The United Nations Conference on Climate Change (#COP21), which should result in a global agreement to fight global warming, begins in Paris on Nov. 30, and runs until Dec. 11. Handicap International staff are there to outline the organization's wide-ranging initiatives to prepare communities for natural disasters, and to limit the impact of these calamities.
On Dec. 5, as part of the COP21, Handicap International will take part in a workshop, alongside members of the French network of NGOs with a specialty in disaster risk reduction. The team will present Handicap International's 12-country portfolio of 15 projects that help communities prepare for disasters and reduce the loss of lives. Projects cover the gamut, from how to prepare villages for flooding or drought, to training emergency response teams, teaching at-risk communities how to stay safe before, during and after a disaster, and setting up monitoring systems. Handicap International will share its experience on how to adapt more effectively to the impacts of climate change.
Involving affected, at-risk populations right from the start of the risk identification phase, up to the implementation of evacuation plans is key to Handicap International's approach.
Handicap International will also warn the countries attending the conference about the often devastating consequences of climate change for the most at-risk populations, such as people living along coasts, or those living in areas affected by desertification.