in cases compared to this time last year. While there is still room for improvement, these numbers are a relatively good omen for the warmer season, taking into account last year’s outbreak. It appears as though the efforts of the NEA have not been in vain, and may have made a meaningful difference in the reduction of infected mosquito populations.

– Mary Burke
Photo: Flickr

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Everything You Need to Know About Hunger in Chad

Hunger in ChadThe landlocked nation of Chad, located in Central Africa, has continuously experienced challenges in addressing its ongoing poverty crisis. While many recent efforts by international programs have brought clean water and a steady supply of food to millions, hunger in Chad still affects many men, women and children there.

Conditions Causing Hunger in Chad

According to the World Food Program USA, 42% of Chad’s population is currently living below the poverty line. Additionally, the number of people that have been forcibly displaced in Chad has exceeded one million.

Chad also hosts more refugees than any other West or Central African nation, with more than 600,000 currently living in Chad. The influx of refugees across Chad’s border increased significantly after recent conflicts began in neighboring Sudan.

Extreme climate conditions have also caused more difficult growing seasons for agriculture throughout Chad, worsening the food crisis. A recent report by AP News stated that the Lake Chad Basin has become increasingly vulnerable to floods and droughts, which directly impacts food security.

Malnutrition in Chad

Hundreds of thousands of children were treated for severe acute malnutrition in Chad in 2021. Nearly 300,000 children under the age of five were treated that year, with UNICEF reporting that this number is increasing annually.

45.4% of women between the ages of 15 and 49 currently suffer from anemia in Chad. According to the Global Nutrition Report, Chad is “off course” in addressing several malnutrition-related health issues, including childhood overweight, sodium intake and obesity.

Efforts to Improve Hunger in Chad

The Global Hunger Index (GHI), which attributes a hunger score for various countries based on their levels of undernourishment, child stunting, child wasting and child mortality, has given Chad a score of 37.2. This places Chad in the “alarming” category and ranked 117th out of 121 countries that are reviewed by the GHI. However, Chad has seen a decline in its GHI score in the years since 2000, when their score was listed at 50.7.

Action Against Hunger, a global organization that works to end hunger around the world, began working in Chad in 1981. Last year, with a team of 264 employees, Action Against Hunger helped over 1.2 million people suffering from hunger in Chad. The organization’s efforts included increased access to water, hygiene and food security programs.

The World Food Program (WFP) USA also aims to assist millions of people in Chad this year. To address the rising number of refugees in the nation, WFP USA plans to provide food to 100,000 refugees and host communities. Additionally, the organization will work with communities to improve assets such as warehouses for crops and will expand nutrition assistance to an additional 16 regions considered high-risk in Chad.

Overall, there are still many challenges to addressing hunger in Chad. However, the resilience of those living in the nation and the commitment of numerous international organizations to provide funding and support toward improving conditions in Chad present hope for a better future for millions.

– Tristan Weisenbach
Photo: Flickr

Women’s Rights in Paraguay

Women’s Rights in ParaguayCitizens are advocating for women’s rights in Paraguay after decades of mistreatment. In 1992, Paraguay’s National Constitution introduced a policy supporting equality and denouncing discrimination, stating, “Men and women have equal civil, political, social, and cultural rights.” Paraguay is progressing toward gender equality; however, the lack of enforced legislation leaves women to fight for their own rights.

Politics

The national and local governments lack representation for women. Yet there is no lack of women participating in democracy, considering 57% of those eligible voted in the 2021 election, just more than equal to the 56% of eligible men. Women desire to run for office but face gender stereotypes from political opponents trying to discredit their capabilities. Women hold only 15% of political seats, making it hard to advance women’s rights in Paraguay.

To combat the gap in representation, the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (IDEA) introduced the Political Training School for Women Leaders of the Superior Court of Electoral Justice in 2017. The program collaborates with women’s organizations, such as the Ministry of Women, to train and educate more than 700 students. There are 17 modules specializing in different skill sets needed to run for office, including information about electoral processes and the inner workings of the Senate.

The Political Training School’s success earned them an Honorable Mention for gender equality in the first edition of the Global Network on Electoral Justice Awards. The courses are non-partisan to encourage women from any political party to participate. Introducing more women to politics in Paraguay improves legislation on gender equality and paves the way for the next generation of women.

Unpaid Labor

Paraguay is a middle-income country, with 22.6% of the population living in poverty and 10.5% in extreme poverty. Only 62% of women have a job that provides income, and that reduces to about 50% for women living in poverty. Those employed make 71% of the monthly wages of their male coworkers.

