As we prepare for the 29th Conference of the Parties to the UNFCCC (COP29) in November in Baku, Azerbaijan; The more than 440 signatories to the Climate and Environment Charter for Humanitarian Organizations are responding to the increasing impacts of climate change on the vulnerable communities we serve around the world, especially in conflict, fragile and protracted crisis situations.
We are seeing and responding to an increase in extreme weather events such as floods, high-intensity cyclones, extreme heat, as well as multi-hazard events; to slow-onset impacts such as perennial drought, desertification, and sea-level rise. These events disproportionately affect the most vulnerable populations, such as women, children and youth, persons with disabilities, the elderly, LGBTQI+, the displaced, and communities marginalized by deep-rooted inequalities.
These impacts have left communities vulnerable to loss of people, homes and livelihoods, food insecurity, water scarcity, and damage to crops, homes, indigenous and local knowledge, habitats and lifestyles. The climate crisis, when coupled with conflict or political, social and economic insecurity, has already stretched communities’ capacities to cope and recover, leaving many in desperate situations, including multiple displacements and, for some, options of no return. .
As decision makers gather in Baku this year for COP29;
• We call for more ambitious and concrete action to support communities that have contributed least to and are most affected by the climate crisis, and encourage investment in locally-led early warning and early action. The important thing is that we must make sure that no one is left behind.
• We ask decision-makers to redouble their efforts to prevent and minimize the impacts of climate change and keep global temperature rise below 1.5C by including clear commitments to dramatically reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote strong mitigation measures in their Nationally Determined Investments (NDI). NDCs). actions, including halting fossil fuel expansion and promoting a just economic transition.
• We call on the Parties to seriously consider the human and environmental costs and impacts of war and prevent the escalation of humanitarian and climate crises.
• As the window for adaptation closes in many contexts and losses and damages from the climate crisis mount, we call on Parties to fulfill their commitments made in Paris in 2015 and ensure that a new Collective Quantitative Goal (NCQG) is agreed. COP29 includes adequate, predictable, additional and quality financing for all areas of climate action: mitigation, adaptation and loss and damage.
• We call for prioritizing access to finance to countries and communities most affected by climate change, including civil society and local actors, so they can build resilience, adapt and recover from increasing climate impacts. In this regard, we welcome the COP29 Presidency’s dedication of a Day of Peace, Relief and Recovery, which gives space to the voices and perspectives of those most affected.
• We call on decision-makers to ensure that these vulnerable communities are actively involved in decision-making processes throughout COP29, and in particular on access to funds.
signed,
Signatories to the Humanitarian Organizations Climate and Environment Charter