Climate change poses threats to the global economy and environment of enormous scope and magnitude. The U.S. faces major security, environmental and economic risks if the problem is not decisively addressed, and bears a special responsibility to act because of its disproportionate role in generating greenhouse gas emissions. The impacts of climate change in many vulnerable countries have the potential to undo the development investments and gains achieved in recent decades. Though least responsible for climate change, the poorest countries face its most severe consequences, ranging from altered rainfall, reduced crop yields and increased weather-related disasters to rising sea levels and exacerbated disease. The inability of many communities to adequately adapt to climate change portends increases in hunger, water scarcity, migration and conflict.

InterAction is committed to promoting strong, effective U.S. domestic and international leadership to stabilize and respond to climate change. Working with a wide range of partners, we advocate appropriate levels of U.S. adaptation assistance for vulnerable countries and communities. InterAction believes that an integrated perspective on development and climate change that harmonizes and strengthens approaches to both is likely to be the most effective in confronting this threat.

The Climate Change Working Group is the primary mechanism through which InterAction is addressing these complex policy and program demands. The working group’s purpose is to support U.S. NGOs in advocating stronger U.S. climate leadership and helping vulnerable developing countries respond and adapt. It pursues that goal through collaboration in policy advocacy, information sharing and exploration of vital issues at the intersection of development and climate change. For more information, contact Brian Greenberg.

To read more about how climate change is affecting the poor around the world, download the August 2007 issue of Monday Developments, How Climate Change Affects Your Work.

If you are involved in international Climate Change work, you can sign up sign up for InterAction's Climate Change Working group by registering for an account and requesting membership.