Responsibilities at home restrict women’s ability to earn money because unpaid domestic tasks are their primary responsibility. Societal beliefs impact girls at a young age, and their community expects them to continue their unpaid work indefinitely. The World Bank found “33.8% of Paraguayan women ages 15-29 do not work or study (compared with 6.1% of boys)” because young women work inside the home rather than making money in the workforce.

To address inequalities for the 32% of the population that live in rural areas, Paraguay implemented the Public Policy Law for Rural Women. The law targets women who are homemakers and reliant on their partners. More than 1,000 rural women learned agricultural techniques, giving them personal and financial freedom.

COVID-19

The World Bank recognizes that “the COVID-19 pandemic has undone women’s progress from numerous dimensions but mainly in the economic sphere.” At the beginning of the pandemic, waves of unemployment affected the workers of Paraguay. However, this disproportionally impacted women, with more than 50% losing their jobs, compared to 35% for men.

While women in the workplace experienced unemployment rates above 10%, the pandemic also impacted women who do unpaid work. They are responsible for domestic chores and therefore do not have many opportunities to improve their situation. Their days are spent working at home, with no time to get a job that provides an income.

During the pandemic, domestic disputes increased due to working spouses being home more often with their stay-at-home wives. According to the World Bank, “The Ministry of Women’s emergency services registered 50% more calls in March 2020, compared to the same month of the previous year.” The numerous reports are just one example of how COVID-19 negatively affected women’s rights in Paraguay.

Looking Ahead

Women’s rights in Paraguay have greatly improved since declaring equality in 1992. While the pandemic created setbacks for gender equality, organizations, such as IDEA and the EU, introduced educational programs and strategies to provide access for women who want to get involved in their communities. Spreading awareness to girls about stereotypical gender roles and how to overcome them is the next step toward gender equality. Spending more time outside the home creates opportunities for young women to become independent and active in the women’s rights movement. Progress continues as the programs advancing women’s rights today will inspire the next generation.

– Diana Grant
Photo: Flickr

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International Involvement in Educating DRC

International Involvement in Educating DRCIn the face of ongoing conflict and poverty in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), which has impacted the youth’s education, there has been international aid to help those who need education in the DRC.

Education Statistics

Though free access to primary education has improved, educational attainment remains low in the DRC: The amount of children who complete primary-level education is 75%. However, the quality of education tends to be poor, as many classrooms are overcrowded and many teachers are not trained to the level needed to educate so many children.

Conflict in the DRC, particularly in Eastern DRC, has disrupted about 750,000 children just between the beginning of 2022 and the start of 2023. Nearly 300 schools cannot be used as they are being used as shelters from the conflict.

What Is Being Done?

As conflict and learning poverty impacts children’s education, international involvement in educating DRC has been more critical than ever before. The UK’s Minister for Development and Africa, for example, launched a new project in March 2023, which would support 60,000 children, 60% of which will be girls, to have access to education in Kasai, where political conflict has been rampant for years, which has impacted education in particular for girls who tend not to have the same opportunities as boys in terms of being educated.

Another international group involved in educating DRC is UNICEF. UNICEF has reported that a problem with education is the costs; due to the high levels of poverty in the DRC, many people are impacted by the costs of education, such as buying uniforms and materials for school. What UNICEF is doing to help with these issues is working with the government to improve national policies so that education becomes more accessible not just at a primary level but also at a pre-primary level and beyond through the building of a curriculum package that will provide structure and stability to DRC’s education system.

Not only are teachers frequently un- or undertrained, but there are not enough teachers to meet demands, especially in primary-level education. Cordaid International is an international organization focusing on development and giving aid, especially in countries impacted by conflict. They are an organization that has been part of international involvement in educating DRC, with successful results. Cordaid introduced performance-based financing in 14 provinces, training 1350 primary school teachers. This has helped improve the quality of education by giving schools the incentive to provide funding if the teachers perform well.

Improving Education in the DRC

Though conflict and poverty continue to impact education, international organizations are working to ensure that youth still get education. These efforts have had and will continue to have positive effects on the education system in the DRC.

– Christelle Wealth-Mukendi
Photo: Flickr

Charity in Chile

Charity in ChileEach country has its struggles and challenges, and Chile is no exception. While the presence of hardships is inevitable, charity in Chile has the mission of improving the lives of the most vulnerable.

Though there are countless to mention, here are five charities currently operating in Chile.

TECHO-Chile

TECHO-Chile is a non-profit organization that focuses on housing and community-based projects in Chilean slums known as “campamentos.” More than 1,290 campamentos currently house more than 113,000 families nationwide, the most significant figure since 1996. The people who live in these slums lack some of the most essential material conditions, such as proper electricity, clean water and sewage.

