Latest news with #vulnerablegroups
Forbes
5 days ago
- Business
- Forbes
The Youngest Generation Will Bear The Highest Brunt Of Climate Extremes: Study
In a 1.5 degrees Celsius warming scenario, 52% of people born in 2020 will be exposed to climate-change-induced extreme weather events throughout their lifetime, such as heatwaves and droughts, compared to only 16% of individuals born in 1960, according to a recent study. 'People born in 1960 and spending their life in Brussels are projected to experience three heatwaves in their lifetime. In the 1.5 °C pathway, the 2020 birth cohort is projected to experience nearly 11 heatwaves, yet this increases to 18 and 26 heatwaves in pathways reaching 2.5 °C and 3.5 °C, respectively, by the end of the century,' the researchers explained. 'More ambitious policies are needed to achieve the goal of the Paris Agreement of limiting global warming to 1.5 °C by 2100 relative to the 2.7 °C warming expected under current policies, especially as the most vulnerable groups have more members projected to face unprecedented exposure to heatwaves. Children would reap the direct benefits of this increased ambition: a total of 613 million children born between 2003 and 2020 would then avoid unprecedented lifetime exposure to heatwaves,' the researchers added. Unprecedented lifetime exposure refers to less than one in 10,000 chance of being exposed to extreme weather events in a world that was not experiencing man-made climate change. Greenhouse gas emissions caused by burning fossil fuels like coal, oil, and gas are the main cause of this man-made climate crisis. The researchers warn that if this harmful status quo of high levels of greenhouse gases continues, it might result in 111 million children from 177 countries born in 2020 being exposed to 'unprecedented heatwave exposure in a world that warms to 3.5 °C compared with 62 million in a 1.5 °C pathway.' "Socioeconomically vulnerable people have a consistently higher chance of facing unprecedented lifetime heatwave exposure compared with the least vulnerable members of their generation," they further highlighted. "Socioeconomically vulnerable groups have lower adaptive capacity and face more constraints when it comes to implementing effective adaptation measures. Our results highlight that precisely these groups with the highest socioeconomic vulnerability and lowest adaptation potential face the highest chance for unprecedented heatwave exposure." In the event that global warming increases by 3.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels instead of 1.5 degrees Celsius by 2100, the percentage of lifetime exposure to heatwaves will shoot up to 92% from 52% of people born in 2020. "Climate extremes also affect society through economic impacts, including the rising cost of living due to supply chain disruptions and taxation to recover public infrastructure. For instance, climate change endangers staple crop production in the main breadbasket countries that supply most of our caloric intake globally, forcing market instabilities that only the wealthiest can cope with. These missing non-local impacts make our estimates conservative," the researchers further warned. The study was published in the journal Nature on May 7, 2025.
Zawya
6 days ago
- Business
- Zawya
Jordan's social protection strategy empowers vulnerable groups through jobs
AMMAN — Minister of Social Development Wafa Bani Mustafa on Wednesday participated in the closing ceremony of the 'Towards a Comprehensive National Social Protection System' project, implemented by the International Labour Organisation (ILO) and UNICEF with support from the EU. In her remarks, Bani Mustafa underscored the project's significance in building a sustainable and inclusive social protection system by strengthening policy frameworks and mechanisms that promote decent job opportunities for vulnerable groups. She noted that the initiative aligns with the key pillars of the National Social Protection Strategy 2025–2033, which aims to shift targeted groups from aid dependence to empowerment, ensure access to fair and decent employment, and strengthen the system's ability to respond to future shocks and recovery phases, according to a ministry statement. The minister announced that work is underway to develop a comprehensive coordination mechanism for shock-responsive interventions as part of the strategy's implementation. Additionally, an early social warning system is being developed in cooperation with the National Centre for Security and Crisis Management (NCSCM) to improve preparedness and response. Bani Mustafa also highlighted the growing challenges posed by climate change, which disproportionately affect the most vulnerable populations and communities. Regarding the project's outcomes, she stressed its role in enhancing integrated coordination and strategic planning, monitoring government efforts in the social protection and employment sectors, and reinforcing national systems to improve access to both labour market opportunities and social safety nets. She added that the project plays a key role in promoting decent employment through skill-based training initiatives designed to prepare beneficiaries for sustainable integration into the labour market. The project has achieved "outstanding" results that can be promoted to launch such projects and programs in the future, she noted. © Copyright The Jordan Times. All rights reserved. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
ABC News
26-05-2025
- Health
- ABC News
Experts call for nuanced approach to tackle complex social housing issues in WA
