The consequences of climate change affect poor people more than richer people, even if they contribute less to the climate crisis. At the same time, inflation is a particular burden for poorer households. The Poverty Conference therefore calls for parallel measures to be taken against poverty, inflation and climate pollution. Concrete requirements are basic energy security, the early valorisation of social assistance, the decoupling of rent increases from the consumer price index and better housing support.
“There is a connection between the climate crisis, poverty, people’s health and inflation,” said poverty expert Martin Schenk of Diakonie Austria at a press conference on Thursday. It is therefore important to find integrated solutions and not to work independently in drawers on the individual problem areas.
Low-income households hit by heat
Summer heatwaves, which have led to 1,600 heat-related deaths since 2016, are particularly dangerous for households in lower-income areas. They would also have fewer options to protect themselves from the heat. At the same time, the extent to which people are socially integrated also plays a role. “Tell me where you live and I’ll tell you when you die,” Schenk remarked. The poverty conference therefore calls for the funding of Grätzl teams under the title “Climate Neighborhood” to promote the district. In addition, urban hot spots must be reduced.
To combat energy poverty, the Poverty Conference also calls for basic energy security. This is to ensure that each person has a certain free energy supply as a basic need. In addition to electricity, heating must also be included. The poverty conference calls on the government to explore different models before the existing electricity price brake expires in June 2024.
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In addition, the rent should be decoupled from the consumer price index (CPI) to counteract the “self-reinforcing price spiral”, according to Schenk. It is also necessary to accelerate the valorisation of social benefits. Instead of waiting for the estimated ten percent valorisation planned for 2024, social benefits can now be increased by five percent and again by five percent in January. In addition, according to Schenk, the value of unemployment benefits is still lacking.
As a further measure, the Poverty Conference calls for an improvement in housing aid in the Länder and reform of social assistance.
Combating climate change is priceless
Those affected by poverty often reach their limits when it comes to combating climate change, said minimum pensioner Christine Sallinger of the platform “Become Visible”. The climate card is not affordable for poorer households. Thermal renovation or the choice of heating systems is also “just a beautiful dream” for her, just like smart thermostats or replacing energy-consuming appliances.
“A very big problem that we unfortunately cannot solve is cooling in the summer,” emphasizes Sallinger. This mainly affects the elderly, the chronically ill and children, who are at particular risk and cannot protect themselves because there is no money for external shutters, air conditioning or the summer residence on the Schneeberg. Basic energy security could at least cover vital electricity, heating and cooling expenses.
Ministry refers to measures that have been decided
The Ministry of Finance responded to the demands on Thursday by referring to emergency relief and anti-inflation measures for the period from 2022 to 2026 totaling 40 billion euros. Accuracy in Austria is above average compared to other countries, they stressed, according to the OECD and the parliament’s budget department. The volume of the precise measures affects almost two percent of GDP and thus almost 40 percent of aid. On the other hand, in Germany or Spain only about a tenth of aid is classified as accurate.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
