Lila Haines of Oxfam Cymru told the Green Party conference in Cardiff today that the adverse consequences of climate change are already a reality for millions of people living in the developing world. Natural disasters, which are occurring more frequently and with greater severity due to climate change, have a disproportionate impact upon women, she said. Men migrate in large numbers to towns and cities to look for work. Women are left behind in rural areas, where knowledge of how to prepare for and cope with such disasters is limited. There are also inadequate warning systems in rural areas.
Oxfam is working with local communities to share best practice and find simple solutions to help women adapt to climate change. However, in order to mitigate the worst effects of climate change, Oxfam estimates that we need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to 40% below 1990 levels in developed countries. They also estimate that developed countries need to give £100 billion per year to developing countries to mitigate the worst effects of global warming (1).
Penny Kemp, Green Party spokesperson on the environment said:
"Even as we're engaged with immediate national issues like the cuts, we must not forget the crucial importance of fighting climate change, which is already affecting millions of people in the South.
"The government needs to do much more if Britain is to pull its weight."
Amongst a comprehensive range of policies promoted by the Greens, Green Party councillors throughout the country have been pushing for free home insulation schemes, which reduce carbon emissions and energy bills and also create sustainable jobs (2).
Notes
(1) Detailed information can be found on Oxfam's website, including under http://www.oxfam.org.uk/resources/issues/climatechange/introduction.html#.
(2) See Yorkshire and Humber Green Party and info on the Kirklees Council website.