Tag: Climate Crisis

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COP 29 President Sets 14-Point Action Agenda

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The COP 29 President has announced initiatives to accelerate climate action and supplement the formal negotiated agenda.

The Action Agenda addresses global climate issues, focusing on key priorities like energy, finance, agriculture, cities, human development, and climate peace.

Initiatives like BICFIT and MAP address cross-sectoral synergies. Finance is a key enabler of climate action, the COP 29 President said Mr Mukhtar Babayev, President, COP 29, in his letter to the stakeholders.

He said “Azerbaijan is honored by the confidence that the global community has placed in us to host COP29. But we are just one country and we cannot solve the climate crisis alone. We seek to inspire every actor and demonstrate what is possible with commitment and determination, and we never underestimate the value of an individual contribution. “

Nigar Arpadarai, UN High-Level Climate Champion, COP 29, said “Now is the time for the whole universe of climate stakeholders to sign up, speak up and step up on climate action. If we are to meet our goals, we need everyone to do their part.”

The 14-point action agenda:
  • The Climate Finance Action Fund (CFAF). It is a voluntary fund funded by fossil fuel producers to support mitigation, adaptation, research, and development efforts in developing countries.
  • The Baku Initiative for Climate Finance, Investment and Trade (BICFIT). It is a Baku-based initiative promoting green investment, policy development, and expertise sharing in climate finance, investment, and trade.
  • COP29 Green Energy Zones and Corridors Pledge. It pledges to establish green energy zones and corridors, boost investment, stimulate economic growth, modernize infrastructure, and foster regional cooperation.
  • COP 29 Global Energy Storage and Grids Pledge: The pledge aims to triple global energy storage capacity by 2030, with endorsers committing to significantly increase investments in energy grids refurbishing more than 80 million kilometers by 2040.
  • COP 29 Hydrogen Declaration. The declaration aims to unlock the global market for clean hydrogen and its derivatives, addressing regulatory, technological, financing, and standardization barriers for both public and private sectors.
  • COP Truce Appeal. It is modeled on the Olympic Truce and aims to establish a hub for peace and climate action, focusing on matching vulnerable needs with resources.
  • COP 29 Green Digital Action Declaration. It aims to accelerate climate-positive digitalization, reduce emissions in the Information and Communication Technology sector, and improve the accessibility of green digital technologies.
  • The Baku Initiative on Human Development for Climate Resilience. The initiative aims to improve human development by promoting investment in education, skills, health, well-being, children and youth, establishing COP-to-COP continuity, and enhancing environmental literacy through education standards.
  • The Baku Harmoniya Climate Initiative for Farmers. The aggregator connects initiatives, coalitions, and networks to share experiences, identify synergies, facilitate finance, and foster collaboration on agriculture, empowering communities and women in rural areas.
  • COP 29 Declaration on Reducing Methane from Organic Waste. The declaration aims to achieve 1.5-aligned waste sector commitments in National Development Capitals (NDCs) with quantified targets to decrease methane in waste and food systems.
  • COP 29 Multisectoral Actions Pathways (MAP) Declaration for Resilient and Healthy Cities. The declaration aims to improve multisectoral cooperation in tackling urban climate challenges, promote coherence in urban climate efforts, and stimulate urban climate finance.
  • COP29 Declaration on Enhanced Action in Tourism. The initiative aims to establish sectoral targets for tourism in NDCs, promote sustainable practices, reduce emissions, enhance transparency, and establish sustainable food systems in the sector.
  • COP29 Declaration on Water for Climate Action. A declaration urging stakeholders to integrate water-related mitigation and adaptation measures into national climate policies.
  • The Baku Global Climate Transparency Platform (BTP). The platform aims to assist developing country parties in preparing and submitting Biennial Transparency Reports, promote knowledge exchange, and enhance capacity-building resources.
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A Milestone Amidst Climate Crisis

Renjini Liza Varghese

We at WriteCanvas are thrilled to celebrate a milestone – our 50th newsletter!

