IIED Links:

Related Links:

Theme: Networking

Project Name: Working Group on Climate Change and Development

Date: September 2003 - ongoing

website: www.upinsmokecoalition.org

Introduction:

The Working Group on Climate Change and Development was initiated by IIED and the New Economics Foundation (nef) in recognition of the need to involve development organisations in the climate debate, and the added value provided by a strong new and unique network of development and environmental organisations. Working Group members include ActionAid, Christian Aid, the Catholic Institute for International Relations, Friends of the Earth, Greenpeace, IIED, ITDG, nef, Oxfam, People and Planet, RSPB, Tearfund, Water Aid, World Vision and WWF.

Approach:

The Working Group operates on a platform of broad ‘top line’ asks which lend themselves to popular-style campaigning and media activities. It does not see its role as suitable for detailed policy or advocacy initiatives. This is in line with the diverse nature of the group, the differences in starting positions and knowledge about climate change, and the internal education role of its members.

The Working Group’s unique selling point is that it shows how climate change is of equal concern to both environment and development agencies. It stresses that solving poverty and tackling climate change are mutually essential, not opposites or either/ors.

Activities Conducted to Date:

• The Global Warming 8 - GW8 - in Edinburgh on 5 July, to coincide with the G8 (6-8 July 2005). This involved inviting eight developing country speakers from countries or regions being particularly threatened/damaged by climate change. They described barriers to further progress and opportunities for tackling climate change and reducing its impact on poor people. The event received significant publicity. View Report
• Production of 'Africa - Up in Smoke?' The second report of from the Working Group on Climate Change and Development. Translations in French, Spanish and Portuguese are also available.
• A side event at COP11 in Montreal in December 2005 to launch Africa - Up in Smoke?
• Production of 'Up in Smoke - Latin America and the Caribbean'
• Production of 'Africa Up in Smoke? 2' - an update report for COP12
• A side event at COP12 in Nairobi in November 2006 to launch 'Africa Up in Smoke? 2' and to invite stakeholders to share ideas and experiences on communicating climate change in developing countries

Forthcoming Activities:

• Production of 'Up in Smoke - Asia and the Pacific'

Publications:

• Simms, A., J. Magrath and H. Reid (2004) Up in Smoke. Threats From, and Responses to, the Impact of Global Warming on Human Development. New Economics Foundation, London.
• Simms, A. and H. Reid (2005) Africa - Up in Smoke? The second report from the Working Group on Climate Change and Development. New Economics Foundation, London.
• Simms, A. and H. Reid (2006) Up in Smoke - Latin America and the Caribbean 
• MaGrath, J (2006) Africa - Up in Smoke 2 An update report for COP12

These publications are available to download in English, Spanish, French and Portuguese click here

Funded by: Costs covered by Working Group members.

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