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Climate change, caused by human activity, is threatening the lives and livelihoods of billions of people and the existence of millions of species. Tackling climate change is a matter of social justice requiring urgent and radical action. This page contains resources and facts and articles intended to communicate environmental concerns, share knowledge, and advocate action. As Indian environmental activist and eco-feminist Vandana Shiva has pointed out, 'There can be no ecological security without climate justice. Equity is a precondition for sustainability. We will live together or die together.'
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*** Recent Additions ***Resource Guide on Gender and Climate Change (2010)
There can be no effective and efficient battle against climate change if there is not equitable representation of all segments of society in decision-making at all levels. This Resource Guide on Gender and Climate Change published by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), presents conceptual and methodological advances on gender relations in the context of climate change, with the overall objective of providing guidelines for actors, practitioners and consumers. It has been prepared through research, analyses and combinations of international frameworks, conceptual and methodological documents, and the compilation of case studies. The Guide also considers the approaches that consultants take to deal with the topic, as well as views held by organizations and experts in this field. 'Fourteen days to seal history's judgment on this generation' [The Guardian, Editorial, 9.12.2009]
In an unprecedented act of solidarity 56 newspapers in 45 countries spoke with one voice in a common editorial aimed at influencing decision-making at the Copenhagen Summit. They did so because humanity faces what they characterise as a 'profound emergency'. Broadcast Media and Climate Change: A Commitment to Act Now (2009)
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), in partnership with the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and regional broadcasting unions, organized an International Conference on ‘Broadcast Media and Climate Change: A Public Service Remit’ on 4 and 5 September 2009 at its headquarters in Paris. This event brought together more than 250 representatives of national broadcasters from both developing and developed countries, scientific organizations, regional broadcasting associations and unions, and climate-related agencies. As a result, international and regional broadcasting unions as well as other stakeholders have decided to increase cooperation, with the support of the UN, and step up their efforts to give media exposure to climate change so as to help mitigate its impact and avert potential human suffering. Climate Change Threats are not Gender-Neutral (2009)
A Fact-Sheet issued by UN WomenWatch points out that women form a disproportionately large share of the poor in countries all over the world and women in rural areas in developing countries are highly dependent on local natural resources for their livelihood, because of their responsibility to secure water, food and energy for cooking and heating. The effects of climate change, including drought, uncertain rainfall and deforestation, make it harder to secure these resources. By comparison with men in poor countries, women face historical disadvantages, which include limited access to decision-making and economic assets that compound the challenges of climate change. It is therefore imperative that a gender analysis be applied to all actions on climate change and that gender experts are consulted in climate change processes at all levels, so that women's and men’s specific needs and priorities are identified and addressed. AACC Statement on Climate Change (2009)
The climate-constrained future doesn't allow us to remain passive and the AACC has taken the first step in joining the global community in the search for the most sustainable way to deal with this challenge of the 21st century. Our climate, our children, our responsibility (2009)
Climate change is a global issue. Addressing it is a shared responsibility. Yet it is increasingly apparent that the world’s poorest countries and most vulnerable people will bear the brunt of climate change. Failure to act will render the environments of millions of children and their families even more hazardous. Many poor people already live in fragile climates, where food and clean water are scarce and shelter inadequate – climate change will exacerbate this fragility. The potential impact on children has been a critical missing element from the debate about climate change. Whilst there is a growing body of literature on the links between climate change and vulnerability, particularly in relation to the impact of natural disasters, research and advocacy activity on climate change and children specifically is less developed. In publishing this report, UNICEF UK is working to bridge those gaps. Training Manual on Gender and Climate Change (2009)
To meet the demand for improving skills in gender and climate change, and to build up a pool of trainers in different regions and countries, the Global Gender and Climate Alliance (GGCA) has developed a training manual in order to increase the capacity of policy and decision makers so that efforts to mitigate and adapt to climate change are gender-sensitive. The training manual draws on existing in-house materials (research data, analyses and extracts from international frameworks) that have been adapted or expanded but also includes newly compiled case studies to illustrate the concepts in each module. It presents key conceptual and methodological advances in gender relations in the context of climate change. The topics covered in this manual relate to the topics covered in the Bali Action Plan. World Council of Churches Statement on Eco-Justice and Ecological Debt (2009)
The World Council of Churches (WCC) Central Committee adopted a "Statement on eco-justice and ecological debt" on Wednesday, 2 September 2009. The statement proposes that Christians have a deep moral obligation to promote ecological justice by addressing our debts to peoples most affected by ecological destruction and to the earth itself. The statement addresses ecological debt and includes hard economic calculations as well as biblical, spiritual, cultural and social dimensions of indebtedness. A Climate of Change: African Americans, Global Warming, and a Just Climate Policy for the U.S.
