Search

The prevalence of poverty and inequality in megacities often manifests as high levels of energy poverty and disparities in household energy consumption. A comprehensive survey of 2054 households in Beijing was conducted in 2023 to examine the dynamics of energy poverty within such an urban settings. As one of the world's most influential megacities, Beijing offers a distinct and insightful case study for understanding energy poverty in a rapidly urbanizing global context. Utilizing the 10 % and low-cost/high-income (LIHC) methods, we estimated that the energy poverty rate in Beijing ranges between 16.07 % and 17.53 %, with the highest rates observed in suburban areas. In addition, we explored the spatial differences in energy poverty and the root causes. Our research reveals a significant correlation between economic and geographical factors and the spatial distribution of energy poverty. Furthermore, our findings suggest that larger populations tend to be associated with reduced disparities in energy poverty across different areas. Therefore, we suggest promoting the use of energy-efficient installations, implementing time-sensitive heating systems, and providing electricity and hygienic cooking facilities. • We surveyed 2054 households to measure energy poverty in Beijing, resulting in a range of 16.07–17.53 %. • The spatial structure of energy poverty is closely related to economic and geographical distance. • Energy expenditure, floor area, and heating methods significantly influence spatial differences in Beijing's energy poverty. • As Population size increases, household energy usage is shared, reducing spatial differences in energy poverty. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Revista de Fomento Social is the property of ETEA and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The Beijing Platform for Action (BPfA), written 25 years ago, is remarkable in its economic diagnostics, analytical framework, and policy prescriptions, which remain fully relevant today. In this article, we revisit the main economic problems identified by the BPfA: GDP growth, employment, care, and poverty. In terms of GDP growth, the BPfA was clear that not any type of growth would suffice, calling for sustainable development avant la lettre. It left open the question of what feminist macroeconomics would look like, on which there has been much progress in defining, if unfortunately not in applying. On employment, it is still the case that sectoral, labour, and employment policies, working in tandem with macroeconomic policies, are necessary to make the promise of decent work for all a reality. On care, this 25 years saw the transition from 'valuation to transformation', complementing and deepening the BPfA's agenda; and the need for social protection for all remains key to alleviate poverty. In the most challenging of times, while the COVID-19 crisis is unfolding, the BPfA charts a future that we urgently need to bring up. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A new approach to examine ecological structure together with heat exposure and social vulnerability assessment. • >50% of summer days were exposed to cautious conditions for health in Beijing and NYC. • Higher heat risk was closely correlated with higher population density and elderly in Beijing, but with people below poverty in NYC. • Coverage, spatial configuration and quality of UG all affect its cooling effect, but their relative importance differed by cities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary In this study of households living in informal settlements in three principal Chinese cities, we analyze the associations between informality, property rights, and poverty. We propose that informality can be understood in terms of property rights (presence/absence, strength, completeness, and ambiguity). Drawing on the property rights (entitlements) theories of Sen, de Soto, Ostrom, Alchian, and Coase, we refine a list of property rights effects that can be tested empirically. Using a household questionnaire survey of 1,208 respondents from a representative sample of 60 urban villages in Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou, we use robust regression models to detect statistical relationships between household performance on six poverty domains as a function of four property rights domains, controlling for income, human capital, and other influences. We find evidence for what we call Sen effects and de Soto effects. Our models show that some property rights are associated with lower poverty indicators. But we also find evidence to show that the absence, weakness, or ambiguity of property rights also reduce poverty indicators on particular domains, through what we assume to be a substitution effect. Informal settlements permit poorer household to live at lower costs than is usually, or officially, acceptable, and thus spend more on other welfare-enhancing expenditures. The distribution of property rights determines the size, distribution, and impacts of these trade-offs and shapes the economic and social performance of informal settlements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Our study area in the Chaobai watershed, upstream of Miyun Reservoir, has been undergoing agricultural water transfers to downstream municipal uses in Beijing. We examine the impacts of water reallocation on crop production and farmers’ income and discuss issues relating to current compensation mechanisms. We use data from a survey of 349 farm households and their farm plots in the upper Chaobai watershed within Hebei province. Water reallocation from upstream to downstream areas has reduced agricultural water supply and the area irrigated. Regression results show that in plots deprived of irrigation, maize yields decrease by 21% and crop revenues decline by 32%. On average, losing irrigation on one hectare of cultivated land reduces net crop income by 2422 yuan. We examine compensation arrangements and social equity for the major policies implemented in the region and we identify gaps between current compensation levels and farmers’ income and production losses. The current compensation received by farmers is generally lower than the losses incurred due to reduced irrigation. A more appropriate compensation mechanism is called for in future water transfers. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The author relates her experiences on the cultural and political differences of China and the U.S. She asserts that she experienced more liberty and freedom from physical threats in Beijing than in any American state that is founded on liberty. She was surprised about the poverty issues in the U.S. and the rally on illegal abortion. According to her, American advocacy of rights and freedom is an irony that the only developed country is imprisoning women for improper care of their pregnancy. Meanwhile, minorities are offered to participate in their culture are given special dispensations. In addition, China allows families to have more than child.

The article focuses on World Conference on Women. The Fourth World Conference on Women met in Beijing from 4 to 15 September 1995. The main results of the conference are embedded in two documents: the Beijing Declaration and the Platform for Action. The Platform for Action is a massive document, divided into six chapters and containing 361 paragraphs. The first three chapters provide a mission statement, present a global framework, and describe critical areas of concern. Chapters V and VI discuss institutional and financial arrangements needed for fulfilling the objectives of the Platform. The bulk of the document, Chapter IV, "Strategic Objectives and Actions, " sets out the program in detail. It is divided into 12 sections, addressing the following topics: women and poverty, education and training of women, women and health, violence against women, women and armed conflict and women and the economy. Passages in the Declaration and in the Platform that governments apparently considered less centrally "women's issues" attracted relatively little attention and elicited few clarifying statements at the conference.

The article offers several questions concerning the platform of Beijing, China as an action report to the American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences (AAFCS) of the year 1996-2000. It includes research, program, project and professional work that support the twelve platform issues including poverty, decision making and economics. The outcomes and results and the beneficiaries of the platform issues including the number of participants, names of speakers, panel members and resources used are also included. The profile of the respondents are also asked.