Climate Change and Humanitarian Action Learning Stream

The sixth online ICVA-PHAP learning Stream on Climate Change and Humanitarian Action provides a platform for the broader humanitarian community to better understand how we can reduce our impact of climate change by accelerating our own action, while also increasing environmental sustainability in line with commitments made within the Climate and Environment Charter for Humanitarian Organisations.

About the Climate Change and Humanitarian Action Learning Stream

This series will focus on practical ways of applying the Charter Commitments and sharing lessons learned on how the commitments can be translated into practice. The Learning Stream includes a series of webinars, starting with an overview of the Charter. All the webinars are open to anyone interested in improving their understanding of the Climate Charter.

The Learning Stream provides an opportunity to:

 

Topic 8

Humanitarian Response and Loss and Damage Finance: Coordinating Action to Meet Rising Needs...

Climate change's many negative effects require both climate finance and humanitarian response to be coordinated for proper funding of affected countries....
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Overview

Climate change has caused natural disasters, food and water shortages, and health problems that greatly affect people’s livelihoods. While climate finance and humanitarian response share a common goal of reducing the occurrence and magnitude of crises, they have different financing mechanisms, resulting in significant gaps in coverage and poor coordination. As a result, those most affected by climate disasters are often neglected and left to bear the burden of climate change, becoming increasingly vulnerable to additional crises.

Allocating additional financial resources to address loss and damage, specifically aimed at preventing, reducing, and addressing the negative impacts of climate change, would primarily support countries impacted by climate change in their efforts to prepare for, recover from and rehabilitate after climatic events. Loss and Damage finance is therefore a supplement to, not a replacement for, existing humanitarian and climate finance.

The webinar explored how the climate finance and humanitarian response can better work together to respond to climate-related emergencies. The expert panel examined how climate loss and damage financing is related to humanitarian response, what the two sectors can learn from each other, and what lessons can be drawn from existing coordination efforts. This set the stage for more substantive dialogues between the two sectors about how to jointly support or advocate for Loss and Damage finance.

Humanitarian Response and Loss and Damage Finance: Coordinating action to meet rising needs

Humanitarian Response and Loss and Damage Finance: Coordinating action to meet rising needs

Resources - Climate Charter Topic 8 on Humanitarian Response and Loss and Damage Finance

Resources
23 June 2023
Presentations and Resources - Climate Charter Topic 8 on Humanitarian Response and Loss and Damage Finance
Subject/ Climate & environment /
Elearning resources
Description

Check out presentations, resources and further reading related to the Climate Charter’s Topic 8 on Humanitarian Response and Loss and Damage Finance: Coordinating Action to Meet Rising Needs

Climate Financing and Humanitarian Action

ICVA 2023 Annual Conference panel discussion on “Gaps in Climate Financing and implications for humanitarian action”...

The session examined what climate financing is, the gap in climate financing in humanitarian contexts and the resulting implications for humanitarian action in such contexts....
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Overview

The objective of the session was to improve the understanding of humanitarian actors/NGOs on what climate financing is, what it means in humanitarian contexts, including implications for humanitarian action.

The session examined some key questions:

  • What is Climate Finance?
  • What is the gap in climate financing in humanitarian contexts?
  • What are the implications for humanitarian action in such contexts?
  • What is the role of humanitarian actors, especially NGOs working in conflict and fragile contexts?
ICVA 2023 Annual Conference panel discussion on “Gaps in Climate Financing and implications for humanitarian action”

Topic 7

Loss and Damage: How can humanitarian NGOs engage?...

Action to address Loss and Damage under the UNFCCC is conceived as a climate mechanism not a humanitarian one...
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Overview

The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) includes commitments regarding “Loss and Damage” (L&D) – the impacts of climate change to which those least responsible for climate change are not able to adapt. Action to address L&D under the UNFCCC aims to enable countries to recover and develop after a crisis and address slow-onset impact, but also to compensate people for what they have lost. The concept of L&D is rooted in the principles of climate justice: that those who have done the least to contribute to rising temperatures should not bear the costs associated with addressing it.

The session explored what Loss and Damage is and how it could support – and be supported by – existing humanitarian finance mechanisms. The session also explored the losses and damages experienced by individuals, communities, and governments and how adequate funding for loss and damage could reduce the impact of short-term, protracted, and slow onset crises.

