Copenhagen – what next?

The deliberations at Copenhagen last week were hailed as the opportunity for the international community to respond to climate change. But the summit has disappointed many, with its failure to reach a legally binding agreement to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Much of the debate focused on the role the developed world needs to play in protecting developing nations, and the potential for a double injustice, where those in developing countries have not only contributed least to the problem of climate change, but may also suffer its worst effects. However, with the growth of economies in China and India, this apparent dichotomy is not so straightforward. The concern about the underlying economic implications of curbing emissions was an important factor in limiting global agreement, as well as questions over social justice and the responsibilities of different nations.

We can expect attempts in 2010 to follow through on Copenhagen. This will be important because climate change is not just an issue that will affect other countries. Climate change is also likely to have a devastating impact much closer to home, particularly on those facing poverty and disadvantage.

Many of those affected by the recent floods in Cumbria will be hoping for a kinder 2010. Yet we know that many more of us will be affected by such extreme weather in the future. The direct impacts of climate change, such as flooding and heatwaves, are a major concern, but the 'hidden' impacts like higher fuel costs and more expensive food may be just as serious. Our recent poverty figures revealed that almost three million households, 13% of all households in England, were classified as being in fuel poverty in 2007 (where 10% of household income was spent on fuel to keep their home in a 'satisfactory' condition) – a higher rate than at any point this decade. At a time when energy costs are rising to help combat climate change, fuel poverty is likely to become an increasing concern.

The JRF wants to ensure that disadvantaged people do not suffer disproportionately negative impacts from climate change in the UK. We are therefore undertaking a new work programme to examine the implications of climate change for people in the UK and to look into what needs to be done to ensure that responses from all levels, including both central and local government, take into account issues of equity and fairness. Our research will investigate which people and places are likely to be affected by climate change and how this relates to poverty and disadvantage. We will be examining a range of energy policies to see how they will affect different households and will be reviewing climate adaptation measures, such as water metering and heatwave planning, to see how they take account of social vulnerability.

We hope that this work will help inform policy and practice so that those already facing poverty and disadvantage do not suffer further. We want to encourage more positive approaches, which tackle our environmental, economic and social concerns in a more holistic way. In the absence of a legally binding international agreement, we hope to demonstrate positive and practical steps forward in responding to this global challenge in the UK context.