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Climate change

Niccollette and Shrirvanie film the aftermath of the Guyanan floods, with support from CAFOD partner Guyana Human Rights Association [CAFOD]

Aftermath of the Guyanan floods. Climate change means that disasters like this will occur more frequently. [CAFOD]

People have always had to adapt to variable climate patterns, but climate change will increase the frequency and severity of extreme weather.

This will stretch people’s ability to adapt to its limit, especially the poorest who will be most vulnerable to climate change but have done least to cause it.

Millions risk being pushed deeper into poverty, for example by losing homes and crops in floods and droughts or through conflict over lack of water or other resources. Click on the links on the right for case studies from around the world.

We work with local organisations overseas who help vulnerable communities cope with the impact of increased floods, droughts and extreme weather. Our disaster risk reduction work enables people adapt to a changing climate and to prepare for disasters before they happen.

But a global problem like this needs a global solution.

In order to avoid catastrophic climate change, we are also lobbying developed country governments to tackle the root causes of the problem by cutting carbon emissions and by providing additional money to help poor countries adapt to the impacts of climate change and pursue clean, green development in the future.

Find out more and join our campaign for climate justice

Gordon Brown [The Guardian/Martin Argles]

The job is not done. Act now for climate justice

Please email Prime Minister Gordon Brown today to call for tougher EU emissions cuts. World leaders must act boldly. They’ll only act if they feel the pressure

Residents ride a makeshift raft during flooding east of Manila September 27, 2009 [REUTERS/John Javellana, courtesy www.alertnet.org]

Focus: Reducing threat of natural disaster

To mark UN International Day for Natural Disaster Risk Reduction (October 14), we focus on our work helping people in vulnerable areas prepare for the worst

Life is becoming increasingly difficult for Kenya's nomadic herding communities

Kenya: No future without change

For thousands of years, Kenya’s cattle-herding communities have adapted to a nomadic life in a harsh climate. But today, this way of life is stretched to breaking point

Davi Kopenawa on a pilgrimage on Holy Island with Anne Marie Hanlon from CAFOD Hexham & Newcastle [Joelle Hernandez]

Focus on: Climate change and indigenous rights

Among those who have done least to cause it, indigenous people are already feeling the impact. Find out the crucial role they have to play in global discussions. And how you too can take action on climate change before it's too late.

Campaigners at The Wave, December 2010, calling for climate justice

Our election issues

The decisions taken by the next government, and the next parliament, on issues like aid, climate change and regulating business will have far-reaching consequences for poor communities worldwide. Find out more about why this matters and what we're calling for.

Diane Abbott MP meeting constituents at a climate change mass lobby of parliament

Hints and tips for meeting your candidates

If aid, climate justice and making business work for the poor are voting issues for you, then let your prospective candidates know. Find out their contact details here and use our top tips for meeting and influencing your candidates.

Asking questions at a launch event for the Climate Justice campaign