One Earth: addressing climate change
Climate change is not just an environmental problem.
It’s also a global poverty problem.
The world’s poorest people are the most vulnerable to climate change, as they live in areas most at risk, and are the least equipped to cope with the impacts.
When climate change results in more droughts, floods and storms, it makes life much more difficult for people living in poor communities. It is harder for them to grow crops, access water and food, and generate income.
Climate change and global poverty are challenges that must be addressed together.
How One Earth helps
One Earth works with communities across three key areas:
1. Sustainable use of land and natural resources
Training in sustainable farming methods and use of natural resources enables communities to become more self-sufficient. This is essential to protect their food and income sources in the face of droughts and other climate changes. They are also in a better position to protect their environment because they have the knowledge and resources to do so.
2. Clean technologies for cooking, lighting, heating and building
Alternative technologies such as solar powered lighting can dramatically improve living conditions in communities where there is no electricity. Fuel efficient cooking methods can help to reduce the number of trees cut down for firewood.
3. Preparing for extreme weather events such as cyclones and floods
Climate change will result in an increase in the number and intensity of natural disasters. When communities have the skills and knowledge to identify how a natural disaster might affect them, they can take steps to reduce the risks. Activities such as planting mangroves along coastal land can help prevent flooding during storms.
One Earth projects
Your donations will support projects including:
Marine sanctuaries and coastal management in the Philippines
A rise in sea levels in the Philippines, caused by climate change, could have dramatic effects on coast communities.
World Vision will work with local communities and government agencies to protect and better manage natural resources along the coastline. This involves rehabilitation of mangrove forests to protect the shoreline against sea surges and help nature to rebuild coral reefs.
Climate change-focused permaculture in Sri Lanka
It’s predicted that agricultural production in Sri Lanka will fall dramatically as a result of climate change. World Vision will work directly with local communities to develop food production activities that are both environmentally and socially sustainable. Project activities include training communities to plant drought resistant crops, develop home gardens using organic techniques and adopt sustainable livestock management practices.
Biodiversity and environmental protection in Burundi, East Africa
World Vision will work with communities to improve soil fertility and protect the environment. Trees will be planted on farmland to support crop growth and prevent soil erosion, provide communities with fuel for cooking and building, and to create shade for banana and coffee crops. The project will also train farmers on new methods of rainwater collection and introduce fuel efficient cooking methods and organic compost.
Disaster management in Vietnam
World Vision will work with government agencies to reduce the economic and social impacts of natural disasters such as typhoons. The project will train community groups how to plan for natural disasters and includes local organisations such as schools, fire brigades, and flood and storm committees in the planning process.
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