But even as we celebrate, the news about climate crisis casts a dense shadow.

June marked one of the hottest months ever recorded, adding to a concerning year of rising temperatures worldwide. Globally, the last 11 months consistently recorded above-normal or warmer temperatures.

The goal of limiting temperature rise to 1.5 degrees Celsius to the pre-industrial levels seems to be slipping further away, with temperatures consistently exceeding that benchmark. This isn’t just a number on a graph; it’s a stark sign of the URGENCY.

A Reality Check:

The first ten days of July alone have delivered a brutal wake-up call.

The delayed monsoon progression in June raised alarm bells across the agricultural sector, the economy, and the government.

Ten days in July, we are seeing intense rains. Mumbai in the past few days reported severe flooding. While the financial capital has been ravaged by floods, elsewhere in the country, chaos continues with landslides, earthquakes, overflowing rivers, and erosion eating away coastlines. The list is long and unforgiving.

The impact isn’t limited to the regions we traditionally associate with climate vulnerability – Maharashtra, Kerala, Goa, or the Northeast. Even Rajasthan, historically considered drier has also joined the flooding region list.

This calls for a mindset shift.

In multiple blogs, we have highlighted the urgent need for preparedness, resilience building, and increasing awareness. These are all crucial steps. But the situation demands a more fundamental shift. The stories and experiences shared by those affected by climate change, particularly women who are often the most vulnerable raise a troubling question: Are we transitioning from charting a course of resilient action or simply surrendering to the circumstances?

Here’s what we can do, both individually and collectively:

Let us concentrate on reducing our carbon footprint, opt for public transport, use energy-efficient appliances, and adopt a more sustainable lifestyle. Support sustainable businesses by choosing companies and products that are environmentally responsible and ethical.  Accountability while implementing climate change solutions must be a priority. Talk to your friends, family, and community about the importance of climate action.

Hope and Action:

Despite the challenges, I refuse to believe that I am surrendering to the circumstances.

This is a battle we must fight, and win.

But victory hinges on our collective action.

We can’t afford complacency or skepticism any longer.

Pledge with WriteCanvas: Sustainability as a Way of Life

We at WriteCanvas pledge to make sustainability a cornerstone of our work. We will continue to amplify the voices of those on the frontlines of climate change and advocate for solutions. But change starts at home. We urge each of you to join us in this fight. Make small changes in your daily lives. Join our campaign.

Climate action is no longer an option, it’s a necessity.

Together, let’s write a new chapter for our planet!!!

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Climate Crisis: SOS for Action

Renjini Liza Varghese

The recent record-breaking temperature of 47.8 degrees Celsius in Delhi is a stark reminder of the escalating climate crisis. A decade ago, such scorching heat would have been unimaginable, with average temperatures hovering around a much more manageable 34-35 degrees. Even forty degrees was an extreme peak for a brief period back then. Currently, though, that level is the “new normal” in many parts of India.

Cities like Lucknow, Pune, Nagpur, Chennai, and Hyderabad, once accustomed to summer temperature peaks of 45 degrees, are now grappling with highs exceeding 45 degrees and forecasts pushing past 47 degrees. These levels are simply not tolerable for humans, wildlife, and ecosystems.

Today, 40 degrees is the new normal in many parts of the country. Delhi’s unprecedented temperature highlights a disturbing trend-an SOS call to tackle the climate crisis.

The once-ambitious goal of limiting global temperature rise to 1.5 degrees Celsius to pre-industrial levels, considered as achievable a decade ago, now seems like a distant dream. Even the revised target of 2 degrees appears increasingly out of reach.

The past week alone has been a brutal showcase of extreme weather events across the globe, a terrifying glimpse into what awaits us if we fail to act.

India continues to face the heatwave wrath. Tornadoes and hurricanes wreaked havoc in the US, leaving trails of power outages and destruction.

