Forum addresses needs of those who suffer most from climate change

People all over the Commonwealth are facing new challenges and risks as a result of dramatic climate change. Floods, droughts, cyclones, heat waves, sea level rise and disease continue to endanger the well-being of millions of vulnerable people. The poorest people in the poorest countries are those that are paying the highest price.

On 9 July 2008 the Commonwealth Foundation will provide a forum for addressing the needs of these vulnerable people.

Proposed speakers for the event are from across the Commonwealth and the panel will include HRH The Prince of Wales, as well as experts from the Red Cross and Red Crescent and the Commonwealth Secretariat.

“The most pressing cases of vulnerability to climate change are those communities and nations where livelihoods depend heavily on the natural environment. This includes nearly everyone in Africa and many parts of the Commonwealth’s 32 small states,” explained Commonwealth Foundation Director, Mark Collins.

The briefing will present international NGO, inter-governmental and scientific perspectives on the needs of vulnerable people, while a young climate change champion will speak on the needs of the group of people who will inherit the world in the coming years.

This is the final in a series of five briefings in partnership with the Commonwealth Secretariat since January 2008, in response to the Lake Victoria Commonwealth Climate Change Action Plan.

The Commonwealth Foundation has worked with its partners to deliver briefings on climate change and its impacts, addressed by highly qualified speakers.

Audiences comprising diplomats, civil society and professional association leaders, academics, public servants, media and others have heard how climate change will impact the world’s forests, biodiversity, sustainable development, food security, cities, health and water.

Secretariat Links:

• Sustainability

Related Websites:

• Commonwealth Foundation