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Video Description

Type: KIHASA Policy Featurette

Topic: How Are the UK and the US Responding to the Climate Crisis?

Guest Speaker: Lim Wan-seop, Research Fellow, KIHASA

Transcript

Q: 

I wonder how different countries, including ours, are addressing climate inequality.

Lim:

The first example from abroad is the UK. To identify and support populations vulnerable to the climate crisis, the UK has established a range of guidelines that clearly define vulnerable groups according to the type of crisis. For instance, the country has recently lowered the age threshold for those at risk from heatwaves from 75 to 65, and shifted responsibility for assisting flood victims from local governments to a central government program. These adjustments have been made through balanced policy coordination.

Another example comes from the US. The US has been addressing the climate crisis primarily through its response to natural disasters. In the case of New York City, Hurricane Ida in 2021 resulted in more than ten fatalities, most of whom were found to be living in basement apartments. In response, the city launched a program called “Rain Boots on the Ground” to support those vulnerable to climate change. This program includes flood evacuation education for residents of basement or semi-basement apartments. The program also includes a long-term plan to convert approximately 50,000 illegal basement units into safe and legal housing.