Climate Change
Climate change is increasingly recognised as having a direct impact on sustainable development - changes in weather patterns, sea level rise, desertification, the rising number of environmental refugees - and as a global security issue. The adverse and long-term effects of climate change and sea-level rise place particular risk on developing countries, small island developing states and other vulnerable countries.
In recent years the earth's climate has been changing at an unprecedented rate, largely as a result of human activities. Energy use, transportation, industry, global deforestation, and agricultural activities are among the activities that release large amounts of greenhouse gases, primarily carbon dioxide, into the atmosphere. The growing concentration of these gases is increasing the earth's natural greenhouse effect and warming the global climate at a very quick pace. Damage to the environment from which the poor derive sustenance only increases their vulnerability and decreases their prospects of escaping poverty. They are the most vulnerable and least able to cope. Severe weather damages buildings - schools, homes and hospitals, destroys crops and livelihoods; all crucial to building a better life.
The Commonwealth Foundation will work closely with the Commonwealth Secretariat and other Commonwealth professional bodies and associations, Commonwealth Environment Ministers, scientific and technical institutions across the Commonwealth to support civil society to take action to reduce the causes and adapt to the negative consequences of climate change. It aims to motivate the political will of governments and mobilising partnerships and cooperation with civil society and other stakeholders to focus on the problems facing vulnerable people as a consequence of climate change, and the need to ensure long-term sustainable development for all the peoples of the Commonwealth. Climate change impact varies in each region and it is vital to ensure that the adaptive capacity of societies is geared to act collectively in the face of the threats posed by climate variability and change.