Climate change is not only an issue of the environment; it is also an issue of justice and human rights, one that dangerously intersects race and class. A Climate of Change explores the impacts of climate change on African Americans, from health to economics to community, and considers what policies would most harm or benefit African Americans—and the nation as a whole. Africa - Up in smoke
The first report (2005) on Africa and global warming from the Working Group on Climate Change and Development. Africa - Up in smoke 2
The second report (2006) on Africa and global warming from the Working Group on Climate Change and Development. Anatomy of a Silent Crisis
Science is now unequivocal as to the reality of climate change. Human activities, in particular emissions of greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide are recognized as its principle cause. This 'Human Impact Report' published by the Global Humanitarian Forum (2009) shows that climate change is already causing widespread devastation and suffering around the planet today. Furthermore, even if the international community is able to contain climate change, over the next decades human society must prepare for more severe climate change and more dangerous human impacts. CEDAW Committee on Gender and Climate Change (2009)
Statement adopted at the 44th Session of CEDAW, 20 July to 7 August 2009, New York, USA, expressing concern about the absence of a gender perspective in the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and other global and national policies and initiatives on climate change. Changing the Flow: Water Movements in Latin America (2009)
In case after case around the world, water has been turned into a profi t-making commodity – preventing access to the most essential element on Earth. Pollution, corporate takeover, and the mismanagement of water ecosystems have resulted in dire water poverty and scarcity in many parts of the world. Private ownership of water and water-delivery systems does not resolve, but rather, compounds the longstanding and deep-seated abuse, neglect, mismanagement, and exploitation of water. "In this booklet you will hear from some of the most visionary water warriors in Latin America... the visions, experiences, and lessons they have to share." Children in a Changing Climate
Children in a Changing Climate (CCC) is a global initiative spanning research, action, advocacy and learning with the purpose of securing children’s influence on adapting to and mitigating climate change at every scale – from their families and communities to the United Nations climate change negotiations. This publication (2008) introduces the policy spaces, the challenges and the case for children’s participation based on their unique experiences, knowledge and capabilities. It presents policy recommendations for addressing the needs of children under climate change. Climate Adaptation Targets
Adaptation to climate change is not only multi-dimensional, encompassing various impacts, sectors, actions and governance levels, but is also closely linked to the development process... In this sense, factoring climate risks into social, economic, and environmental planning, is probably the most efficient way to facilitate climate-resilient development. (Briefing notes from weADAPT). Climate Change and Human Rights (2008)
This report from the International Council on Human Rights Policy discusses the human rights impacts of climate change and maps research agendas. It argues that human rights principles can guide climate change policy by focusing on individual suffering and exposure to risk. It includes forewords by Mary Robinson and Romina Picolotti. It bases its discussion on the observation that climate change responses can be made more effective if policymakers include human rights thresholds (minimum acceptable levels of protection) when assessing future impacts of climate change and of adaptation and mitigation strategies. Climate Change and Water
Observational records and climate projections provide abundant evidence that freshwater resources are vulnerable and have the potential to be strongly impacted by climate change, with wide-ranging consequences for human societies and ecosystems. (IPCC Working Group Technical Paper, June 2008). Climate Justice and Development
The journal Development 2008 published by the Society for International Development (SID) focused on political ecology, exploring issues of water, food and climate change. The aim of this follow-up briefing paper is to inform about the debates and deepen the conversations which have characterized the global and local policy arenas, highlighting specifically the fight for climate justice . Gender: the missing component in the response to climate change
This report, published by the Food and Agriculture Organization (2005), analyses the gender dimension of climate change and the policies enacted to mitigate and adapt to its impacts with the aim of developing gender sensitive approaches with regards to mitigation measures, adaptation projects and national regimes. The framework of the study is represented, on the one hand, by the scientific assessment of climate change, with its impacts and associated effects on human and natural systems, and, on the other hand, by the international response to this challenge. The findings show that the gender aspects have generally been neglected in international climate policy. Gender and climate change: Mapping the linkages