Aims of the webinar:   

  • Improve understanding of Loss and Damage and its relationship to climate finance, as well as the importance of this year’s COP27 to Loss and Damage and how it links to humanitarian action.
  • Discuss why humanitarian organizations need to engage on the topic of Loss and Damage, among others, in the lead-up to COP27.
  • Highlight the modalities and strategies for humanitarian NGOs to engage in the preparatory work for COP27 and beyond.
Understanding Climate Change Loss and Damage and Links to Humanitarian Action

Understanding Climate Change Loss and Damage and Links to Humanitarian Action

Resources

Resources
15 August 2022
Resources - Topic 7 Climate change loss and damage
Subject/ Climate & environment /
Elearning resources
Description

Check out useful resources and further reading related to Topic 7 – Understanding Climate Change Loss and Damage and links to Humanitarian Action

Topic Six

The Road to COP27: Why should humanitarian NGOs engage?...

A focus on Commitment #6 of the Climate and Environment Charter for Humanitarian Organisations...
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Overview

The Commitment #6 of the Climate and Environment Charter for Humanitarian Organisations calls on organisations to use their influence to mobilise urgent and more ambitious climate action and environment protection. The Charter commits us to work together to foster ambitious action on climate change adaptation and mitigation and to ensure protection of those who are most vulnerable so that they are not left behind. The humanitarian sector is uniquely placed to influence legal and policy frameworks to better channel resources and attention towards vulnerable and at-risk people. We can leverage our presence, expertise, and insight to work with multilateral institutions, governments and other organisations to ensure that greater focus on the impacts of these crisis on communities and people we serve are taken into consideration at decision-making levels.

Over the last few years, we have seen a significant increase in awareness by the humanitarian community of the impacts of the climate crisis and humanitarian engagement in UNFCCC processes. Following COP26 last year, we saw a far greater presence of humanitarian actors, engaging and raising awareness of impacts of climate change on the most vulnerable. However, we as a humanitarian community need to further articulate what we see our collective role is in implementing solutions to the climate crisis.

The next UN Climate Change Conference (UNFCC) COP27 will take place in Sharm El-Sheikh in November this year. But how does COP27 relate to the work of humanitarian actors and how can they engage in the proceedings to make sure that the discussions take into account humanitarian needs?

This webinar aimed to:

  • Raise awareness on the UNFCC process, the importance of this years’ COP27 and how it links to humanitarian action
  • Discuss why humanitarian organisations need to engage to bring in humanitarian perspectives on the topic of Loss and Damage, among others, in the lead-up to COP27
  • Highlight the modalities and strategies for humanitarian NGOs to engage in the preparatory work for COP27 and beyond
The Road to COP27: Strengthening humanitarian perspectives

The Road to COP27: Why should humanitarian NGOs engage?

Topic 6 – The Road to COP27: Why should Humanitarian NGOs Engage?

E-learning Resources
17 June 2022
Topic 6 – The Road to COP27: Why should Humanitarian NGOs Engage?
Subject/ Climate & environment / Learning /
E-learning Resources
Description

Check out useful resources including event polls and PowerPoint presentations around Commitment 6 of the Climate and Environment Charter.

Topic Five

Understanding and Integrating Climate and Environment Risk Data in Humanitarian Action...

Understanding climate and environmental risks allows humanitarian actors to calibrate responses adequately....
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Overview

Commitment #4 of the Climate and Environment Charter encourages organisations to better understand climate and environmental risks to calibrate responses adequately. Meteorological data and local and indigenous knowledge about patterns of variability should be used to provide risk analyses that are comprehensive, reliable, and relevant. In many places where humanitarian organizations work, relevant data can be scarce or unreliable, and collaboration across the humanitarian sector and beyond to address existing and emergent data gaps is critical.

This webinar provided insights on:   

  • Challenges, opportunities and ways forward for the humanitarian system on incorporating climate/environment risk into needs analysis, programme design and implementation
  • Operational implications of using data supported evidence in policy and for decision-making and programming – early warning, early action, preparedness and effective response to limit displacement
  • Access to data and data availability to local  and international actors to minimise the climate risks to most vulnerable populations
Understanding and integrating climate and environment risk data in humanitarian action

Understanding and integrating climate and environment risk data in humanitarian action

Topic 5 Resources - Understanding and Integrating Climate and Environment Risk Data in Humanitarian Action

E-learning Resources
14 April 2022
Topic 5 Resources - Understanding and Integrating Climate and Environment Risk Data in Humanitarian Action
Subject/ Climate & environment /
Elearning resources
Description

Check out useful resources around Commitment 4 of the Climate and Environment Charter.