Meanwhile, Afghanistan suffered devastating floods that claimed over 400 lives, displaced thousands, and inflicted immense property damage. Adding to the chaos, parts of Chile experienced a dramatic drop in temperatures, plummeting to freezing levels.

These unprecedented weather patterns and their increasing intensity serve as a stark warning. It’s time to break free from short-sightedness and the relentless pursuit of economic goals or one-sided gains that often lead global leaders to sideline climate action. This is a dangerous path that will undoubtedly lead to chaos and immense loss. We are not just talking about discomfort – we are facing the very real possibility of losing everything to climate disasters.

The need to mitigate climate change becomes even more urgent when we look beyond our borders. A barrage of extreme weather events across the globe is proof that we are facing a monumental challenge.

We must brace ourselves to face the consequences of inaction. This is an appeal for everyone to be mentally prepared for the potential devastation caused by climate disasters. But more importantly, it’s a call to action. Global leaders must prioritize climate action, setting aside political agendas for the sake of our collective future.

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Heatwaves and the Rising Tide of Climate Casualties in India

Renjini Liza Varghese

Climate change is fuelling a rise in heatwaves, and the human cost, often overlooked, is becoming alarming. While the devastating impacts of monsoon-related floods, landslides, and cloudbursts often dominate the headlines, a silent killer has been steadily rising in India: extreme heatwaves.

The current summer season has seen an increase in heatwaves compared to past years, which is concerning because it indicates that South Asia’s climate crisis is getting worse. 12000 people worldwide lost their lives in climate-related incidents in 2023, a 30% increase over 2022, according to a Save the Children analysis.

In 2023, extreme heat and severe floods ravaged parts of India, with heatwaves becoming significantly more severe. While floods and storms caused the most reported casualties and economic losses, the human cost of heatwaves is undeniable.

The World Meteorological Organization’s (WMO) reports present alarming data.  According to the worrisome WMO report “The State of the Climate in Asia 2023,” India has seen a marked rise in climate-related casualties. India reported almost 110 deaths linked to climate change in 2023, a marked increase from the 90 reported in 2022. This is more than just a figure—it’s a representation of lives lost, livelihoods destroyed, and drastically reduced agricultural output.

The Kerala Story:

Five months into 2024, things are still getting worse. Heatwave warnings (also known as orange alerts) and guidelines were issued by several Indian states due to temperatures that have reached over 40 degrees Celsius. These states include Kerala and Maharashtra. The most alarming aspect, however, is the rising death toll.

Kerala, the southernmost state, has already reported heatwave-related deaths, livestock losses, and agricultural produce decline. The state’s animal husbandry department reported a staggering 497 livestock deaths in the last three months alone. Additionally, the Kerala Co-operative Milk Marketing Federation (KCMMF) commonly known as MILMA has recorded a significant dip in milk collection (2 lakh litres). That is not all, the individual cow yields dropped by nearly half their usual yield.

This is just a glimpse into the unfolding tragedy in one state. As reports from other regions emerge, the full scale of the crisis becomes even more apparent, reflecting the harsh reality of the climate emergency we face.

Call for action:

The scorching truth is undeniable: heatwaves are claiming lives with increasing ferocity. But where do we go from here? Are our current policies sufficient to combat this disaster? The answer is a resounding NO. We desperately need more action-oriented policies to safeguard lives, livelihoods, and our very existence from the intensifying grip of climate disasters.

Prioritizing heatwave response: Heat action plans with clear early warning systems, cooling centers, and public awareness campaigns are essential.

Protecting vulnerable populations: The elderly, children and outdoor workers require targeted interventions and social safety nets during heatwaves.

Investing in climate adaptation: Long-term strategies like urban greening, water conservation, and heat-resistant infrastructure are crucial for building a more resilient future.

The way forward:

This is not the time to be complacent. To lessen the catastrophic effects of climate change, we must recognize the increasing number of people who are dying from heat waves and put strong policies into place. Only through decisive action can we hope to protect lives, livelihoods, and our very way of life in the face of this silent but deadly threat.

