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Poverty and displacement are two of the most devastating consequences of climate change. As global temperatures continue to rise, natural disasters such as floods, droughts, and hurricanes are becoming more frequent and intense. These events disproportionately impact the world’s poorest and most vulnerable populations, who often lack the resources to adapt and rebuild.
The United Nations estimates that over 143 million people could be displaced by climate change by 2050. Many communities and individuals will be forced to evacuate their homes due to extreme weather events, sea level rising/floods and the loss of livelihoods.
For those living in poverty, the impact of displacement can be devastating. Without access to the resources and support, people living in poverty will struggle to find adequate housing, suitable work, food, and medical care. In some cases, they may be forced into informal settlements or refugee camps, where conditions are often overcrowded and unsanitary. Or worse, become vulnerable and subject to exploitation and be forced into modern slavery.
Furthermore, the loss of homes and communities can have long-term psychological effects, including trauma, depression, and anxiety. It can also disrupt social networks and support systems, making it difficult for those displaced to rebuild their lives.
The impact of climate change on poverty and displacement is a major concern for both the global community and for individuals. Governments and organisations have to take urgent action to address the root causes of climate change and to support those who are most affected. This includes investing in adaptation and mitigation efforts, providing aid and support to displaced communities, and promoting sustainable development.
Displacement and poverty are the main drivers of modern slavery. When individuals are forced to leave their homes and communities due to natural disasters, conflict, or economic hardship, they may become vulnerable to exploitation, and the traffickers offer them a better life and escape from the situation
For those who are displaced and living in poverty, the risk of falling victim to modern slavery can be particularly high. Without access to resources and support, they may be forced to accept dangerous or exploitative working conditions in order to survive.
In some cases, individuals may be lured into slavery by false promises of good jobs or educational opportunities. They may be tricked into debt bondage, where they are forced to pay the traffickers to get them a job and transport them to their new location, often by means of dangerous boat crossings. They have to work to pay off debts that increase rapidly due to interest on their debts and are impossible to repay. They may also be subjected to physical or sexual abuse or held against their will, with threats to their families lives if they do not comply.
The impact of modern slavery on individuals and communities can be devastating. It can lead to physical and psychological harm and can disrupt social networks and support systems. It can also perpetuate poverty and inequality, as victims are often unable to escape their situations and rebuild their lives.
To address the issue of modern slavery, it is important to address the root causes of displacement and poverty. This includes supporting sustainable development and economic growth, reducing emissions that are impacting climate change, promoting peace and stability, and providing aid and support to those who are most vulnerable.
By working together, we can help to reduce the risk of modern slavery and support those who are most affected.
As procurement professionals, it’s important for us to not only focus on cost savings and efficiency, but also on the social and environmental impacts of our purchasing decisions. Climate change and modern slavery are two major issues that we have the power to address through responsible procurement practices and effective due diligence
To address the issues procurement professionals can implement responsible sourcing policies and practices. This means carefully vetting our suppliers to ensure that they are not engaging in environmentally harmful practices, or are at risk of modern slavery in their business and supply chains It also means considering the environmental impacts of the products and services we purchase, and prioritising sustainable options.
Procurement professionals can also support initiatives that promote fair and ethical working conditions, and raising awareness about the issue of modern slavery.
By implementing responsible sourcing policies and practices, we can make a significant impact. We can use procurement and our influence on purchasing decisions to drive positive change and support a more sustainable and humane world. Together, we can make a difference.
Steps to mitigate modern slavery
- Implement responsible sourcing policies and practices. This means carefully vetting suppliers to ensure that they are not engaging in modern slavery or other exploitative practices.
- Support initiatives that promote fair and ethical working conditions, such as fair trade organisations or labour rights groups.
- Monitor supply chains to identify potential risks of modern slavery, and take steps to address any issues that are identified.
- Work with other departments within the organisation, such as legal or HR, to develop a comprehensive approach to mitigating modern slavery through responsible recruitment practices.
- Raise awareness about the issue of modern slavery among colleagues, suppliers, and other stakeholders, and encourage them to take action to prevent it.