Why Climate Justice matters

The recent IPCC 1.5° Special Report highlights that the adverse impacts of climate change are and shall continue to be felt most strongly by the poor and disadvantaged people in all societies. Climate justice requires addressing the needs and perspectives of communities most exposed to climate change, and finding ways to enhance their voice and capacities to develop solutions. This is especially important given that they are the least responsible for creating the conditions that now endanger their lives and livelihoods.

Switzerland has been a pioneer in supporting climate actions through investments in scientific and development cooperation in the past. In recent years however, it has lost much of its leading position. At this moment, a new CO2 law is being developed, and the objectives for the next development dispatch to the Parliament are being defined. Within this spectrum of actions, there is not much discussion on climate justice.

Philanthropic donors and foundations have traditionally played a pioneering role in investing in topics of global development, taking risks and setting the course for development cooperation. They could enhance their engagement in supporting the poorest and most vulnerable communities at the forefront of experiencing the impacts of climate change.

The Climate Justice Resilience Fund (CJRF) has been established to invest in communities hit first by climate change and to support them to respond and adapt. It seeks to provide them voice, power, and the opportunity to innovate, so that they can create and share their own solutions for resilience. Oak Foundation catalyzed the operations of CJRF with an initial investment.

At this event, Oak and CJRF will share their vision for promoting climate justice and resilience with a group of like-minded, high impact individuals, from policy makers and foundations based in the Geneva region.

Helvetas, a Swiss non-profit organization working in 28 countries in the South and the East and advocating for the rights of its partner communities, implements a project on climate resilience in Bangladesh with support from CJRF.

We look forward to a rich and interesting discussion on strenghtening public and private cooperation for enhanced actions on climate justice – for the sake of a safe and secure future for all.

Program

12.30 - 14.00 Welcoming and networking lunch

14.00 - 14.10 Welcome note by Oak Foundation

14.10 - 14.30 Swiss climate policy: Where do we stand? By Jürg Staudenmann, Alliance Sud

14.30 - 14.50 Keynote: Climate justice - why is it important and how can you contribute? By Heather Mc Gray, Climate Justice Resilience Fund

14.50 - 15.10 Project experience from Bangladesh, by Barbara Dietrich, Helvetas

15.10 - 15.50 Dialogue with speakers: Moderated discussion

15.50 - 16.00 Closing

16.00 - 17.00 Apero

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