 

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Breathe Easier: Indian Steel Industry Makes Strides in Decarbonization

Renjini Liza Varghese

The steel industry’s decarbonization has been the main focus because it is essential to meeting the world’s net-zero emission targets. However, the cost of green steel production, lack of incentives, and regulations have created hurdles. But the good news is that the goal is achievable. While the cost of producing green steel may not be a hurdle for a few, regulations and price incentives are essential to drive the shift in investment and consumption towards green steel production, at large.

Undoubtedly, steel production is a major contributor to global carbon emissions, accounting for about 8% and roughly 30% of the segment emissions, respectively. In addition, the steel sector is also the leading consumer of coal, a key source of the heat and carbon required to convert iron ore into steel.

The good news is that the domestic primary steel producers are set to achieve their goal of reducing carbon emissions. According to a recent report from rating agency Crisil, Indian steel companies had set an ambitious target of reducing carbon emissions below 2 tCO2/tcs by 2030. The industry has already made significant progress. Steel manufacturers’ reported carbon emissions have decreased from over 3 tCO2/tcs in fiscal 2005 to 2.35 tCO2/tcs, which translates to a 65% reduction in targeted emissions.

The report also highlighted the benefits of emission reduction. Reducing emissions broadens fund-raising avenues, improves export competitiveness, and has a positive impact on credit quality. However, Crisil acknowledges the challenges that lie ahead to completely transitioning to low-carbon steel, also known as green steel.

Shifting Towards Low-Carbon Steel Production
Coal-fired steel plants are major contributors to CO2 pollution. To address this challenge, companies are exploring alternative solutions, such as using low-carbon energy sources like hydrogen, coal gasification, or electricity for steel production.

Meanwhile, media reports in China indicate that the nation’s steel industry could reduce carbon emissions by as much as 11% by 2025 if the government sets a more aggressive goal for the use of electric arc furnaces (EAFs).

Cost of Green Steel Production
The cost of green steel production in comparison to traditional methods and the viability of large-scale production are important considerations in this discussion. While the cost premium exists, it is not as high as initially feared, depending on the production location and method. The cost premium for green steel can range from negligible to around $150 per metric ton.

Crisil previously discussed the difficulties that Indian steel producers may encounter as a result of the EU’s CBAM. This mechanism may result in a 17% increase in the cost of India’s steel exports to the EU. When paired with greenflation, the overall effect might reach 40%.

The CBAM Deadline:
As per CBAM regulations, exporters will need to submit quarterly reports on their emissions starting October 1, 2023. From December 31, 2025, they will be required to purchase Emissions Trading System (ETS) certificates to offset their greenhouse gas emissions. Initially, industries will be granted free allowances to ease the transition, but these allowances will progressively disappear by 2034. The ETS tax will then become applicable to the portion of emissions not covered by free allowances.

The Indian steel industry is emerging as a frontrunner in decarbonization. Their significant progress in slashing emissions, exceeding halfway to their 2030 target, is a testament to their commitment to environmental stewardship.

 

 

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Climate Action: The Power of One

Renjini Liza Varghese

The climate crisis is looming; climate action is the need of the hour. It is casting darker shadows that may be impossible to reverse. The headlines scream of melting glaciers, rising sea levels, and unprecedented heat waves, painting a picture of a future dictated by vast, systemic forces beyond our control. But amidst this despair, a quiet truth is emerging: change starts with us.

While pushing for policy changes and holding corporations accountable for climate action is crucial, it is essential to recognize the power of individual action. Every conscious choice, every deliberate step towards sustainability, has a ripple effect. It influences the course of a future in which our planet thrives.

Introspection, the First Step:

Let’s begin by turning the spotlight inward. Take a moment to honestly assess your lifestyle. How much energy do you consume? What kind of waste do you generate? Do single-use plastics litter your life, or do you embrace reusable alternatives? Does your wardrobe scream fast fashion?

This self-awareness isn’t about guilt; it’s about empowerment.

