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Topic Areas – The Humanitarian Impact of Climate Change

 

Climate Justice in a Shared Global Ecosphere

The development of the industrialized world is largely based on past and current fossil fuel consumption that is itself the principle cause of global warming. Those who have consumed the least carbon resources, who have contributed the least to climate change, bear the brunt of its adverse effects. Under a shared ecosphere, and given scarce global resources, historical economic growth has also seriously exacerbated ongoing poverty reduction efforts. Linking these issues together can be grounds for a global solution. Could the architecture of a post-Kyoto agreement be capable of effectively reconciling these injustices? Or is a post-Kyoto framework destined to be an effective tool only for emission reductions? Would emission trading on a worldwide but individual per capita level provide a better instrument for ensuring global climate justice? Indeed, could personal responsibility for individual carbon emissions provide a new system of global equity? Do any other serious alternatives exist?

New forms of urban life – new forms of development

Can smart design and urban planning be used to better harness the resources available to least developed countries, help protect the poorest from climate impacts all while promoting clean development? Can we design new forms of development?

The climate-security nexus: conflict or cooperation?

The changing climate will place people already on the edge of survival under unbearable stress. This creates tensions in the competition for life-maintaining resources, such as water. Can we already talk of climate-induced wars? How can we ensure cooperation, not conflict?

Are the right risks insured?

Given the scale and scope of climate risks today and tomorrow, are the right risks insured? In addition, what possibilities exist for expanding insurance coverage to most vulnerable populations? Is climate change insurable?

Innovative financing for adaptation: what new ideas?

The poorest countries are not only forced to fight poverty; now many must also battle the adverse effects of climate change – both of which demand significant resources and financing. How can the additional bill of climate change be met when existing promises of development aid continue to go unfulfilled? How much additional funding can be mobilized on the basis of the polluter pays principle?

Climate responsibility and global media

Understanding of climate change is the first step for taking action. How can we raise worldwide awareness for the human face of climate change and trigger action? How can we best use modern communication to explain climate change to worst affected communities and convey advanced warnings?

What are business opportunities for “adaptation”?

Experts agree: adapting to climate change in developing countries alone will cost billions of dollars every year. Is that reason for concern or a tremendous business opportunity?

Energy for the poor: energizing the MDGs?

Development relies on energy – but we cannot afford for developing countries to follow the same path of carbon-reliant development as the industrialized world. Is it possible to significantly improve energy supply and services to the poor while remaining clean and green?

Coastal cities in the global south: waiting for the
next mega-disaster?

Much of the world’s poor live in the coastal urban slums of the developing world, which are heavily exposed to climate risks. A repeat of hurricane Katrina here would cause unimaginable devastation. Yet most of these areas are leagues away from being prepared for what is now a highly probable scenario.

Climate change and health: what partnerships?

Higher temperatures increase the spread of infectious diseases, such as malaria and dengue fever, with crippling consequences for vulnerable populations. Drugs and latest technologies are needed to combat these growing health concerns, but are rarely at the disposal of those most in need. What partnerships can change that?

Key priorities for food security in a changing climate?

Climate change is aggravating the current global food crisis. Soaring food prices hit the poor hardest. On the other hand, they also create new opportunities for farmers in developing countries. What are the strategies to exploit these opportunities and boost food security in the face of unpredictable and changing climatic conditions?

Dealing with regional water stress

Higher temperatures and shifting rain patterns are changing already dry lands into desert. Can we realistically provide water to populations in these regions, or is migration the only sensible long-term solution?

Practical solutions to empower vulnerable people
and communities

Sometimes simple solutions have the biggest impact. From traditional knowledge through to rainwater harvesting and advanced satellite imagery, what are the best solutions available today, and how can they be provided en masse to populations in need?

• Forum 2008

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