A report from the National Intelligence Council on security implications of climate change largely concurs with the consensus of non-governmental organizations, such as Oxfam America, on the human toll of climate change. A summary of the assessment, in the form of a statement to the U.S. House Select Committee on Intelligence, is available here. The Los Angeles Times published a good summary of the report. The report states that climate change is expected to:
- Disproportionately impact the developing world
- Place 50 million additional people at risk of famine by 2020
- Spur forced migration
- Contribute to political instability
- Cause humanitarian crises
- Jeopardize international agricultural production
- Impact the United States through turmoil caused abroad
This government report adds greater credibility to calls for funding adaption projects to help at-risk communities cope with climate change. You can make a difference! Sign the petition asking the next president to make climate change and poverty a priority. Oxfam Action Corps - Minnesota promotes awareness and action on this issue. Subscribe to our listserv to receive local updates on action opportunities. Do you know of events where an Oxfam Action Corps information table would be welcome? Other good ideas? Contact us via email.
Have you watched the climate change campaign video?
Need a quick introduction to Oxfam America's climate change campaign? Then, watch the new YouTube video released last week. It's a great three minute introduction to the concept that climate change is already devastating the world's poorest communities. It puts a potent human face on climate change, demonstrating how the issue is a moral (and not just scientific) concern. After viewing it, read about how climate change adaptation can help vulnerable communities cope with the situation, saving lives and livelihoods. Funding climate change adaptation represents a rich return on investment. It's also the right thing to do!More climate change and poverty news:
Africa Progress Panel (London), Africa: Continent project worst hit by climate change
Matt Prescott for BBC News, Taxing time to stablise climate
Integrated Regional Information Networks (UN), Bangladesh: Early monsoon floods "point to climate change"
Integrated Regional Information Networks (UN), Region is 'ground zero' for climate change
Reuters, Climate change fund needs major boost
Washington Post, Report on climate predicts extreme change
Washington Post, Climate issues tied to U.S. security
