IPS Inter Press Service’s Post

🌍 Climate Resilience Starts With the Mind 🧠 As #climatechange ravages vulnerable coastal and rural communities, the battle isn’t just physical—it’s psychological. In Ghana, the Climate and Development Knowledge Network (CDKN) is breaking new ground by integrating mental health into climate resilience efforts. 🏖️ In Shiabu, a coastal village hit hard by rising sea levels, homes have been swept away, livelihoods shattered, and hope eroded. The emotional toll is immense, with many feeling paralyzed. Through the Climate Mental Health Initiative Project (CMHIP), CDKN offers therapy sessions, helping residents reclaim their agency and take small but significant steps—like organizing a beach cleanup that symbolized cleansing their minds for a better future. 🎶 In Northern Ghana’s Upper West Region, women farmers, already resilient, are finding their voices through an innovative storytelling project. Transforming their lived experiences into community songs, these women are raising awareness and inspiring action. When their songs hit the airwaves, it wasn’t just music—it was a movement. ✨ Empowerment Through Action This isn’t just about providing solutions; it’s about co-creating them with the community. When people feel seen, heard, and valued, they lead the charge. 🗣️ At #COP29, Valerie Kplorm Aku Nutakor, CDKN delivered a powerful message: “Healing the planet starts with healing minds.” 💡 Let’s redefine climate resilience: It’s not just an environmental challenge; it’s a human one. Together, we can build a future where communities don’t just survive—they thrive. Read the full story below. COP29 Azerbaijan #ClimateAction #MentalHealthMatters #Resilience #COP29

Shiv Kumar, Co-founder of Catalyst Group, expresses optimism as the long-awaited 𝐃𝐢𝐬𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐑𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐞𝐟 𝐅𝐮𝐧𝐝 is finally ready to deliver crucial aid to vulnerable countries. "I applaud the establishment of the 𝐃𝐢𝐬𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐑𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐞𝐟 𝐅𝐮𝐧𝐝 at COP29, recognising it as a significant advancement in global climate resilience efforts. With our extensive experience in emergency responses, notably during the COVID-19 pandemic, and our robust network spanning India, hashtag #CommunityActionCollab is poised to collaborate with international partners to ensure the effective deployment of these funds. Our spring to action-ready platform enables us to orchestrate actions of diverse partners to support communities in mitigating the impacts of climate-induced disasters, thereby promoting sustainable development and enhancing resilience across the nation." Read about the 𝐃𝐢𝐬𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐑𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐞𝐟 𝐅𝐮𝐧𝐝 here: https://bit.ly/4eoFySE #COP29ImpactMakers #Act4Climate #ClimateAction United Nations | UN Climate Change | UN Environment Programme | UNDP

Every generation has a crucial role to play in accelerating transformative climate action. At #COP29, we’re calling for governments to adopt the Universal NDC Youth Clause to champion intergenerational collaboration in their updated national climate plans. By adopting the Clause, governments will: 🌍 Appreciate that young people are important drivers of climate action 🤝 Collaborate with youth on the implementation of climate plans 📚 Educate young people on climate change impacts and solutions Working across generations, we can build the climate solutions we urgently need to protect our planet for generations to come. Learn more about the Clause here: universalyouthclause.org Care About Climate We Are Family Foundation The B Team Climate Crisis Advisory Group Engajamundo Project Everyone Bezos Earth Fund C40 Cities Green Africa Youth Organization (GAYO) Loss and Damage Youth Coalition YOUNGO The Climate Reality Project Youth4Nature UNICEF UNESCO

As we gear up for COP30, it’s crucial that we prioritize the voices and experiences of refugees in the conversation on climate action. Refugees are some of the most vulnerable populations when it comes to the impacts of climate change, yet they are often left out of important discussions and decisions that directly affect their lives. We must advocate for increased participation of refugees in the annually COP conferences to ensure that their perspectives are heard and taken into account when shaping climate policies. By including refugees in these discussions, we can better understand the unique challenges they face and work towards solutions that are inclusive and equitable for all. Additionally, we must push for open access to emergency relief funding for refugee-led organizations without restrictions. These organizations are on the frontlines of providing support and assistance to refugee communities, yet they often face barriers in accessing the necessary resources to carry out their work effectively. Join us in calling for #RefugeeInclusion at COP30 and beyond. Let’s work together to create a more just and sustainable future for all. #COP30 #RefugeeInclusion.

Young people are the majority of Tanzania’s population, destined to inherit the future yet are seriously at a risk of climate change. Many are actively engaged in mitigation measures such as tree planting campaigns with limited focus on the policy and practical measures that are required to ensure or determine a fossil free future is achieved. Effective youth participation in SDGs and NDCs is a goal that is still far from reach. I have successfully published my article on Youth in Climate Change and Energy Transition: How Tanzania Government can repurpose youth for SDGs, NDCs and a fossil free future. Please enjoy reading and feel free to provide input and am open for more discussions around. https://lnkd.in/dHCnsR2U #ClimateChange #Environment #cleanEnergy #SDG #Youth YOUNGO UNFCCC UN UNEP Copenhagen Climate Centre Office of the Chief Government Spokesperson / Ofisi ya Msemaji Mkuu wa Serikali Fazal Issa Dinmohamed Africa-Europe Foundation AGRA

