WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind., Aug 24, 2009 (UPI via COMTEX) -- U.S. scientists say
urban workers in developing nations could suffer most from climate change as the
rising cost of food drives them into poverty.
The study by Purdue University researchers quantifying the effects of climate on
the world's poor populations focused on 16 developing nations and found urban
workers in Bangladesh, Mexico and Zambia are the most at risk.
"Extreme weather affects agricultural productivity and can raise the price of
staple foods, such as grains, that are important to poor households in
developing countries," said Associate Professor Noah Diffenbaugh, who co-led the
study with Professor Thomas Hertel. "Studies have shown global warming will
likely increase the frequency and intensity of heat waves, drought and floods in
many areas. It is important to understand which socioeconomic groups and
countries could see changes in poverty rates in order to make informed policy
decisions."
Hertel said urban workers are the most vulnerable to changes in grains
production.
"Food is a major expenditure for the poor and, while those who work in
agriculture would have some benefit from higher grains prices, the urban poor
would only get the negative effects," Hertel said.
The study that included Syud Amer Ahmed is reported in the journal Environmental
Research Letters.
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