According to the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP), climate change is one of the most critical global challenges of our time. Climate change impacts will range from affecting agriculture -- further endangering food security -- to sea-level rise and the accelerated erosion of coastal zones, increasing intensity of natural disasters, species extinction and the spread of vector-borne diseases.

Mercy Corps' position is that climate change will increase poverty and conflict in countries and communities already facing dire humanitarian situations. Preparations for the impact of climate change include strengthening and expanding environmental programs such as agroforestry, ecotourism, environmental governance and natural resource management, as all will be impacted.

Read below to learn how a variety of actors ranging from individuals and governments to business can make a difference.

Articles

The Global Environment - Learn about climate change, sustainable development and more through definitions and links to articles and informational websites.

A Climate of Our Own Making - Everyone knows about climate change - and now it's time for action.

Climate Change Behind Darfur Conflict - A study carried out by the United Nations Environmental Program claims that climate change is a driving force behind the tragedy in Sudan.

Development Sector Must Engage on Climate Change - Saleemul Huq says the time is now ripe for the development community to engage with climate change.



China's Eco-Entrepreneurs - China makes progress towards promoting innovative and sustainable environmental solutions.

Humanitarian Cost of Climate Change Understated - Natural disasters are becoming more frequent as badly needed emergency funding is stretched thin.



Papers and Reports

Mercy Corps' Climate Change Impact Assessment - "Climate change has become the most serious threat to communities where we work, and we believe that we have an humanitarian imperative to address this problem," says Jim Jarvie, Mercy Corps' Director of Climate Change, Environment and Natural Resources. "Climate change is a 24/7 natural disaster and Mercy Corps is adjusting our programs and initiating efforts to help communities prepare and adapt."

United Nations Environment Program The Future in Our Hands - Addressing the Leadership Challenge of Climate Change September 2007

Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs, John F. Kennedy School of Government - Harvard Univeristy: China Needs Help with Climate Change - China needs institutions, policies and enforcement mechanisms that can foster technology transfer and environmental protection. In Current History, November 2007

US Geological Survey (USGS) Report: Climate Change Science - USGS Global Change Research activities strive to achieve a whole-system understanding of the interrelationships among earth surface processes, ecological systems, and human activities.





Film Resources

The Film Connection - A community of film lovers, social activists and lifelong learners who use our non-profit online film library to watch, discuss and act on compelling films from around the globe.

National Geographic: Global Warming 101 - Global warming could do more than just melt polar ice. It could change our maps, and displace people from cities and tropical islands.



PBS Scientific American Frontiers: Hot Planet - Cold Comfort - "So you think global warming won't affect you? Wait until the great Atlantic Conveyor shuts down. And find out what's already happening in Alaska."





Organizations

Mercy Corps Program on Climate Change - Mercy Corps is preparing for climate change impacts in its global operations in over 32 countries. Climate change will increase poverty and conflict in the countries and communities where Mercy Corps works. It is critical to address this paramount challenge on an immediate and ongoing basis in everything we do.

Global Citizen Corps on Climate Issues - Learn more about climate change, how it is linked to poverty, and what sort of sustainable solutions are out there already.

IGLO: International Action on Global Warming - IGLO focuses on educating world citizens on the impact of Polar Regions on global climate systems; the impact human actions have on climate; the impact energy consumption has on the environment; and how to make informed decisions about the actions we will be expected to undertake to save the planet.

United Nations Environment Programme - Learn more about what can be done on a global scale to educate governments and individuals alike, and provide us a resource to help reverse the effects of climate change.





Do You Want to Get Active in the Dialogue about Climate Change?

Find out how -

Global Citizen Corps Take Action on Climate Change - Read Global Citizen Corps' 10 ways to get involved, and help stop climate change. Join the youth movement, write an op-ed, host a movie screening: see all the ways we can work to make change!

Focus the Nation Global Warming Solutions for America - In the next few years, we as a nation will make, or fail to make, critical decisions regarding global warming, pollution and clean technology investments. These decisions will have far-reaching and irreversible impacts on the lives of today's students and the lives of their children. Focus the Nation is an educational initiative, but we also promote civic engagement.

Conservation International - "Living green" is one of the ways we can take action against climate change. Learn more about how to live green: It will not just contribute to the health of the planet, but can be a rewarding lifestyle on its own.



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