Climate change 'causing disease and poverty in Malawi'
18 June 2009
Climate change is
causing people in Malawi to fall further into poverty, a charity
reports.
According to Oxfam International, changes in
atmospheric conditions in the African nation have caused droughts
and floods, which in turn have led to shorter crop growing seasons,
hunger and disease.
Some 29 per cent of Malawi already lives in extreme poverty.
Oxfam Malawi country director Sanjay Awasthi said: "Climate
change is hitting poor countries like Malawi first and worst and
people are suffering, especially women.
"Climate change is exacerbating the inequalities that already
exist for women in Malawi."
Women in Malawi hold a weak position in society and are expected
to fetch food, water and firewood daily, according to the
charity.
The Oxfam report calls for the world's wealthy countries, which
are responsible for three quarters of global climate change, to
slash emissions and provide food aid to Malawi.
Infant mortality stands at 13.4 per cent, while as many as a
million individuals are living with HIV/AIDS in the country.
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