Topic Four

Embracing the Leadership of Local Actors and Communities in Climate Action...

A deep dive on commitment 3 of the Climate and Environment Charter...
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Introduction

Commitment #3 of the Climate and Environment Charter aims to embrace the leadership of local actors and communities by learning from traditional and indigenous knowledge on mitigation and adaptation measures, including nature-based solutions. We need to support and empower local communities so they can be better prepared for the impacts of climate change and environmental risks. On 17  March, ICVA and PHAP, held a webinar on Embracing the leadership of local actors and communities in climate action.

This webinar provided insight on the following:

  • How NGOs and local communities are working together to support local leadership in climate action.
  • How we can ensure meaningful and inclusive participation and leadership of local actors and people we serve are part of the design, management, implementation and evaluation of programmes.
  • What we can do to better promote local leadership in the light of climate change and how to improve our programmes accordingly.
  • What we can learn from local, traditional, and indigenous knowledge which can be replicated in other contexts.
Embracing the leadership of local actors and communities in climate action

Embracing the leadership of local actors and communities in climate action

Topic 4 resources: Embracing the leadership of local actors and communities in climate action

E-learning resource
21 February 2022
Topic 4 Resources: Embracing the Leadership of Local Actors and Communities in Climate Action
Subject/ Climate & environment /
E-learning Resources
Description

Useful resources on embracing the leadership of local actors and communities in climate action.

Topic Three

Practical Tools and Initiatives for reducing Environmental Impact in Humanitarian Action...

Insight into tools being developed and initiatives put into place by organisations to reduce their environmental impact....
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Overview

As humanitarian actors are working towards reducing their environmental impact, it’s important to understand what tools are being developed and what initiatives are under way that can serve as a model for other organisations. ICVA and PHAP on 3 February held a webinar on Practical Tools and Initiatives for reducing Environmental Impact in Humanitarian Action. The webinar focused on practical tools and initiatives undertaken by organisations to reduce their environmental impact in humanitarian action.

This webinar shared lessons learned and responses to some of the following questions:

  • How can we incorporate more environment-friendly practices into our programming?
  • What are some of the nature-based solutions/do no harm practices being used by organisations in their programming?
  • What are the tools for NGOs to measure their environment impact?

In our previous webinar, we gave an overview of how organisations can develop and implement environmental policies and strategies in line with Commitment 2 of the Climate Charter, and looked at challenges and opportunities, including some of the donor requirements and standards being put in place.

Practical tools and initiatives for reducing environmental impact in humanitarian action

Practical tools and initiatives for reducing environmental impact in humanitarian action

Resources

E-learning resource
31 January 2022
Topic 3 Resources: Practical Tools and Initiatives for reducing Environmental Impact in Humanitarian Action
Subject/ Climate & environment /
Practical Tools and Initiatives for reducing Environmental Impact in Humanitarian Action
Description

Useful resources on practical tools and initiatives for reducing environmental impact in humanitarian action.

Topic Two

Maximising the Environmental Sustainability of our Work ...

This topic focuses on the Commitment #2 of the Charter....
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Overview

In line with Commitment #2, and the principle of “do no harm,” we must work to maximise the environmental sustainability of our work. Organisations are looking into how to incorporate environment friendly programming and nature-based solutions in their humanitarian programming cycles. Furthermore, the commitment also indicates that organisations will measure and significantly reduce their greenhouse gas emissions, in line with global goals. Supporting high-quality emission reduction projects to offset unavoidable emissions will complement reduction efforts, but will not be considered a substitute for such efforts. Further, organisations are looking at how they can responsibly manage and use natural resources, including water, and reduce and properly manage the waste generated in their premises and by their programmes.

On 24 November 2021, ICVA and PHAP held a webinar with an aim to share an overview and initial lessons learned on some of the following questions:

  • How can we incorporate more environment-friendly practices into our programming?
  • What are some of the nature-based solutions being used by organisations in their programming?
  • How can NGOs reduce their greenhouse gas emissions, manage and use responsibly natural resources?
  • What are some of the requirements and standards being put in place by donors? What support will be available from donors?

Please read here the Guidance on the Commitment #2 of the Charter.

