Climate Change “One of the Greatest Threats facing Humanity Today” by Federation of Red Cross & Red Crescent Societies 8:29am 22nd Jan, 2008   21 January 2008    The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies is warning that climate change is fundamentally altering the entire humanitarian agenda, contributing to an increase in disasters and severely impacting upon water supplies, agriculture and public health emergencies, aggravating the vulnerability of millions of people around the world.    This warning comes at the launch of the International Federation’s 2008 and 2009 Programmes and appeal. The International Federation is calling for 326 million Swiss francs per year ($292 million USD / €198 million) for its regional and global programming. A separate update, one year from now, will review the 2009 figure, revising it if necessary.    Markku Niskala, the secretary general of the International Federation, said that climate change is fundamentally altering patterns of vulnerability around the world.    “In recent years we have seen a dramatic increase in the number of weather-related disasters. But beyond this, climate change is also having a very real and very worrisome impact on water supplies, on food production and even on health crises.”    According to the International Federation, changing weather patterns and melting glaciers are already threatening precious water resources, whilst changes in temperature and rainfall are expected to seriously damage agriculture in future years. In addition, increased temperatures are resulting in the appearance of diseases like dengue and malaria in new areas.    “There is no doubt in my mind that climate change is one of the greatest threats facing humanity today,” said Mr Niskala.    The answers to these new and aggravated threats lie in an increased emphasis on preemptive and preventative actions by humanitarian organizations.    “Response alone is no longer enough,” Mr Niskala continued. “The impact of climate change on disasters, on health crises – on vulnerability in general – emphasizes the importance of making communities stronger and more resilient – on making them better able to withstand challenges.”    This focus on proactive measures is reflected in the International Federation’s appeal. Health and care and disaster management are the two main areas of work supported by the appeal, representing about 75 per cent of the budget. Work in both of these sectors focuses on building the capacity of communities to face and overcome threats, explained Encho Gospodinov, the director of the International Federation’s policy and communications division.    “The key, we believe, is to tailor programmes to the community level – to individuals and families,” he said. “The International Federation is uniquely placed to do this. Our network of tens of millions of volunteers, members and staff means that we are already present in nearly every single community.”    This year also sees the adoption of the International Federation’s new field structure, with seven zone offices being established in strategic locations around the world. This decentralized structure puts decisions and resources in the field, closer to Red Cross and Red Crescent societies and the vulnerable communities that they serve. Visit the related web page
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