What Oxfam is doing
Oxfam America is bringing the human dimension to the climate change debate. We believe that in order for communities to adapt to climate change—indeed, in order for them to begin overcoming poverty—they must take early action to reduce their vulnerability and build their resilience to new and heightened risks.
If we act quickly, we can reduce the damaging impact that climate change has on poor people‘s lives and livelihoods. But if we fail to help in time, they will suffer far greater damage, and at a much higher human and financial cost.
That's why we are asking that Congress and the Obama administration craft national legislation—and help negotiate an international agreement—that goes beyond curbing the emissions that cause global warming; they must also set aside funding to help poor people adapt to current and future climate change impacts.
Policy makers call this "adaptation," but what they really mean is helping vulnerable communities become stronger, more prepared, and resilient, in the face of climate change. With support, these communities can invest in a variety of cost-effective projects that not only build their resilience to climate change but help them overcome poverty in the long term. Some examples include the following:
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Drought-resistant seeds and food banks for times of shortage
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Coastal tree barriers and raised homes during floods
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Mosquito nets and health surveillance systems to prevent the spread of malaria and other climate-related illnesses
Poor communities have the knowledge and experience to craft their own adaptation solutions. They just need the funding and ability to participate in shaping these responses.
Learn more about Oxfam's Climate Change campaign--and find out how you can help.
