Poverty And Pollution: A Complex Relationship

Poverty and pollution are interconnected and influence each other in a cyclical manner. While pollution affects people living in poverty the most, poverty also drives pollution. This is due to the lack of access to clean drinking water, edible food, and good healthcare, which are all exacerbated by pollution. For example, in Nairobi, Kenya, the city's largest garbage dump pollutes churches, schools, shops, and businesses, with the surrounding area bearing the brunt of this environmental hazard. Additionally, pollution decreases crop yield, increases food prices, and contributes to malnutrition, which further perpetuates poverty.

Poor health and economic burden

The health and economic impacts of pollution are profound, and the poor are disproportionately affected. Pollution undermines the basic building blocks of life: air, water, and food, and can severely harm a person's well-being. The World Health Organization (WHO) reported that indoor and outdoor air pollution caused an estimated 7 million deaths globally in 2016, with the majority of these occurring in developing countries.

The health impacts of pollution are extensive and varied. Air pollution, in particular, is caused by harmful particulates and gases released into the air, which can lead to respiratory conditions like asthma and COPD, as well as life-limiting illnesses such as lung cancer, heart disease, strokes, and degenerative conditions like Alzheimer's and dementia. Recent research has also shown a link between air pollution and an increased risk of serious mental health disorders. The effects of pollution on health can be lifelong, from conception to the end of life, and can result in premature death. In addition, water pollution causes preventable waterborne diseases, which are responsible for the deaths of thousands of children under the age of five every year.

The economic impacts of pollution are also significant. The WHO's 2017 Lancet Commission on pollution and health reported that pollution caused economic losses totalling US$4.6 trillion (6.2% of global economic output) in 2015. These economic losses are felt most keenly in low- and middle-income countries, where 92% of pollution-related deaths occur. Pollution can hinder economic development in several ways, including through reduced productivity due to sick workers, increased healthcare expenditures, and lost welfare. The impact of pollution on individuals and families can also be financially detrimental, as people who are sick are unable to work or attend school, and may face additional costs associated with repeat trips to the hospital.

The interlinked nature of poverty and pollution is evident. Poverty drives pollution, as those in poverty often lack access to clean drinking water and adequate sanitation systems, and live in close proximity to sources of pollution such as rubbish dumps or industrial sites. At the same time, pollution drives poverty, as it creates a cycle of poor health and economic burden that is difficult to escape. Addressing pollution and its impacts is critical for alleviating poverty and promoting shared prosperity.

Food insecurity and hunger

Low-income households, particularly those of color led by single mothers, experience higher rates of food insecurity due to systemic racism and discrimination in economic opportunities, employment, education, housing, and lending. The COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent economic crisis, coupled with supply chain issues, have further exacerbated the hunger crisis in the US, highlighting long-standing policy failures and racial and poverty-related disparities.

Neighborhood conditions also play a role in food insecurity. Residents in urban, rural, and low-income areas may have limited access to full-service supermarkets or grocery stores, relying instead on convenience stores with higher prices, lower-quality foods, and less variety. Predominantly Black and Hispanic neighborhoods often have fewer supermarkets, and limited transportation options can further restrict access to healthy food sources.

Food insecurity can have significant health consequences, especially for children and adolescents. It can lead to malnutrition, compromising immune systems and making individuals more susceptible to foodborne illnesses and other health issues. Additionally, food insecurity can result in increased healthcare costs and economic burdens, as individuals may need to make trade-offs between purchasing nutritious food and meeting other basic needs.

To address food insecurity and hunger, policymakers must focus on reducing poverty, creating more accessible and affordable food production and distribution systems, and tackling the root causes of disparities. This includes strengthening health systems, addressing climate change and environmental injustice, and promoting sustainable development.

Lack of access to clean water

While poverty and pollution are interlinked, with poverty driving pollution and vice versa, the lack of access to clean water is a significant issue within this dynamic. This fundamental human right is often denied to those living in poverty, with devastating consequences for their health, well-being, and economic prospects.

A staggering 1 in 3 people globally, or 2.2 billion individuals, do not have access to safe drinking water, according to a 2019 report by UNICEF and the World Health Organization. This means that billions of people are at risk of waterborne illnesses and other health issues caused by contaminated water sources. Inadequate sanitation systems, decaying or non-existent plumbing, and insufficient protection of water sources from contamination all contribute to this crisis.

