Climate Change

In countries all over the world, people living in poverty are already suffering from the effects of climate change. Extreme weather and an increase in natural disasters are jeopardising the ability of poor communities to grow crops, access water, and house and feed themselves. It is the poor who are the least able to protect themselves and the most likely to suffer from climate disasters. They are the most vulnerable to disease and are more likely to have to leave their homes in search of water during droughts or to escape flooding. Climate change is not simply an environmental problem, but a fundamental development problem. There is widespread agreement that climate change has been caused by the past development of today’s rich countries. Unless greenhouse gas emissions are cut drastically, climate-related poverty will be exacerbated.

Past forums on this topic:

Can the developing world survive climate change?
Wednesday, 30 July 2008, Melbourne VIC
Opportunities and challenges for developing countries. What can we do?

Carbon Trading Exposed
Wednesday, 15 July 2009, Adelaide SA
The impact of carbon trading on the world's poor

The Human Face of Climate Change
Thursday, 20 August 2009, Sydney NSW
What can Australia do?