While preparing for the 29th Conference of the Parties (COP29) of the UNFCCC to be held in Baku, Azerbaijan in November; The more than 440 countries that have signed the Climate and Environment Charter for Humanitarian Organizations are responding to the increasing impacts of climate change on the vulnerable communities we serve around the world, particularly those in conflict, fragile and protracted crises.
We have seen and are responding to an increase in extreme weather events such as floods, high-intensity cyclones, extreme heat waves, as well as very dangerous events; to slow-onset impacts such as perennial drought, desertification, and sea-level rise. These events disproportionately affect the most vulnerable populations, such as women, children and youth, the disabled, the elderly, LGBTQI+, displaced persons and communities marginalized by deep-rooted inequalities.
These impacts have shaken communities with loss of life, homes and livelihoods, food insecurity, water scarcity, crop losses and damage, homes, local and indigenous knowledge, habitats and lifestyles. The climate crisis, compounded by conflict or political, social and economic insecurity, has already stretched the capacity of communities to cope and recover, leaving many in desperate situations, including multiple displacements, and for some, options of no return. .
As decision-makers gather in Baku for COP29 this year:
• We call for more ambitious and concrete actions to support communities that have contributed least and are most affected by the climate crisis, and encourage investments in locally driven early warning and early action. Most importantly, we must ensure that no one is left behind.
• We call on decision-makers to redouble efforts to prevent and minimize the effects of climate change and keep global temperature increases below 1.5C by dramatically reducing greenhouse gas emissions and including clear commitments to strong mitigation. actions including ending fossil fuel expansion and promoting a just economic transition.
• We call on the Parties to seriously consider the human and environmental costs and impacts of war and prevent the escalation of humanitarian and climate crises.
• With the window for adaptation closing in many contexts and the loss and damage caused by the climate crisis increasing, we call on Parties to fulfill the commitments they made in Paris in 2015 and ensure the agreement of the New Collective Quantitative Goal (NCQG). COP29 includes adequate, predictable, additional and quality financing for all areas of climate action – mitigation, adaptation and loss and damage.
• We call for prioritizing access to finance so that countries and communities most affected by climate change, including civil society and local actors, can build resilience, adapt and recover from increased climate impacts. In this regard, we welcome the COP29 Presidency’s dedication to a day of Peace, Relief and Recovery, giving space to the voices and perspectives of those most affected.
• We call on decision-makers to ensure that these vulnerable communities are actively included in decision-making processes throughout COP29 and particularly in relation to access to funds.
signed,
Signatories to the Climate and Environment Charter for Humanitarian Organizations