Climate Change
The effects of climate change – floods, cyclones and crop failures – have a much bigger impact on people in poor countries because they don’t have the resources to protect themselves - they suffer the most, even though they have contributed to it the least.
- Japan, the US and Europe release over 40 per cent of global emissions.
- One person in 19 living in the world’s poorest countries is at risk from climate change, compared to one in 1,500 in wealthiest.
- If sea levels rise by one metre, 17.5% of Bangladesh will disappear under sea, potentially affecting 70 million people.
- In 2007, 12 of the 13 UN emergency appeals were related to severe storms, floods and droughts.
Crisis Update: Floods follow drought in Kenya
Thousands will be left homeless as floods in Kenya are predicted to follow the country’s worst-ever drought.
Having failed for 3 years, heavy rains in Kenya have started falling and are expected to displace 100,000 people and directly affect 1,000,000 people. We are providing assistance to those who have been displaced.
Five countries, one crisis - the worst drought in recent history?Rich countries must face up to past emissions to save Copenhagen deal
With less than 2 months to go until a new global agreement on climate is due to be forged in Copenhagen, the concept of "Historical Responsibility" is beginning to gain more strength. Past emissions matter and rich countries must accept this.
