Representatives from Red Cross and Red Crescent societies from all around the world will this Sunday (9 December) be planting mangroves on behalf of the participants of the UN Climate Change Conference in Bali.
“The point of this event is to bring the discussion out of the conference rooms and into the communities that are most vulnerable to the effects of climate change,” explained Madeleen Helmer, the head of the Red Cross Red Crescent Climate Centre. “As the worlds largest humanitarian organization we are uniquely suited to mobilize communities on the critical issue of adaptation.”
Ms Helmer adds that tree planting is an example of the meaningful steps that communities need to take to reduce the impacts of natural disasters. “Mangroves act as a buffer against wind and waves, saving lives in extreme cases, but also protecting homes and livelihoods.”
The trees will be planted along an exposed beach near the village of Tanjung Benoa, on the west coast of Bali’s Nusa Dua peninsula. So far, Red Cross volunteers have planted two thousand of the planned ten thousand mangroves along the village coastline in preparation for this event.
According to Simon Missiri, the deputy head of the International Federation’s delegation in Bali, steps such as planting mangroves, have a major role to play in helping communities adapt to the climate related changes that are already taking place. However, he expressed concern that the need to respond to the current ramifications of climate change is often missing in global discussions on the issue.
“Unfortunately, discussions about climate change are too focused on reducing future impacts, through cuts to carbon emissions,” he said. “This is of course, vitally important. But people are already suffering because of climate change. Their needs have to be central to everything that is happening here at this conference.”
Even under a best-case scenario, the greenhouses gases already in the atmosphere will take decades to dissipate, and during this time will continue to lead to an increase in the frequency and intensity of natural disasters.
The International Federation is calling on governments gathered in Bali that adaptation to climate change is on equal footing with mitigation. Specifically, the International Federation is calling for the following in Bali:
For a decision to be taken to prioritize climate risk reduction for the most vulnerable people, specifically the poorest people in the poorest countries.
For a target for adaptation funding, and a plan on how to mobilize and implement those additional resources to be included in the post 2012 regime to be agreed in Copenhagen in 2009.
For a decision to be taken on an immediate increased investment in adaptation in developing countries in 2008-2012.