Dr. Joe Whelan, Assistant Professor in the School of Social Work and Social Policy at Trinity College Dublin, spoke about the interconnected challenges of economic inequality and environmental degradation at a panel discussion hosted by the European Anti-Poverty Network (EAPN) Ireland on October 14.
The event, titled Rising Global Inequality Is Threatening the World: What Can We Do About It?, took place at the New Theatre in Temple Bar to coincide with the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty, observed annually on October 17. Whelan was joined by former Member of the European Parliament Clare Daly of EAPN Ireland, economist Ciarán Nugent of the Nevin Economic Research Institute, and Dr. Nita Mishra of the University of Limerick.
In his remarks, Whelan argued that rising inequality threatens both social well-being and environmental sustainability. Using the metaphor of two interconnected lungs, one social and one ecological, he explained how concentrated wealth and power undermine people's opportunities to flourish while contributing to environmental destruction.
Drawing on research from economists Thomas Piketty and Amartya Sen, as well as findings from Oxfam, Whelan highlighted the structural nature of inequality and its consequences for society. He also described the "double injustice" of climate change, whereby those least responsible for carbon emissions, particularly people living in poverty and in the Global South, often experience the most severe consequences.
Whelan’s presentation accompanied those from economist Nugent, who analysed Irish data on material deprivation, and academic Mishra, who spoke about political responses to poverty in India. The three were then joined by moderator Daly for a live discussion with audience members.
Whelan, Nugent, Daly, and Mishra (L-R)
The significance of the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty is recognized not only at the New Theatre but elsewhere in Dublin. As Whelan pointed out in his remarks, the words of Father Joseph Wresinski, the day’s founder, are etched in stone at the Dublin quays:
“Wherever men and women are condemned to live in extreme poverty, human rights are violated. To come together to ensure that these rights be respected is our solemn duty."