Effects of climate change a concern around the world

The ongoing effect of climate change — which feeds into our work — is the focus of the United Nations’ virtual Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). 

Scheduled to run until Feb. 25, the head of the UN weather agency opened the panel by reporting the impacts of climate change are already “very visible” and “happening worldwide.”

“Climate change impacts are related to economy, food security, infrastructure, the biosphere and health,” said Petteri Taalas, secretary-general, World Meteorological Organization (WMO). “We have to adapt to climate change. That means droughts, flooding, tropical storms, heatwaves, water shortages, coastal inundation.”

Of note, the WMO chief pointed out areas of the world at higher risk, such as tropical latitudes and developing countries, especially in Africa, Southern Asia and the Pacific islands. Last year a WMO report on disaster statistics showed 4.5-billion people experienced a major weather-related disaster in the past 20 years.

A positive in this comes from a drop in casualties, thanks to improved early warning services, but dramatic increases in economic losses have occurred.

One aspect of Children Believe’s work is to help vulnerable build resilience and recover from weather-related disasters, such as hurricanes in Nicaragua.

You can make a difference in the lives of children and youth with the emergency child-safety pack, in the Gifts for Good catalogue.

About Children Believe

Children Believe works globally to empower children to dream fearlessly, stand up for what they believe in — and be heard. For 60+ years, we’ve brought together brave young dreamers, caring supporters and partners, and unabashed idealists. Together, we’re driven by a common belief: creating access to education — inside and outside of classrooms — is the most powerful tool children can use to change their world.

About Childfund Alliance

A member of ChildFund Alliance, Children Believe is part of a global network of child-focused development organizations working to create opportunities for children and youth, their families and communities. ChildFund helps nearly 23-million children and their families in 70 countries overcome poverty and underlying conditions that prevent children from achieving their full potential. We work to end violence against children; provide expertise in emergencies and disasters to ease the harmful impact on children and their communities; and engage children and youth to create lasting change and elevate their voices in decisions that affect their lives.