Oxfam America is calling on the U.S. to fight climate change by financing for adaptation both here and abroad. Not only should we reduce our own greenhouse gas emissions, but this country must provide foreign aid to other nations for projects that would protect them from the effects of global warming. Here is a brief study of Oxfam America’s proposals.
The World's Poor
Oxfam says that forty percent – more than 2.5 billion -of the world’s people are poor. And, according to recent literature, poor people feel the brunt of climate change worldwide. Oxfam quotes a World Health Organization statement that climate change may cause 150,000 deaths a year. In addition, global warming is proceeding at a much faster pace than predicted in the 1990s. A report states that by 2020, as many as 250 million people in Africa, already stricken by drought, could have even more water shortages. And, “in some countries, yields from rain-fed crops could be halved.”
Oxfam America, which is part of Oxfam International, says that nearly two billion poor people were affected by climate change in the 1990s. Oxfam says it “works with poor and marginalized people in over 100 countries.” It claims that “innovative adaptation” is the way to cope with climate change. And it wants the U.S. to help.
Adaptation: The Key?
Oxfam cites a report by the UN Development Program that states that adaptation needs in developing countries could cost as much as $86 billion a year. Examples of adaptation include countries such as Viet Nam, where dense mangroves are being planted along the coast line to lessen the effects of waves caused by tropical storms. In Bangladesh, villagers are creating floating vegetable gardens that would survive flooding. And in Peru, people are using an “ancient canalization technique” that will help farms both through drought and heavy rains.
Oxfam wants the United States to invest in adaptation projects such as these. It wants the investment to be “new and separate from existing development funds,” and to be allocated with input from the affected communities. It also wants the U.S. to lessen its own greenhouse gas emissions, and to help other countries to reduce theirs.
Conflict and Migration
Another aspect to this issue is the increased conflict and migration in countries affected by climate change. Oxfam quotes a report by a panel of retired U.S. generals and admirals, citing that “climate change acts as a ‘threat multiplier for instability’” in volatile areas around the world. Rising sea levels are said to be eroding coastal lands in Central America, Southeast Asia and South Asia, possibly leading to mass migration.
So, what can be done about all this? One thing you could do is, join the Oxfam Action Corps. Volunteers could do something as simple as writing a letter to Congress, or become more involved by working with volunteer co-leaders in their city. Oxfam provides campaign materials, policy strategies, and other needed goods. The organization wants us to call on Congress to cut greenhouse gas emissions and to provide funding worldwide for adaptation efforts. And to become more conscious about energy use, ourselves.
For more information, contact OxfamAmerica.org. For information on Oxfam Action Corps, contact www.OxfamAmerica.org/actioncorps.
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