Climate Change: Coping with the Humanitarian Impact

 
Finding Solutions

UN peacekeepers carry children through flood waters after Hurricane Ike devastated Port-of-Prince in September 2008. [Photo credit: UN Photo/Marco Dormino]

The effect of climate change is already straining the disaster relief system and the threat of extreme climatic events in the future is likely to generate higher demands for disaster assistance that will prove more costly.

We cannot afford to stand-by and watch as the destructive effects of repeated climate disasters overwhelm vulnerable communities the world over. We must respond and adapt quickly to the challenge.

This all requires a rethink of humanitarian action. In hazard hotspots, we must shift our focus and invest in better disaster planning and preparedness to reduce the effects of extreme weather on communities. Rather than react to emergencies, we must learn to act sooner and act smarter. 

“Improving our ability to respond effectively to increasing and increasingly extreme climatic events is now a priority part of our business. This calls for a systemic shift of attention, resources and expertise to improve disaster  preparedness”.   - John Holmes, Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator

Next: Mozambique: Preparedness in Action