Small steps can lead to big impacts. Now, let’s ignite that determination.

Here are seven individual actions that have the potential to be a potent force for change:

i. Reduce, reuse, recycle: Swap plastic bags with reusable and recyclable options. Minimize waste by composting. Choose products with minimal packaging.

ii. Transportation: The power of two – walk, use a bicycle or public transport. Seemingly small choices, multiplied by millions, translate into into huge gains.

iii. Conscientious consumer: Invest in quality, long-lasting products that minimize waste.

iv. Energy efficiency: Switch to LED bulbs, unplug unused appliances, and invest in energy-efficient gadgets.

v. Kitchen revolution: Opt for local, seasonal produce, embrace plant-based meals, and reduce food waste. Every conscious bite counts.

vi. The power of your wallet: Support eco-friendly businesses that prioritize sustainability. Every purchase is a vote for the future you want to see.

vii. Be the change: Share your sustainable practices, and educate others about the climate crisis. Remember, you are not alone – a network of like-minded individuals, can illuminate the path towards a brighter future.

Beyond individual action:

The path to a sustainable future may seem daunting, but it’s paved with the power of individual action.

Let us not underestimate the power of individual action. Let’s rise to the challenge, not with despair, but with the unwavering belief that together, one by one, we can change the world. Remember, the journey towards a sustainable future begins with a single step, and that step starts with you. Each conscious choice we make, each step towards sustainability, is a pebble paving the path to a greener future.

What ripple effect do you want to create in the vast ocean of change? The choice is yours the power is in your hands!!!!

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Climate action: Adapting or Mitigating?

Renjini Liza Varghese

A crucial question recently struck me after a conversation with an industry expert: are we truly tackling climate change through mitigation, or are we merely adapting to its consequences?

While both perspectives have merit, the reality is unsettling – most current efforts lean heavily towards adaptation, a reactive approach to immediate and near-term crises.

This isn’t to downplay the importance of resilience. Responding to floods, droughts, and other climate events is vital. However, it shouldn’t overshadow the urgent need for proactive mitigation strategies. We must move beyond short-term fixes and implement a long-term vision with concrete deadlines. Sadly, COP28, which concluded in Dubai on December 8th, 2023, lacked this crucial element.

The gap in mitigation action stems from a confluence of factors. These include:

Data Gaps: While scientific evidence paints a clear picture of the climate crisis, we lack micro-geographical data for enabling communities to effectively prepare for local impacts.

Flawed Strategies: Many countries, regardless of their development status, have nominal mitigation plans riddled with loopholes that allow them to avoid accountability for missed targets.

Technological Lag: Despite efforts to develop climate prediction tools, a significant gap remains. Initiatives like India’s focus on precise climate forecasting for extreme weather events represent promising steps.

Unreliable Finance: While financial commitments are made, developed nations often fall short in mobilizing the necessary climate funds. The newly established “damage and loss” fund offers a glimmer of hope, but its scope is limited. Green funds, too, face challenges like greenwashing, making it difficult to track their actual utilization in mitigation efforts.

Implementation Delays: Reports before COP28 highlighted widespread lags in countries meeting their climate goals. A drastic course correction is needed, demanding a top-down approach that prioritizes community-level benefits while fostering global collaboration and joint action.

Bridging these gaps requires a multi-pronged approach:

  • Strengthening Green Initiatives: Investing in green technologies, renewable energy, and sustainable practices is essential.
  • Maximizing Green Funds: Effective allocation and utilization of these funds, along with robust monitoring mechanisms, is crucial.
  • Leveraging Native Knowledge: Indigenous communities hold invaluable knowledge about living in harmony with nature. Incorporating their wisdom can empower local adaptation and resilience.
  • Micro-data Driven Strategies: Focusing on acquiring and utilizing geospatial data will equip communities with the precise information they need to prepare for and manage local climate impacts.

