OCHA Launches Humanitarian Impact of Climate Change Campaign

2 December 2008: The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) has launched a campaign to raise awareness of the humanitarian implications of climate change.

The campaign also calls for improved disaster preparedness and response measures in countries that suffer most from extreme weather events. According to OCHA, while many view climate change as a future threat, humanitarians face its impact now. Over the last 20 years, the number of recorded disasters has doubled from about 200 to over 400 per year. UN Under-Secretary General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator, John Holmes, said the campaign calls for a “systemic shift of attention, resources and expertise to improve disaster preparedness.” [UN Press Release] [Campaign Website]