In the United States, for example, it is not just an issue of access, but also of affordability. Many communities, particularly those of color and lower-income groups, struggle to afford cleaner water. This is due to centuries of racial segregation, infrastructure neglect, and poor water regulation. The situation has been further exacerbated by climate change and the weakening of environmental protection policies. As a result, these communities face detrimental health consequences, including reproductive health issues and lead poisoning, as seen in Flint, Michigan.

The impact of unsafe water goes beyond health. It disrupts daily life, affecting food choices and causing school closures for water quality tests. It also forces difficult financial decisions, such as choosing between paying for water or rent. Furthermore, it undermines reproductive justice, infringing on individuals' rights to choose whether to have children and to raise them in safe and healthy environments.

The United Nations has recognized the urgency of this issue, and its entities like UNICEF and the World Health Organization are leading initiatives to address it. However, as highlighted by the Marmot Review, more needs to be done to ensure that vulnerable communities have access to safe and affordable water. This includes strengthening water infrastructure, enforcing stricter regulations, and addressing the societal inequities that disproportionately impact marginalized groups.

Poor air quality and climate change

Air pollution refers to the release of harmful particulates and gases into the air, which can have detrimental effects on human health and the planet. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), indoor and outdoor air pollution causes approximately seven million deaths worldwide each year. The majority of these deaths occur in developing countries, where environmental laws are weak or not enforced, vehicle emission standards are less stringent, and coal power stations are more common.

In developing countries, it is often the poorest people who bear the brunt of air pollution. They may live in cramped, informal settlements near rubbish dumps, power stations, or other sources of pollution. For example, in Nairobi, Kenya, a large dump site in the eastern part of the city lies adjacent to schools, churches, clinics, and shops, directly impacting the health of the surrounding community.

Additionally, people living in low- and middle-income countries are more likely to breathe air that exceeds the WHO's guideline limits for pollutants. This is due to factors such as inadequate sanitation systems, industrial runoff, and the burning of fossil fuels, which result in high levels of air pollutants like smog, soot, and greenhouse gases.

The impacts of poor air quality are not limited to physical health. Air pollution can also affect mental health and well-being, leading to economic burdens for individuals and societies. When people become sick due to air pollution, they may be unable to work or attend school, and the resulting healthcare costs can strain families and communities.

Addressing poor air quality and climate change requires a multi-faceted approach. This includes transitioning to clean energy sources, improving waste management practices, regulating industrial emissions, and promoting sustainable lifestyle choices. By tackling these issues, we can improve public health, reduce environmental degradation, and work towards a more sustainable future.

Inequity and social vulnerability

The European Environment Agency (EEA) has found that the unequal distribution of environmental risks and benefits across society contributes to health inequity across Europe. Socially disadvantaged groups are more likely to live in poorer environmental conditions, with reduced access to high-quality food and worse overall health, including higher stress levels. This makes them more sensitive to environmental health hazards. These groups also tend to be more exposed to environmental hazards, as they live, work and go to school in places with worse environmental quality and more pollution.

The elderly, children, and the poor are more likely to have their health affected or worsened by environmental hazards. The oldest and the youngest are more vulnerable to poor air quality, pollution, noise, and extreme temperatures. Children are also particularly negatively affected by noise. People with lower levels of education, lower incomes, or manual jobs tend to have less access to high-quality food and are more susceptible to the health impacts of pollution.

The EEA has also found that the unequal distribution of the costs of climate and environmental policies across society contributes to inequity. Vulnerable groups are exposed to a higher risk of illness and have limited personal and social resources to cope with the mental health consequences. This was evident during the COVID-19 pandemic, which was referred to as a "syndemic", with the consequences of the disease exacerbated by social and economic disparity. The pandemic had a disproportionately negative impact on those most socially and economically deprived, similar to the Spanish flu and the Bombay Influenza.

To address inequity and social vulnerability, the EEA has proposed the principle of "proportionate universalism", which suggests that actions must be universal but scaled and intensified according to the level of disadvantage. The Social Climate Fund will provide financial support to vulnerable citizens and micro-enterprises, helping with investments in energy efficiency measures such as home insulation, heat pumps, and solar panels. The EEA also highlights the importance of fair participation in decision-making, enabling vulnerable groups to participate and recognizing different perspectives and cultures.

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