TECHO-Chile works directly with the local vulnerable communities and volunteers to foster a feeling of responsibility for improving their own lives. This Chilean charity has two broad focuses: social and housing. In 2022 alone, they built 597 emergency housing structures, significantly improving the living conditions of over 8,000 families. TECHO-Chile has been immensely popular since its inception, with over 60,000 volunteers who have given their time and effort to be agents of change for the most vulnerable Chileans.

Hogar de Cristo

Hogar de Cristo is a secular charity in Chile whose mission is to provide assistance and opportunities for the most vulnerable and socially excluded Chileans. The organization has a mission to create a bond between local communities to aid those who suffer from poverty, homelessness and social exclusion. The main focus is on those in extreme poverty of all ages who live on the edge of society.

The Chilean charity focuses on early education, vulnerable children, educational reinsertion, homelessness, senior citizens, labor inclusion, mental disabilities, problematic consumption and solidarity action. In 2022, Hogar de Cristo helped 8,958 people through early education programs, supported more than 33,000 vulnerable children monthly, aided 2,591 people with educational reinsertion, assisted 3,236 homeless people, supported 3,236 senior citizens, aided 6,234 with labor inclusion, helped 1,757 people with mental disabilities, assisted 493 people with problematic consumption and support over 21,306 people though solidarity action programs.

Fundación Mi Parque

Fundación Mi Parque executes projects focusing on the design, restoration, creation and usage of green areas in underprivileged areas of Chile. This charity in Chile aims to improve the quality of life of those in vulnerable areas by creating aesthetically pleasing and practical parks and plazas. Everyone deserves to be proud of where they live and to be able to take advantage of its facilities. The organization partners with private companies to secure financing, engages volunteers in the creation process and subsequently involves public departments in maintaining the green areas after their inauguration.

The belief in the synergy between the public and private sectors as well as members of society has led to successful projects with tangible improvements in the Chileans’ quality of life. There have been 400 projects that have built 687,089 square meters of green areas in 16 different regions, benefitting over 1 million people. These projects have led to a 76% increase in new plaza use, a 17% decrease in trash, a 31% decrease in graffiti, a 9% increase in perception of safety, a 14% increase in community participation and a 12% decrease in fights, shootings and robberies.

Creciendo Juntas

Creciendo Juntas is a secular, non-political, non-profit organization that focuses on improving the quality of life for children who live in Chilean National Service for Minors (SENAME) homes. After disheartening experiences visiting SENAME homes, Magdalena Gardilcic created an organization that provides self-help, education and entertainment activities to develop a better path for these children, teenagers and former SENAME young adults.

Volunteers participate in and organize activities such as cooking workshops, theater classes, self-care courses, gardening, mini-libraries and field trips. The Chilean charity works consistently with five SENAME homes in the Metropolitan, Valparaíso, O’higgins and Bio Bio regions and works with over 25 homes during campaign periods.

Fundación Nuestros Hijos

According to the National Childhood Cancer Registry, an average of 1.36 Chilean children are diagnosed with cancer daily. This disheartening reality has led to the creation of Fundación Nuestros Hijos. This non-profit looks to improve not only the probability of survival but also the quality of life of children with cancer. The Chilean charity recognizes the multidimensionality of a cancer patient, thus investing in medical and investigative programs as well as rehabilitation, social programs, educational programs and personal relationships.

Throughout 2022 Fundación Nuestros Hijos has collaborated with 85 partners who improve the livelihoods of countless Chilean children and teenagers with cancer. With hospital, at-home attention and special events, the organization makes a constant effort to aid these individuals. Their education, oncology rehabilitation, shelter, medical service and social service outreach and development programs have supported 938 Children or young people, delivered 94,464 services and benefits, and 3,752 people, including family members, reaped the benefits.

Charity in Chile

These five organizations strive to make a difference in Chile, from housing and community development to childhood support. TECHO-Chile focuses on housing and social projects, while Hogar de Cristo tackles poverty, homelessness and social exclusion. Fundación Mi Parque creates green spaces in underprivileged areas, Creciendo Juntas improves the lives of children in SENAME homes and Fundación Nuestros Hijos supports children with cancer and their families. Each charity’s commitment to their cause is to forge a better life for the people of Chile.