Maximising the environmental sustainability of our work

Maximising the environmental sustainability of our work

Resources

E-learning resource
15 November 2021
Resources on maximising the environmental sustainability of our work
Subject/ Learning / Climate & environment /
Topic One

Adapting to the Impacts of the Climate and Environmental Crises ...

A discussion of the lessons learned in adapting to the impacts of the climate and environmental crises...
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Introduction

We are already witnessing how climate and environmental crises disproportionately impact communities in vulnerable contexts and situations. Regardless of what we do, these impacts will not disappear overnight.

Commitments #1 of the Charter calls on us to “Step up our response to growing humanitarian needs and help people to adapt to impacts of the climate and environmental crises.” It focuses on how we use climate change adaptation (CCA) methods, disaster risk reduction (DDR) in our programming, and anticipatory action to adapt our programs to better support and strengthen people’s resilience to current and future climate and environmental risks.

Many NGOs are already working to address climate change in and alongside vulnerable communities. To help organisations live up to their commitment, there are tools and resources available to guide NGOs in their work.

On 14 October 2021, ICVA and PHAP organised a webinar with an aim to share lessons learned and answer some of the below questions:

  • How can NGO programmes be fit for purpose, ensure that they are designed and implemented to address current impacts and help reduce future risks?
  • How can we scale-up climate-smart disaster risk reduction efforts and identify locally appropriate solutions to address them?
  • What are some of the tools and resources available in terms of CCA, DDR and anticipatory action?
  • What can we learn from local, traditional, and indigenous knowledge which can be replicated in other context?

Please find the link to Guidance on the Commitment #1 of the Charter. Read here  an Introduction to the Climate and Environment Charter for Humanitarian Organisations.

Adapting to the Impacts of the Climate and Environmental Crises

This webinar recording shares three organisations’ work to adapt to the impacts of the climate and environmental crises as well as tools or resources that NGOs can use to help address this issue.

Podcast - Adapting to the impacts of the climate and environmental crises

Resources

Resources on Adapting to the Impacts of the Climate and Environmental Crises
25 October 2021
Adapting to the Impacts of the Climate and Environmental Crises
Subject/ Climate & environment /
Introduction

The Climate and Environment Charter for Humanitarian Organisations...

An overview of the Climate and Environment Charter for Humanitarian Organisations....
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The Climate and Environment Charter for Humanitarian Organisations

Introduction: The Climate and Environment Charter for Humanitarian Organisations

On 30 September, ICVA and PHAP launched their new learning stream on Climate Change and Humanitarian Action. This series focused on practical ways of applying the recently launched Climate and Environment Charter for Humanitarian Organisations by sharing lessons learned on how the commitments can be translated into practice.

The Charter sends a clear signal that humanitarian organisations have a key role to play in addressing crises faced by communities due to the climate and environmental crises. We must be a part of the solution by helping people adapt to a changing climate and environment, while also increasing our own environmental sustainability. This needs to be a collective endeavour, as it is clear that no organisation can tackle this alone. The Charter intends to guide humanitarian action in the face of these crises and their humanitarian consequences.

Serving as the starting point for the ICVA and PHAP Learning Stream on Climate Change and Humanitarian Action, this webinar introduced the Charter, which serves as an important reference point for the rest of the learning stream. It covered the following questions:

  • Why the Charter is needed now?
  • What the commitments imply and the resources available?
  • How NGOs can sign the Charter and what their signature means?
  • What are the next steps to support organisations in implementing the Charter and to monitor progress?
Introduction to the Climate and Environment Charter for Humanitarian Organisations

This webinar is an introduction to the Climate and Environment Charter for Humanitarian Organisations. The Charter serves as an important reference point for the rest of the learning stream.

Podcast - Introduction to the Climate and Environment Charter for Humanitarian Organisations

Resources

ICVA
25 October 2021
Reading Materials on Climate Change and Humanitarian Action
Subject/ Climate & environment / Cross-cutting issues /
ICVA
25 October 2021
ICVA 2021 Annual Conference Key Take - Aways
Subject/ Climate & environment /
Key take aways
ICVA
25 October 2021
ICVA 2021 Annual Conference - Links of Initiatives on early warning, resilience integration, nature based solutions, NEAT+ Tool, and carbon accounting
Subject/ Climate & environment / Annual Conference /
AC 2021 - Sessions & Speakers
Meeting materials
13 August 2021
ICVA 2021 Annual Conference Report
Subject/ ICVA / Climate & environment /
AC2021 Report