World Vision welcomes Canada's new climate change commitment

Agency encourages government to focus $2.65 billion pledge on world's most vulnerable children

MISSISSAUGA, ON, Nov. 28, 2015 /CNW/ - World Vision welcomes Canada's new $2.65 billion contribution to help developing countries adapt to the impacts of climate change.

Climate change is a global issue with serious consequences for the world's most vulnerable children, according to the international development agency. For years, World Vision has been on the ground and responding globally through existing long-term community development and climate change adaptation programs. We have a range of responses that save lives and build resilience to the impacts of climate change – from the individual and family-level up to interventions that assist whole regions.

Quotes:
"Many developing countries are already feeling the impact of global climate change and Canada's investment to help abroad is a good first step. We look forward to learning more details about the plan and we are eager to work with the government to see that Canada focusses its efforts on supporting individuals and communities, especially children, who are the most vulnerable to the hardships of climate change."
-Jennifer Slawich, Senior Policy Advisor, World Vision Canada

"In the same way that the federal government has committed to working with the provinces, territories, and municipalities toward developing a robust climate action strategy here in Canada, the government should consult on how to best address the impacts of climate change abroad. We encourage the government to work closely with Canadian experts from the international development sector, our developing country partners, as well as vulnerable communities themselves, to set a clear way forward for both climate mitigation and adaptation."
-Jennifer Slawich, Senior Policy Advisor, World Vision Canada

Examples of how climate change impacts developing countries, especially children:

• The WHO estimates that between 2030 and 2050, climate change is expected to cause approximately 250 000 additional deaths per year, from malnutrition, malaria, diarrhea, with children being the most vulnerable to these diseases.
• In Southern Africa, climate related droughts are expected to worsen food insecurity with 4.9 million people predicted to go hungry during the 2015-16 lean season, most of them in Malawi, Zimbabwe and Madagascar.
• In Kenya, the Government estimates that 2.5 million children may be affected by climate related floods, landslides, mudslides and water-borne illnesses.

World Vision is a Christian relief, development, and advocacy organization working to create lasting change in the lives of children, families, and communities to overcome poverty and injustice. Inspired by our Christian values, World Vision is dedicated to working with the world's most vulnerable people regardless of religion, race, ethnicity, or gender. Visit our News Centre at worldvision.ca

SOURCE World Vision Canada

Image with caption: "Students in a reforested area, Sumba, Indonesia, May 12, 2015. Farmer-managed natural regeneration (FMNR) mitigates the effects of climate change in developing countries. Photo/World Vision (CNW Group/World Vision Canada)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20151128_C3841_PHOTO_EN_554393.jpg

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