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.