Climate change: Urban workers most at risk

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind., Aug. 24 (UPI) -- U.S. scientists say urban workers in developing nations could suffer most from climate change as the rising cost of food drives them into poverty.

The study by Purdue University researchers quantifying the effects of climate on the world's poor populations focused on 16 developing nations and found urban workers in Bangladesh, Mexico and Zambia are the most at risk.

"Extreme weather affects agricultural productivity and can raise the price of staple foods, such as grains, that are important to poor households in developing countries," said Associate Professor Noah Diffenbaugh, who co-led the study with Professor Thomas Hertel. "Studies have shown global warming will likely increase the frequency and intensity of heat waves, drought and floods in many areas. It is important to understand which socioeconomic groups and countries could see changes in poverty rates in order to make informed policy decisions."

Hertel said urban workers are the most vulnerable to changes in grains production.

"Food is a major expenditure for the poor and, while those who work in agriculture would have some benefit from higher grains prices, the urban poor would only get the negative effects," Hertel said.

The study that included Syud Amer Ahmed is reported in the journal Environmental Research Letters.