🌍 Climate Change & Women: A personal crisis! Climate change isn’t just about rising temperatures and sea levels as enlightened by Mahabahu here 👉 ; https://lnkd.in/garWDUVE It has far-reaching effects, especially for women. While discussions often focus on the planet’s macro-level impacts, we need to dive deeper into the societal consequences. As a firsthand witness of the effects of degraded land and drought, I’ve seen how women disproportionately bear the brunt of climate-related disasters. Research shows that weather catastrophies like floods, drought often lead to increased episodes of gender-based violence, including physical, sexual, and domestic abuse. Households with lower economic and social status are particularly vulnerable, unable to rebuild, which heightens stress, substance abuse, and food insecurity, creating a dangerous environment for women and girls. Families facing economic pressures prioritize marrying off daughters to alleviate financial burdens. In regions like #subSaharanAfrica and parts of #Kenya, droughts lead to loss of household #income, disrupting #education and making girls more susceptible to #childmarriages. In my own experience as Miss Climate Kenya, I’ve witnessed how droughts in my county threaten girls’ futures. As I once shared, “Whenever there is drought, #women face the greatest threat. In nearly every family in my County, girls are forced to marry at an early age. Wondering how🤔, Well, find out here TED Countdown https://lnkd.in/dPMHta5t We need to push for action on these gendered impacts of #climatechange. That’s why I am looking forward to attending #UNCCD #COP16 in Riyadh, where we’ll focus on: • Restoring degraded land by 2030 • Boosting drought resilience and preparedness • Ensuring land supports climate and #biodiversity solutions • Strengthening women’s land rights and promoting youth engagement, including decent land-based jobs The fight for climate resilience is also a fight for #genderequality. We must ensure that land remains a source of life and hope, not violence and despair. #ClimateAction #GenderEquality #UNCCDCOP16 #MissClimateKenya #LandRestoration #WomenInClimate #YouthEngagement

Standing Strong: Indigenous Knowledge and Community Action for Climate Resilience in Sub-Saharan Africa The impacts of climate change are particularly severe in Sub-Saharan Africa, where vulnerable communities are disproportionately affected by extreme weather events, droughts, and food insecurity. >> https://lnkd.in/e5hEvtYE

Shaping the Future, One Step at a Time 🌍 Young people in rural Zambia are taking bold steps toward a sustainable future and their voices are finally being heard. From Zambia’s rural communities to the global stage at COP29, we’re amplifying the voices of young changemakers who are turning challenges into opportunities and local actions into global solutions. This is more than a movement, it’s a mission to bridge local challenges with global solutions because a sustainable future begins with engaged communities. 🌟 How can rural youth reshape the future of climate action? Watch, connect, and join us in building a world where people, planet, and progress thrive in harmony. Ready to be part of the change? 💬 Together, we can create lasting solutions that make a real impact. #BalancingPeoplePlanetProgress #Climatechange #TCN #youthempowerment #YouthVoicesMatter #ActOnClimate #COP29

Environment, Forest, and Climate Change, and Water Resources Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan has emphasised the role of youth, stating that youth in Bangladesh have always been powerful change makers, as history shows, and called for equitable climate solutions and global support to enhance Bangladesh’s resilience. Reflecting on the urgency of youth leadership, Sohanur Rahman, Executive Coordinator of YouthNet Global, shared, “Bangladeshi youth are not just witnesses to the climate crisis; we are frontline defenders. To achieve a resilient future, our voices must shape policies that prioritize adaptation, justice, and climate finance for vulnerable communities.” #COP29 https://lnkd.in/g8MbHYBW

Zambian Youth: Seize the Opportunity to Shape Climate Migration Policies at COP29 Zambian youth, are you ready to take on a global stage and be catalysts for change? The upcoming COP29 in Azerbaijan presents a unique opportunity for young Zambians to influence climate migration policies and showcase their passion for environmental sustainability. While Africa contributes a mere fraction of global greenhouse gas emissions, the impact of climate change is disproportionately felt on our continent. The devastating drought in Southern Africa, including Zambia, has highlighted the urgent need for action and innovative solutions. It's time for our voices to be heard and for us to lead the way toward a more resilient future. Here's why you should apply to become an IOM COP29 Youth Delegate: 1. Global Platform for Influence: As a youth delegate, you will represent Zambia on an international platform, sharing your unique perspective on climate migration. Your insights and stories will shape policies and strategies discussed at COP29, leaving a lasting impact on global decision-making. 2. Network with Like-Minded Changemakers: COP29 brings together youth from all over the world who are passionate about climate action. This is your chance to expand your network, exchange ideas, and form collaborations that can drive impactful initiatives both locally and internationally. 3. Develop Leadership Skills: By engaging in high-level discussions and representing your country, you will enhance your leadership abilities and gain valuable skills in advocacy, communication, and policy engagement. These experiences will empower you to become a more effective agent of change in your community and beyond. 4. Learn from Global Experts: COP29 will provide access to leading experts, scientists, and policymakers in the field of climate change and migration. This is an invaluable opportunity to learn, exchange ideas, and gain a deeper understanding of the complex issues surrounding climate migration, empowering you to become a well-informed advocate. 5. Shape Zambia's Future Resilience: As a youth delegate, your role extends beyond COP29. Upon your return, you can actively contribute to local and national conversations, ensuring that Zambia remains at the forefront of climate adaptation and mitigation efforts. Your firsthand knowledge of global best practices can help inform and influence policies that strengthen Zambia's resilience to climate change. Don't miss the chance to be part of this global movement. Apply by 20 August 2024 and join a community of dedicated young leaders committed to creating a sustainable future. Here's the link to apply: https://lnkd.in/ej8N6V-5 #COP29 #ZambianYouth #ClimateAction #ClimateMigration #Sustainability #BusinessNews Are you ready to answer the call, Zambia? Let's make our mark on the world!