(Click here for article)
This has been an extremely harsh weather with constant snow and negative temperatures. Not only is it dangerous be exposed to these kind of conditions but the decisions we make while experiencing this weather can also be harmful to us. Poorer people have a decision to make between food and comfort and typically they pick comfort. With these extremely cold temperatures gas bills sky rocket leaving less income for things like food. Being malnourished in this extreme weather only makes it more dangerous for people to be exposed to the extreme cold. The rich do fine in the cold buying more food while cranking up the thermostats.
The article continues about the effects the cold weather has on increased school closings. As all OWU students have experienced days where it is certainly questionable if we should be having class, students from other schools are not falling behind while enjoying their day(s) off. An increased focus on the cold weather outside takes away everyone's focus from the classroom, teachers and professors included.
6 comments:
The article makes sense. Lower income families have to make difficult decisions in the winter. I've heard of other countries that sometimes subsidize heating oil (or directly provide it) to poorer people that don't have enough to buy it. By subsidizing food and heating oil, the government is able to help lower income families not to worry about survival, and worry more about taking care of their families.
I feel that these are fairly obvious observations, aside from the education one. It makes the case that perhaps there should be increased government involvement though. The suggestion of subsidizing is strongly recommended. In Britain, about 22-29% of the elderly will die from fuel poverty. Another suggestion might be insulation programs or the introduction of regulation on high-rates from energy companies. Putting a freeze on energy bills for a period as well. This winter has been too cold for the government to ignore. This article expounds upon the problem : http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2478114/Fuel-poverty-Britain-24k-die-winter-rising-energy-prices.html .
I believe it may be beneficial for governments to offer low cost heating solutions to families of a certain economic level, or just provide it all together. This could help boost the overall health levels and prevent further spending down the road. Kind of reminds me of the concept of preventative health care practices being costly but more beneficial that emergency health care, which end up costing more.
The cold weather has seemed to cause some chaos in many areas. It is interesting how those with lower income will choose comfort over food. I'm not sure I would be any different, though. I am sure there has been plenty of medical cases related to the cold in addition to the other issues that this article has brought about.
The cold weather has seemed to cause some chaos in many areas. It is interesting how those with lower income will choose comfort over food. I'm not sure I would be any different, though. I am sure there has been plenty of medical cases related to the cold in addition to the other issues that this article has brought about.
It does make sense for lower income families to reduce calorie intake as a trade off with increased heating bills. So, I believe in extreme low temperatures the government should subsidize low cost heating solutions to all families regardless of economic level. It would not make sense exclude families just because they are more wealthy. A low cost heating solution offered to all families could help them balance their food consumption with comfort. This would help more wealthy families because it could allow them to use more of their resources in winter apparel retail markets and still sustain their food expenditures.
Post a Comment