This week, world leaders are gathering to discuss climate change at the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP15) in Copenhagen, Denmark. Did you know that the Red Cross will be involved?
Climate change disrupts traditional weather patterns, complicating disaster preparedness and response in poor communities around the world. Below is a wrap-up of Red Cross work around the world in this area. Also, learn more about the work of the Red Cross/Red Crescent Climate Center by listening to an interview with its director Madaleen Helmer in the latest Cross The Globe podcast.
SENEGAL: The Red Cross/Red Crescent Climate Centre tested out a simple card game in St. Louis, Senegal illustrating the odds of flooding and other natural disasters increasing with climate change. The game was designed in collaboration with the PETlab – a joint project of Games for Change and Parsons: The New School for Design in New York City. It will be officially unveiled and demonstrated on December 13 in Copenhagen.
TUVALU: The Tuvalu Red Cross Society is joining forces with the local government and other humanitarian organizations to tackle climate change, using methods like cleaning up debris that may cause damage during cyclones, broadcasting reminders about preparedness and water conservation, and placing satellite phones on remote islands to improve warning times. It already paid off when a large wave flooded the low-lying island nation.
ETHIOPIA: The Netherlands Red Cross reports on new techniques for helping farmers in Ethiopia adapt to Climate Change in a short film called Farmer To Farmer Learning in a Changing Climate. Get a sneak peek of the film, which will be shown at the COP15 Film Festival.
COPENHAGEN: A Danish Red Cross photographer has set up an exhibit at COP15 of photos from around the world. You can check out the online photo gallery as well. (The photos from Uganda were taken during a Red Cross flood response in 2007.)
Thanks to the Red Cross Blog for this great information.
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