This paper, prepared for the UK Department for International Development’s (DFID) Equity and Rights Team, seeks to make the most of available resources, pulling from them useful insights that could inform and strengthen future research on and interventions into gender and climate change. Drawing on existing publicly available literature and personal communications with experts in the field of gender and climate change, the paper outlines key linkages between climate change and gender inequality – focusing particularly on adaptation and mitigation policies and practices. Generating the Renewable Energy of Hope
The Earth Charter Guide to Religion and Climate Change honours and builds on the numerous activities that religious and spiritual organizations, congregations and individuals around the world are conducting to halt and reverse global warming. The task of the day is to mainstream these activities and initiatives and put them on a broader base and platform. In order to support the process of mainstreaming religious action against climate change, this guide (2008) seeks to summarize the most up-to-date scientific knowledge about climate change; to give an overview of available resources, materials, initiatives and websites for interested religious communities, leaders and laypeople; to present a three-step-methodology for integrated ethical reflection based on the Earth Charter aimed at gaining a macro-perspective on our climate crisis, assessing the root causes of climate change and framing inclusive responses; and to provide a short, concise and practical guide for religious leaders, laypeople and their communities on how to take action on climate change. Greenhouse Development Rights: The right to development in a climate constrained world
A climate framework designed to support an emergency climate stabilization program while, at the same time, preserving the right of all people to reach a dignified level of sustainable human development
free of the privations of poverty (Second Edition Executive Summary, September 2008). Media Coverage of Climate Change: Current Trends, Strengths, Weaknesses
This background paper (UNDP 2007) provides a comprehensive survey of the role of the media in informing and communicating climate change. This paper looks at how media coverage has shaped discourse and action – in complex, dynamic and non-linear ways – at the interface of climate science and policy. Moreover, this work explores influences of media on practices, politics and public opinion and understanding related to climate change. Research on these interactions are delineated through work that has been undertaken in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Japan, New Zealand, Australia, Honduras, Mozambique, Jamaica, Sri Lanka and Zambia, and explorations of newspaper coverage in 40 English-language newspapers in 17 countries, across five continents. Through these examinations of media coverage of climate change, links are made to related work on public perception and the relationship to international assistance. Reclaiming Rights and Resources: Women, Poverty and Environment
CARE International (2007). Environmental concerns have often been perceived as a preoccupation of the relatively wealthy. The case studies in this publication dispel this misconception and illustrate an environmental agenda of the poor that is critical to the reduction and eventual eradication of poverty. Collectively the seven case studies address three different types of environmental resources: land, forests and water. Although the specific problems described in the case studies are different, the root causes have much in common.
SOS-planète! Menaces et réponses liées à l'impacte du réchauffement planétaire sur le développement humain
Ce rapport représente un regroupement sans précédent des principales organisations de l’environnement et du développement, qui travaillent depuis plusieurs décennies avec les communautés pauvres du monde entier. Nous craignons que le réchauffement de la planète menace la réalisation des Objectifs de développement du Millénaire (ODM) et qu’il inverse même les résultats obtenus en matière de développement humain. Ce rapport exprime notre inquiétude collective et appelle les gouvernements à prendre des mesures urgentes. Up in smoke? Asia and the Pacific (2007)
The human drama of climate change will largely be played out in Asia, where over 60 per cent of the world’s opulation, around four billion people, live. The latest global scientific consensus from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) indicates that all of Asia is very likely to warm during this century. Warming will be accompanied by less predictable and more extreme patterns of rainfall. Tropical cyclones are projected to increase in magnitude and frequency, while monsoons, around which farming systems are designed, are expected to become more temperamental in their strength and time of onset. This fifth report from the Working Group on Climate Change and Development asks, will global warming send Asia and the Pacific ‘up in smoke’? Up in smoke? Latin America and the Caribbean
This report (2006) confirms that temperature and rainfall patterns, hitherto largely regular and predictable, are changing and becoming less predictable and often more extreme. Based upon the experiences of partner agencies and the people they work with across the region, this report catalogues impacts linked to both climate change and environmental degradation ranging from drought in the Amazon to floods in Haiti and elsewhere; from vanishing glaciers in Colombia to extreme cold in the Andes; and hurricanes, not only in Central America and the Caribbean, but also in southern Brazil. It examines the impacts on agriculture and farming practices, fishing and coastal zones, towns and cities, and on the people of Latin America and the Caribbean: peasants, indigenous peoples, women, town dwellers, migrants. Up in smoke? Threats from, and responses to, the impact of global warming on human development