Social housing has been thrust into the spotlight after a spate of antisocial and violent incidents at a complex in the Perth suburb of Inglewood, but there is one statement which helps put the entire situation into perspective. "Anyone can be that short gap from a relationship break-up, a cancer diagnosis or a job loss when, in one circumstance their lives are comfortable and they have a home, and in the next they need social housing," Housing Minister John Carey told parliament on Wednesday. "Our social housing system caters to a large number of people with different vulnerabilities, such as women fleeing from domestic violence. "We have the elderly who have retired and desperately need a home. "We have people with disabilities who have no other option and we obviously have people with mental health issues. "These people need housing." That's the fundamental problem of public housing — it has to cater to everyone who needs it. Only in limited circumstances can someone be turned away. It means issues like those reported at a social housing complex in Inglewood — which nearby residents say they've been trying to get addressed for nearly six months — are to be expected to some extent. But a well-functioning system should be able to deal with them well before they reach crisis point. Police generally only get involved after something serious has happened meaning, in all likelihood, opportunities to avert the crisis earlier had been missed. And while law and order responses or evictions might be the first port of call for some, those on the frontline say a more nuanced response, which is better in the long-term, is needed. The director of Centrecare, Tony Pietropiccolo, who has worked in social services for more than 40 years, says providing people with meaningful support was essential — both when issues arise and before, to avoid situations escalating to the point of eviction. The director of UWA's Centre for Social Impact, Paul Flatau, said that support can come in many forms. "It may require a different kind of housing arrangement, for example," he said. "It often has structural root causes in terms of high rates of poverty and the like. "And that's where we see that drug and alcohol issues are a significant health problem that needs to be addressed through very significant health responses." The other part of the puzzle, Mr Pietropiccolo said, was having enough housing. While in the past governments might have struggled with either support or housing, he said the current government was up against it on both fronts. Many in the public housing sector have called out years of underinvestment in the construction of social housing, which meant those problems worsened when housing market pressures escalated rapidly during COVID. "It's exactly the same problem that happens with support systems," Mr Pietropiccolo said. "If you create situations where they're not adequate enough or they're not implemented quickly enough and sustained over time, then you are likely to develop significant issues within your social housing systems." The government is making some progress on construction, last week announcing the addition of 3,000 social homes to the system since 2021. But with 22,066 applications on the waitlist and 7,125 identified as priority cases as of the end of April, those problems are far from resolved. More homes in the system could help people get a roof over their heads before mental health or drug abuse issues linked to rough sleeping escalate, and allow more opportunities for people to be moved to other properties if they have an issue with their current neighbour. According to Professor Flatau, at the other end of the spectrum, there are some tenants who are ready to move back into work, or get a higher paying job, but risk falling into "the poverty trap". "When they do engage in the labour market … they have their income support payments reduced and their rental subsidy reduced, and they may face the prospect of losing their public housing tenancy," he said. "But it my be the case that their labour market engagement is not secure or permanent going forward." In the current market, social services have reported cases of people earning too much to qualify for social support or housing but don't have enough to afford the private market. Removing the poverty trap could help both free up more social housing properties for those lingering on the waitlist and increase productivity to benefit the whole economy. Fundamentally, the government needs to clarify what kind of social housing system Western Australia should, and can realistically have, for all tenants. To put it very simply, should it be one which simply catches people when they fall, then leaves them to find their own way out? Or should it be one where every support is provided to help people overcome the reasons they've fallen into that social safety net in the hopes of moving them into the private market. The Department of Communities said it was the latter for the vast majority of those in the state's roughly 40,000 social housing properties. "Tenants are linked with support services to assist them in addressing problems including rental arrears, housing conditions, cleanliness, and anti-social behaviour," it said in a statement. "Additionally, [the] Thrive tenancy support program is a program that supports tenants with tenancy concerns to navigate and access support services and programs. "Communities works with a range of services and supports including mental health services, community legal centres, Aboriginal medical services, disability support providers, and domestic violence support services to support tenants." While that might be a good start, social services say a lot more needs to be done to deliver those supports to the level many complex tenants need. And even though that might not eliminate cases like Inglewood altogether, it should mean everyone involved gets the outcome they want much more quickly.
