Climate change causes many challenges for poor and vulnerable people around the world. When the land which provides people with their daily bread is under constant flooding, or gets infertile due to continuous droughts, then they have experienced a heavy loss. It is no longer possible to adapt to the changes in the climate.
The debate about “loss and damage” due to climate change, has been discussed intensively at the ongoing COP20 in Lima. “Loss and damage” is a term covering many topics and issues, including economic compensation, safe migration and how to deal with the risks of loss of cultures and traditions.
Many governments are concerned about the future of their populations, who may be forced to migrate, or move their homes. Scientists have expressed the same concern. The 5th IPCC report highlighted the fact that climate change is increasingly causing economic, social and human security problems. For many developing countries it is therefore crucial to get “Loss and damage” included in a future global climate change agreement.
However, rich countries are reluctant to address the issue of “Loss and damage”. Their argument is that the losses are already covered and included in the existing climate agreements, as they see these losses as just another type of adaptation.
Nevertheless, when people become victims of climate change related catastrophes, and when they are not able to adapt to changing weather patterns, then it is hard to label it adaptation. To adapt means to find new ways of living under changed conditions of life. This could include construction of seawalls, to protect communities from rising sea levels, or irrigation projects to promote agriculture in drought prone areas. When people are forced to find another place to live, then they’ve experienced the limits of adaptation. Then they’ve experienced loss and damage.
Churches around the world have a tradition to assist when communities are hit by catastrophes. People, who’ve lost everything can seek shelter and support, they can find comfort, and maybe also aid and practical assistance. With these experiences from the ground it is obvious that loss and damage is an important advocacy theme for the ACT Alliance.
Two weeks of negotiations in Lima are almost over. Western countries, led by the US, have been trying to pull loss and damage off the agenda, while small island states and the least developed countries have done their best to keep it as a priority. In my next blog I will be able to tell how the negotiations ended.
|
The Climate Action Hub
Building upon the momentum generated by the People's Climate March, The Climate Action Hub focuses the energy and ideas that converged around the 2014 UN Climate Summit to engage civil participation in local, regional and global climate action. The Hub showcases NGOs, eco writers, scientists, bloggers and YOU in a group mission to amplify messaging and promote action on such issues as climate justice, sustainable development and clean energy. It will also serve as a forum for educating and informing the wider public and expand the civil movement to ensure success at the 2015 UNFCCC Paris Climate Summit. Please add any information on climate actions in comments below.
The Climate Action Hub at Daily Kos seeks volunteer ambassadors of climate activism to work on our 'eco swat team' in local communities and here at Daily Kos to disseminate information about the growing role of civil society in climate solutions. Join us here at Daily Kos to contribute your skills and experience. We need all hands on deck!
|