This report (IIED/NEF, October 2004) represents an unprecedented coming together of leading environmental and development organisations with decades of experienceworking with poor communities across the world. We fear that global warming could threaten attainment of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and even reverse human development achievements. This report is an expression of our common concern and a call for urgent action from governments. Uppsala Interfaith Climate Manifesto / Manifeste interconfessionnel d’Uppsala en faveur du climat / Manifiesto climático interconfesional Upsala
Religious leaders and teachers from around the world gathered in Uppsala in 2008 to call for effective leadership and action in view of the global threat to the climate. From religious traditions, with different approaches to religious life, they came together to reflect on and share the concerns of scientists and political leaders regarding the climate crisis. Whatever the weather: Media attitudes to reporting climate change (2006)
The media play an important role in stimulating discussion in developing countries. Yet journalists asked by Panos say that the media have a poor understanding f the climate change debate and express little nterest in it. ublic discussion of the policies and issues involved s urgently needed. This means those engaged in limate change issues must give journalists what they eed for a good story. World Council of Churches: Climate Change (2005)
This paper briefly reviews the history of the World Council of Churches’ work on climate change from its inception in 1988 with a special focus on the period since the 8th WCC Assembly in Harare Zimbabwe in 1998. It concludes with lessons learned from the engagement and proposals for next steps beyond the
9th Assembly in Porto Alegre in January 2006. World Council of Churches: Declaration from Woudschoten (2004)
Human induced climate change is proving to have an extensive range of negative impacts on our Planet.
We are impelled to act with urgency on the effects of climate change because it is our responsibility as
people of faith to address the destructive exploitation of the Earth, its resources and its atmosphere. World Council of Churches: Moving Beyond Kyoto (2004)
This discussion document was produced by participants in a consultation on “Climate and Water: Common Gifts, Related Threats” co-sponsored by the World Council of Churches (WCC) and ecumenical relief and development agencies, October 3-8, 2004, Zeist, The Netherlands. It is addressed to the member churches of the WCC, ecumenical organizations and church related relief and development organizations as engage with the threat of climate change. It summarises our analysis of the current challenges within an ethical and theological framework and articulates a set of positions for implementing the Kyoto Protocol, negotiating next steps beyond Kyoto, affirming the urgency of adaptation measures, and envisioning the witness and role of the churches . World Council of Churches: Solidarity with Victims of Climate Change (2002)
The WCC has consistently addressed the issue of climate change. It has sought to assess the warnings of the scientific community in a Christian perspective. It has pleaded with governments to take action and called on the churches to support, and participate in, efforts aiming at the reduction of greenhouse gas
emissions. With the publication of the Third Assessment Report (TAR) of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) in 2001 a new situation has arisen. We are now told that the threat of climate change is even more serious than so far assumed. There is therefore even more reason not to delay action. What does this mean for the witness of the churches and in particular the World Council of Churches? How are they to respond to the contradiction between scientific analysis and political behaviour which has become apparent? Recursos en españolCambio Climatico: Resumen del Informe de Evaluación 2007 del IPCC
El calentamiento del planeta ya está teniendo muchas consecuencias medibles y en el futuro se esperan cambios costosos y de gran envergadura. ¿Cómo podemos adaptarnos a estos cambios o limitar su extensión? Los últimos descubrimientos del IPCC nos ofrecen algunas respuestas al respecto. Resumen realizado por GreenFacts (organización independiente sin ánimo de lucro que publica en línea resúmenes
fieles, revisados por expertos independientes, de documentos de consenso científico que emanan de instituciones internacionales de gran reputación como el Panel Intergubernamental sobre el Cambio Climático, la Evaluación de los Ecosistemas del Milenio o la Organización Mundial de la Salud. GreenFacts es una organización observadora del IPCC.) Clima, pobreza y justicia
El cambio climático representa la mayor amenaza para el desarrollo humano. Pero el avance en el objetivo de limitar el calentamiento por debajo de los 2ºC ha sido hasta ahora insuficiente. El esfuerzo global necesario para reducir las emisiones y apoyar a las personas más pobres y vulnerables en su adaptación a los cambios inevitables debe basarse en indicadores objetivos de la responsabilidad histórica de los países en causar la crisis y de su capacidad para enfrentarse a ella. La conferencia de Naciones Unidas sobre el clima que tendrán lugar en Poznań deben suponer un punto de inflexión en las negociaciones internacionales, y marcar la transición desde el debate hacia una auténtica negociación. Por el bien de las personas y del planeta, no hay más tiempo que perder. (Informe de Oxfam Internacional, 2008). ¿Con el agua hasta el cuello?