Above all, we need a collective commitment to move beyond adaptation and embrace mitigation. I believe that the year 2024 will be a turning point, marked by the emergence of innovative technologies and a renewed focus on mitigation. Let’s work together to ensure that this year becomes a defining moment in our collective fight against climate change.

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COP28, Loss and damage fund

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COP28 Delegates Pledge Millions for Loss and Damage Fund

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Countries seeking more Loss and Damage (L&D) Fund to battle the impacts of the climate crisis can breathe a sigh of relief.

COP 28 delegates have pledged millions of dollars for the loss and damage fund. They reached a significant agreement on the operationalization of the fund to compensate vulnerable nations for climate change-related loss and damage.

The agreement establishes the “Climate Impact and Response Fund,” which will be housed within the World Bank on an interim basis.

The commitments:

UAE led the way with a $100 million commitment to the Fund.

Other countries making notable commitments included:

i.  Germany: $100million,
ii. The UK: £40million for the Fund and £20million for other arrangements
iii. Japan: $10million and
iv. the US: $17.5million.

Significance:

For many years, the fund has been deeply divisive and was formerly regarded as the third rail in international climate negotiations. It would use donations made voluntarily, primarily by wealthier nations, and send the money to developing countries to help them prepare for the effects of climate change.

Despite global warming mitigation goals being achieved, vulnerable communities will still face loss and damage due to “locked-in” warming, resulting in storms, floods, decreased agricultural productivity, and rising sea levels.

The Parties will focus on crafting a robust response to the Global Stocktake, a global report card on progress towards the Paris Agreement goals.

Quotes:

“The hard work of many people over many years, has been delivered in Dubai,” said Dr COP28 President Dr. Sultan Al Jaber. “The speed at which the world came together, to get this fund operationalized within one year since Parties agreed to it in Sharm El Sheikh is unprecedented.”

“The responsibility now lies with affluent nations to meet their financial obligations in a manner proportionate to their role in the climate crisis,” said Harjeet Singh, Head, Global Political Strategy, Climate Action Network International.

“Today’s news on loss and damage gives this UN climate conference a running start. All governments and negotiators must use this momentum to deliver ambitious outcomes here in Dubai,” said Simon Stiell, UN Climate Chief at a press conference.

Backdrop:

The Fund was first agreed upon during COP27, held in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt, and becomes operational today following the agreement reached by parties during 5 transitional committee meetings. The 5th transitional meeting hosted earlier this month in Abu Dhabi was added by the COP28 Presidency following the impasse reached at the 4th meeting, where Parties resolved.

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Resilience in climate crisis: think transformative

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International sustainability non-profit, Forum for the Future (FoF) has published its latest Future of Sustainability report, “Courage to Transform.”

FoF has analysed examples of how businesses are responding to today’s ‘polycrisis’ and highlights four possible future trajectories.

The report comes on the back of a series of unprecedented and extreme weather events, including wildfires across the globe, record-breaking heat waves in Europe, and intensifying air pollution and flooding in Asia. The World Economic Forum defines polycrisis as a cluster of related global risks with compounding effects.

The crux:

The report recognizes the challenges businesses face in the present.

Apart from growing geopolitical tensions, businesses face challenges due to inflation, price volatility, rapidly changing reporting standards, and a politicized ESG agenda.

Some highlights:

  • Maximising shareholder value remains the top priority
  • Actions fall short of creating a lasting impact
  • Overreliance on data and tech and
  • Businesses fundamentally rethink their responses to sustainability challenges

The report registers 5 key shifts, including a transformative approach that leaders and change makers must make. These are listed below.

From a risk prevention mindset to a transformative one: This involves seeing opportunity, not risk, in change, while investing in both climate adaptation and mitigation measures.

