COP21 – Climate Action
Linking climate action and sustainable development -- never without, or against, people living in poverty.
In a context of successive international meetings about the new Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and reducing the negative effects of global warming (such as the December 2015 COP21 – United Nations Conference on Climate Change), ATD Fourth World has upped its advocacy to emphasize the inextricable link between climate action, sustainable development, and poverty eradication. From action and research on the ground, we have issued two memorandums and a series of short videos illustrating these links.
Our spring 2015 note, “Tailoring Climate Change Response Measures to the Needs of the Most Vulnerable” points out clearly: “If governments fail to combat climate change with people living in poverty, it is very likely that response measures will work against these vulnerable communities.” The statement reminds stakeholders that a framework with international consensus exists already in the United Nation’s Guiding Principles on Extreme Poverty and Human Rights.
Our more in-depth memorandum, Taking seriously the commitment to “leave no one behind” in the SDGs and the fight against climate disruption, further proves the effectiveness and necessity of including people struggling daily to overcome poverty, when designing development strategies and climate action. A series of short video clips illustrate each of ATD Fourth World’s five main recommendations, from reaching those deepest in poverty, to promoting green jobs and training.