The Guardian
18-05-2025
- Health
- The Guardian
Doctor criticises ‘lightweight' assessment of impact of assisted dying
Ministers have not adequately considered how assisted dying would affect disadvantaged communities, a palliative care doctor and clinical academic has said. Bradford-based Jamilla Hussain said the equality impact assessment for the assisted dying bill was 'lightweight', and her own research had highlighted concerns that had not been reflected in the document. Published earlier this month, the assessment said in its conclusion: 'Government is neutral on this bill, however, has offered technical support on workability. 'If it is the will of parliament that this bill becomes law, government will ensure that it is implemented in such a way that attempts to mitigate unlawful discrimination, harassment and victimisation and manage any equality issues that may arise.' Hussain said: 'I'm not against [assisted dying] in principle at all. I'm one of the few palliative care consultants who leans pro.' But she said the impact of the legislation on minority communities had not been adequately considered. 'This bill has done so little scrutiny of what the impact is going to be on these vulnerable groups' she said. 'They just keep saying time and time again, we've got to trust doctors. But we know from patient safety data across the life course, that is not a good enough safeguard.' Hussain, who also gave evidence on the issue in parliament, has run three consultations with communities in the most disadvantaged areas of Bradford, the first of which worked with 98 people from minority ethnic communities, asking their thoughts around the bill. 'It wasn't that they were saying, 'Oh, well, for religious reasons, we'd be against it and therefore we'd be safe', which is what proponents of the bill suggest,' Hussain said. 'The first thing they said is, 'We're scared. We're scared this is going to affect us disproportionately. Just like in Covid.' 'There's nothing in the impact assessment saying we need to mitigate against this and how. It won't just be racialised groups,' she added. 'It'll be disabled people who are also really scared, and the elderly. We need to assess unintended consequences carefully.' Members of one consultation group – containing women from Black African, Black Caribbean, Pakistani and Roma backgrounds, who had all experienced domestic abuse, and all knew other women who had – were asked for their experiences in how domestic abuse may manifest in the last six months of life. One woman said: 'My mother-in-law couldn't physically get up … her legs, they were paralysed … he left her on the sofa in her own waste. 'She fell to the floor. He dragged her across the floor and kept shouting at her to get up. They had a hoist … but he said she has to get up and move herself. She was helpless … from then on I made sure I was always there.' Another woman said of a different case: 'She asked for water and he wouldn't give it. He drank a full glass in front of her. Her daughter used to leave it [water] out before she went to school. 'One day, she forgot, and it was really sunny, she became very unwell after that.' Hussain's research found that the women were concerned abusive men may put pressure on their partners over assisted dying, and they feared some men may do so in order to 'move on to a new wife'. 'The biggest risk these women foresee is that assisted dying would be seen as the only way out for the women experiencing domestic abuse at the end of life,' Hussain said. In another consultation, parents of young people who are autistic, or who have a learning disability, said they were concerned about ableism in how the law would be implemented, and also about the use of independent advocates. 'I am deeply concerned about the provision that there is no requirement to inform family or next of kin until after the assisted death has occurred,' Hussain said. 'This could result in devastating outcomes for families who are excluded from a process that their loved one may not have fully understood or been able to navigate independently.' Hussain has said that assisted dying legislation must 'not shift the risk of bad deaths to much larger and more vulnerable groups of people'. 'The Equality and Human Rights Commission state that when there are evidence gaps for particular groups, consultation and engagement with those groups is essential to understand their experience and needs,' she said. 'And that lack of evidence should never be used as a justification for no action. 'And they haven't done any of that. It's really lightweight.'