  1. From addressing the symptoms of our social and environmental crises to tackling their root causes: This involves moving beyond incremental solutions that are likely to fail.
  2. From passively responding to their operating context to actively shaping it: This involves a shift from influencing policy to better engaging stakeholders and customers, businesses must increase their agency to drive change.
  3. From slow centralized decision-making to more agile distributed governance models
  4. Distributing responsibilities instead of consolidating power. The idea is to generate value creation across multiple levels and stakeholder groups.
  5. From failing to acknowledge the influence of individual, organizational and contextual bias to identifying and removing this bias in risk assessment: This involves businesses making a shift for a more equitable and balanced decision-making in the long term.

James Payne, Forum for the Future’s Global Strategic Lead – Purpose of Business, said, “There is not enough focus right now on how businesses can most effectively achieve their sustainability goals against a backdrop of ongoing disruption. Understanding the different future, you could face clarifies the role your business could play in creating them.”

Dr Sally Uren, Chief Executive, Forum for the Future, said, “Pressure on businesses to step up is mounting. This report fills a gap in guidance on what action can be taken when the headwinds are getting stronger. The five shifts will enable businesses to deliver on transformational agendas.

Glyn Richards, Group Director of sustainability, Bupa Group, said, “More than ever before, there’s an expectation that businesses should be proactive and deliver meaningful change when it comes to sustainability. For a long time, this agenda has been treated as separate from commercial priorities, global market developments and regulatory pressures, but it’s clear that sustainability needs to become part of the decisions and discussions impacting future business success and efficiency. As a healthcare company, that could mean focusing on helping people stay well and encouraging healthy lifestyles – which could benefit patients, as well as the planet.”

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Climate Disaster

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Urgent Action: Red Cross Battles Climate Crisis Impact

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The American Red Cross has launched an ambitious strategy in response to the growing climate crisis, which is seriously disrupting people’s lives and communities due to the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events around the world. In order to successfully respond to the rise in climate-related disasters, the organisation is quickly strengthening its disaster response capabilities across the country and modifying its services.

In comparison to a decade earlier, the American Red Cross is today dealing with over twice as many significant disasters within the United States.

The American Red Cross’s President and CEO, Gail McGovern, emphasised the group’s unique ability to provide aid to people threatened by climate-related severe weather. McGovern stated that the changing environment indicates a humanitarian crisis for the towns and people they serve.  “I can tell you firsthand that our changing climate is a humanitarian crisis for the communities and people we serve, and as fast as we are working to adapt, the needs are escalating faster. There is no time to wait.”

Climate catastrophe

The Red Cross is expected to devote at least $1 billion to programmes tackling the climate catastrophe in the following years. These programmes cover a wide range of activities, such as disaster assistance, the creation of innovative worldwide programmes centred on climate response and preparedness, as well as sustainability measures meant to lessen the organization’s environmental effect. Surprisingly, these initiatives are taking place at the same time as the Red Cross’s disaster relief activities and preparations for the impending Idalia hurricane, which is currently headed towards the Gulf Coast.

The country saw an unprecedented total of 15 disasters in the first half of 2023, each costing a billion dollars or more. These included deadly tornadoes in the South and Midwest and destructive atmospheric rivers in California. These occurrences were accompanied by an increase in high heat, which culminated in July being recorded as the hottest month in recorded history of the nation. In addition, the United States is already entering the typical hurricane and wildfire season.

The Red Cross’s president and chief executive officer, Gail McGovern, said, “Not too long ago, our responses were planned around seasonal trends – hurricane season, wildfire season, storm season. These seasons, though, have changed drastically. The Red Cross is now actively tackling calamities brought on by climate change.”

Furthermore, the frontline communities are being disproportionately affected by the climate disaster, leaving them vulnerable and exposed. The risk of poverty is increasing for low-income individuals and families, the elderly, diverse communities, and people with disabilities as a result of these ongoing catastrophes. Additionally, they struggle with heightened barriers to receiving help for continuing housing, hunger, and health-related issues. Additionally, compared to other communities, these ones frequently experience lengthier durations of displacement when forced to leave their homes due to calamities.

To ensure its ability to provide fair, compassionate, and thoughtful assistance to those affected by disasters, the Red Cross is undertaking this transformative project and making a support appeal.

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