Este informe (IIED/NEF, Octubre de 2004) constituye un evento sin precedentes que reúne las principales organizaciones medioambientales y de desarrollo con décadas de experiencia en el trabajo con las comunidades pobres en todo el mundo. Nuestro temor es que el calentamiento global pueda amenazar el logro de las Metas de Desarrollo del Milenio (MDM) y aún echar a perder los logros hasta el momento alcanzados en el desarrollo humano. Este informe es una expresión de nuestra preocupación común y un llamado a los gobiernos para la acción urgente. ¿Con el agua hasta el cuello? América Latina y el Caribe
Este reporte (2006) confirma que la temperatura y los patrones pluviales, hasta ahora en su mayoría regulares y predecibles, están cambiando y volviéndose menos predecibles y a menudo más extremos. Basándonos en las experiencias de agencias asociadas y de gente con la que trabajan en la región, este reporte cataloga los impactos relacionados tanto con el cambio climático como con la degradación ambiental que van de la sequía en la Amazonía a las inundaciones en Haití y en otros sitios, de la desaparición de los glaciares en Colombia al frío extremo en los Andes y huracanes, no sólo en Centroamérica y el Caribe, sino en el sur de Brasil. Calentamiento global: Nuevos enfoques periodísticos por Diana Cazaux
¿Qué es ser periodista ambiental en el contexto de una ausencia de comunicación objetiva, neutral o completa? Catorce consejos para reducir el cambio climático. Factual InformationThe following fact sheets were issued by the David Suzuki Foundation (see links) and are intended to provide an overview of key issues:
Suzuki-climate-change.pdf
Suzuki-climate-impacts.pdf
Suzuki-going-carbon-neutral.pdf
Suzuki-scientific-consensus.pdf
Suzuki-solutions.pdf
Suzuki-wind-power.pdf ArticlesThe following articles appeard in the 2/2009 issue of WACC's international quarterly journal Media Development on 'Environmental Communication'. Squaring the climate circle by Tom Athanasiou
A summary of key scientific facts on the environmental and social dimensions of climate change that might contribute to ethical discussions of what actions need to be taken. Computers and ecology by Jörg Becker
A critical perspective on digital technologies arguing for a radical ethical and political rethink of social policies in regard to environmental and ecological questions. Calentamiento global: Nuevos enfoques periodísticos por Diana Cazaux
¿Qué es ser periodista ambiental en el contexto de una ausencia de comunicación objetiva, neutral o completa? Catorce consejos para reducir el cambio climático. Environment and ethics in Africa by Steve de Gruchy
Responsible Christian thinking and communication about the earth crisis affecting all people on the planet must engage with Africa and the people of Africa. Rescuing climate reporting in the South by James Fahn
Media coverage of climate change lags behind in the countries where it matters most. Focused journalism training and better coverage by local media are part of the solution. Environmental journalism viewed from Canada by Shane Gunster
Surveying Canadian media coverage of environmental issues shows greater public awareness that needs to be translated into urgent action. Media and environmental change by Anders Hansen
Environmental communication research has come a long way in the last few decades leading to an increasingly sophisticated understanding of the complext processes involved in the social 'construction' of the environment as an issue for public concern. Communicating care: An ecofeminist perspective by Marti Kheel
The field of ecofeminism offers important lessons in learning to listen to the diverse voices of nature and the repercussions of ignoring the voices of women and other marginalized humans. Courageous prophecy and ecology by Frank Kürschner-Pelkmann
How are Christian publications covering the issue of ecology? How do Christian communicators tackle environmental issues?
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