SBS Australia
13-05-2025
- SBS Australia
How to avoid romance scams in Australia
Romance scams cost Australians over $23 million last year, with scammers using increasingly sophisticated tactics to deceive victims. While older adults, widowers, divorcees, migrants and Indigenous people are often targeted, anyone looking for love online can fall victim. Scammers build trust quickly, using emotional manipulation to ask for money or personal details. Knowing the red flags (inability to meet in person, secrecy, and requests for money) can help protect you and your loved ones. You may think that you'd never fall for a romance scam, but as scammers become more sophisticated, anyone looking for love can be deceived. While they tend to target vulnerable people like older adults, widowers and divorcees, migrants, Indigenous people, and disabled individuals, no one is immune. 'They usually focus on people who are emotionally isolated, financially stable or inexperienced with online dating. But having said that, anyone can be a victim, including younger people, because scammers will usually tailor their approach based on the victim's background and online activities,' explains , associate professor and socio-tech expert from Central Queensland University. Knowing the red flags (inability to meet in person, secrecy, and requests for money) can help protect you and your loved ones. Source: iStockphoto / SPmemory/Getty Images/iStockphoto How do romance scams operate? A romance scam involves fraudsters creating fake online identities to deceive victims into fake relationships. Their goal is to exploit their victims' trust to steal money or personal information. Kylee Dennis is a former police officer and owner of , a service specialising in unmasking romance scammers. She explains how scammers target their victims. 'You go online, you find what you would classify as being your perfect mate, and that relationship develops very quickly. They ask you to come off the dating apps, you go onto a messaging platform, and intimate conversations start. The scammers find your core values, what you like and dislike. That relationship starts very quickly, and then as it continues, they start asking for financial assistance due to an emergency.' While some of these relationships escalate quickly, many scammers play a long game. 'Often the scammer will invest quite a lot of time in establishing what seems like a real emotional connection before they then turn to executing the scam so it can feel very real,' Catriona Lowe says, who's the deputy chair of the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC), which runs the National Anti-Scam Centre . Love bombing: is when the scammer professes love early on and floods you with messages and calls. Source: iStockphoto /Romance scams: The red flags If you're online dating, be cautious of . -Love bombing: the scammer professes love early on and floods you with messages and calls. -Moving off platforms quickly: they insist on shifting conversations from dating apps and social media to encrypted messaging platforms like WhatsApp, which makes them harder to track. Secrecy: They discourage you from discussing the relationship with loved ones, claiming they wouldn't understand. Avoiding in-person meetings: They frequently make excuses for not meeting face-to-face, often citing overseas work or family emergencies. Requests for money: They ask for financial help due to urgent medical bills, travel expenses, or investment opportunities (often involving cryptocurrency). How to protect yourself from scams Never share personal information, passwords, or financial details with someone you meet online. Avoid sending intimate photos or videos, as scammers may use them for blackmail. Never transfer money to someone you've only met online or participate in they suggest. Be aware that scammers now use AI-generated images and videos, making video calls insufficient for verification. Dr Ritesh Chugh, associate professor and socio-tech expert from Central Queensland University. What to do if you're a victim of a romance scam If you suspect you've been scammed: Contact your bank immediately to stop further transactions and secure your accounts. Change your online passwords to prevent further breaches. Contact for support. Report the scam to (National Anti-Scam Centre). 'We know that scammers are highly skilled manipulators who prey on trust and emotions. Feeling shame or embarrassment is natural, but reporting the scam can help prevent others from falling into the same trap. There's no doubt that victims deserve support. Talk to someone you trust, reach out to family and friends or professional counselling services. And please, report. By reporting the scam, you take back control and contribute to the fight against these crimes,' Dr Ritesh Chugh says. If you've been the victim of a romance scam, please know that you're not alone. It happens to millions of people in Australia and globally. And it is not your fault. Stop engaging with them, block them and report them. Dr Ritesh Chugh Romance scams cost Australians over $23 million last year, with scammers using increasingly sophisticated tactics to deceive victims. Source: Moment RF /How to help a romance scam victim If you suspect a loved one is being scammed , be patient, kind, and sensitive, but firm. Keep in mind that they're the victim of a crime and need your help. 'Encourage them to cut all contact with the scammer, and assist in reporting the incident. Help them secure their finances and online accounts while also offering emotional support. Patience is key here because victims will struggle with denial or grief,' Dr Ritesh Chugh says. If you can't get through, enlist the help of other friends or family members. Kylee Dennis founded Two Face Investigations after helping her mum escape a romance scam. By conducting a reverse image search on the scammer's photos, she uncovered that they actually belonged to someone else. 'My mum did it for six months and I'd talk to her a couple of times a week, and at no time did she ever tell me she was dating online because the scammers had manipulated her to tell her I wouldn't understand,' she says. 'It's ok to be online dating! Go online, find your perfect match…just don't give them any money.' To learn more or report a scam, visit . Subscribe to or follow the Australia Explained podcast for more valuable information and tips about settling into your new life in Australia. Do you have any questions or topic ideas? Send us an email to australiaexplained@
