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Thursday March 28, 2024

Slum dwellers more vulnerable to climate change

By Myra Imran
January 10, 2020

Islamabad : Living standards in slum areas of the federal capital are making residents of such places more vulnerable to the negative impacts of climate change.

The recently conducted public opinion survey by the Sustainable Social Development Organisation (SSDO) shows that slum areas of the federal capital are more vulnerable to the climate change. The worst condition of water supplies, drinking water, sanitation system and drainage lines are causing serious diseases to the residents of the slums of Islamabad, report launched by the SSDO shows. The SSDO – a non-government Organisation – has conducted a public opinion survey keeping in mind SDG 13, Climate Action, to measure the living standards of lower working class of slums of Islamabad which are directly being affected by the changing patterns of climate change.

The findings of the survey show that climate change is affecting both men and women but women are more vulnerable due to less awareness on it. Also women are more involve into domestic and outside work, so that tends them to be more affected. As many as 337 survey respondents -- with 53 per cent men and 47 per cent women -- from approximately 7,000 residents were taken as sample to conduct this survey.

While evaluating the perception of respondent regarding climate change, 92% said that temperature has increased in the area, 57% said that rainfall has increased and 38% said that rainfall has decreased, 77% agreed on the statement that cold days are decreased 12% agreed that cold days are increased, 73% agreed that hot days are increased and 19% agreed on decrease of hot days.

When respondents were asked about water logging, about 96% agreed to the statement that water logging after rain leads towards sever diseases and adversely affecting human health. The 96% said that while rainy days possibility of diseases relatively increases then normal climate.

Similarly, more than 61% respondent said that area have no proper drainage system for rain water resulting in water logging in streets. 39% were satisfied. According to 76% respondents, the area lacks health facility from government side.

More than 24% said dispensary is available nearby, even NGOs and CBOs are not operated regarding health facilities in area according to 75% respondents 25% said they approach during disasters. 90% respondents (237 in number) agreed that sanitary system is responsible for health related issues and 78% (263 in Number) were having proper sanitary system in their houses.

Around 30% of men respondents strongly agree that climate change have impacts on both domestic and professional life management, 43% agree, 13% remain neutral while 13% disagree to the statement. 17% of female respondents strongly agree that climate change have impacts on both domestic and professional life management, 66% agree, 5% remain neutral while 12% disagree to the statement.

Women are linked to domestic as well as professional life thus their percentage is greater than males. Around 21% strongly agreed, 61% agreed, 6% remained neutral and 12% disagreed to the statement that women are more conscious thus are reported more than men in seasonal diseases.