Fair Climate Actions Needed for Coastal Communities, Says Researcher

Talitha Aurellia Alfiansyah, a researcher from an environmental non-profit organization, emphasized the urgent need for equitable climate mitigation efforts to support vulnerable coastal communities in Indonesia facing disproportionate impacts from the climate crisis.

During a recent discussion, Alfiansyah highlighted a study by Oxfam, which revealed that between 1990 and 2015, the wealthiest 10% of the global population were responsible for 52% of carbon emissions, while the poorest half contributed only 7%. This disparity underscores the unfair burden placed on low-income communities, particularly in urban areas like Jakarta.

Alfiansyah noted that the northern coastal regions of Jakarta are especially at risk, affecting urban poor populations who contribute minimally to greenhouse gas emissions yet bear the brunt of climate-related challenges. She stressed the importance of implementing effective mitigation and adaptation strategies in these coastal areas.

The Jakarta provincial government has already initiated several measures, including Gubernatorial Regulation Number 90 of 2021, which outlines a Climate-Resilient and Low-Carbon Development Plan. Alfiansyah urged continued focus on these efforts to ensure that the needs of the most vulnerable communities are addressed in the face of the climate crisis.

• The Disproportionate Impact of Climate Change on Coastal Communities An in-depth exploration of how climate change affects coastal areas, focusing on the challenges faced by vulnerable populations.
• Oxfam’s Findings: Wealth Inequality and Climate Responsibility A detailed analysis of Oxfam’s research on global carbon emissions and how wealth disparities shape climate responsibilities.
• Mitigation Strategies for Urban Areas: Lessons from Jakarta A review of successful climate mitigation and adaptation strategies implemented in Jakarta and their relevance to other urban settings.
• The Role of Local Governments in Climate Resilience An examination of how local policies, like Jakarta’s Climate-Resilient Development Plan, can enhance community resilience against climate impacts.
• Community-Led Initiatives in Coastal Areas: A Path Forward Success stories of grassroots organizations and community efforts that promote sustainable practices and climate resilience in coastal regions.