– Agustín Pino
Photo: Flickr

Poverty and Extreme Weather Patterns

Poverty and Extreme Weather PatternsExtreme weather patterns disproportionately affect developing countries, despite their contribution of less than 4% to global greenhouse gas emissions. Moreover, the intersection of poverty and these climatic events amplifies the challenges faced by these nations. The least developed countries account for 69% of climate-related disaster deaths. This convergence of poverty and extreme weather patterns demands action to mitigate its far-reaching impacts.

Impacts of Extreme Weather Patterns on Developing Countries

Developing countries face many adverse effects stemming from extreme weather patterns and events. The World Bank projects that more than 100 million people will be thrust into poverty over the next seven years due to the ramifications of these extreme weather events. Furthermore, by 2050, climate-related food and water insecurity are expected to displace more than 216 million individuals from their homes. Presently, more than 94 million people in developing nations are affected by climate shocks and extremes, leading to severe repercussions on agricultural production and biodiversity. Rising temperatures expose more than 1 billion individuals to infectious diseases like Zika and dengue.

The vulnerability and limited resources in developing countries exacerbate the effects of extreme weather patterns on these nations. Increased floods, droughts and unpredictable weather patterns make it challenging for its citizens to maintain decent livelihoods.

Mitigating Poverty and Extreme Weather

Communities employ Ecosystem-based Adaptation (EbA) as a comprehensive approach that involves managing ecosystems to bolster resilience and reduce vulnerability to fluctuating weather patterns. EbA encompasses the conservation, restoration and sustainable management of forests, grasslands, wetlands, mangroves and coral reefs to diminish the impacts of variable climatic conditions. It is often referred to as green infrastructure, contrasting with gray infrastructure, which entails concrete-based solutions.

In South Africa, a country grappling with floods, landslides and heavy rainfall due to the La Niña weather phenomenon, EbA has mitigated some of the adverse weather impacts. The municipality of eThekwini, which encompasses the city of Durban, has implemented the Transformative Riverine Management Programme to manage urban flood risks. This initiative involves collaboration between the government and non-governmental organizations. For example, the Aller River pilot project, managed by the Kloof Conservancy, an NGO focused on ecosystem protection and environmental awareness, is a pilot for the broader Take Back Our Rivers (TBOR) project. The TBOR project aims to restore the health of the 18 major river systems across the eThekwini Municipality. The Kloof Conservancy aims to assess how trained citizens can manage and monitor river ecosystems, creating a sustainable and climate-resilient municipality.

Significant progress has been made through the Aller River pilot project, including clearing alien vegetation and waste from the river stretch. The project has leveraged funding and co-funding for alien vegetation removal, with conservancy members contributing volunteer hours effectively. Improved communication and collaboration with municipal departments have resulted in rectifying problematic sewerage maintenance holes and enhanced water quality in certain parts of the Aller River. Community members living near the river have experienced improved livelihoods due to reduced odor from sewer spillage. The employment of Eco-Champs has enhanced local capacity for river health maintenance, waste reduction, monitoring and community awareness. Successful stakeholder mobilization campaigns have engaged diverse community groups and raised awareness about the river’s significance. The partnership between civil organizations and the municipality has facilitated effective awareness campaigns and cross-departmental collaboration in river monitoring.

Projects like the Aller River pilot project help communities in developing countries mitigate the impacts of extreme weather patterns by promoting climate-resilient infrastructure and adaptation capabilities, thus reducing vulnerability to climate shocks. Addressing global poverty necessitates tackling its root causes while simultaneously addressing the adverse effects of harsh weather patterns. By addressing poverty and extreme weather patterns, vulnerable communities can participate in sustainable economic activities, promote conservation efforts and gain improved access to clean energy.

Looking Ahead

Companies, foundations, organizations and institutions embrace climate-conscious strategies to combat poverty. The Rockefeller Foundation, for example, launched the International 100 Resilient Cities Programme (100RC) in 2013. The Rockefeller Foundation selected Durban as one of the first 32 cities in this program. Durban’s participation in this program led to the development of its Resilience Strategy, which initiated the TBOR project. This program reached more than 20% of the world’s urban population, with the Rockefeller Foundation actively giving more than $160 million to build urban resilience worldwide. The 100RC Network concluded in 2019, although the Rockefeller Foundation continues its efforts through the work of its Chief Resilience Officers, who actively train to lead their cities’ resilience strategies.

Understanding the interconnection between poverty and extreme weather patterns is crucial for fostering sustainable development, empowering local communities, mitigating the impacts of extreme weather patterns and alleviating global poverty. The disproportionate effects of harsh weather fluctuations on developing nations and their limited capacity to respond necessitate targeted assistance that addresses poverty and environmental concerns.

– Clara Swart
Photo: Flickr