In 2008, the West/Central Africa Zone (WCAZ) of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) for the first time ever initiated an emergency appeal based on a seasonal climate forecast. Seasonal forecasts were being monitored more closely by the Zone in light of concerns about increasing risk of intense rainfall events related to global climate change. In May 2008, the seasonal forecast anticipated above-normal rainfall for the upcoming rainy season, implying above-normal flood risk. Having been caught off-guard by devastating floods in 2007, the WCAZ decided to take a series of actions to improve flood management and response in preparation for the 2008 rainy season. These actions included pre-positioning relief items, improving disaster response capacity through trainings, development of flood contingency plans, and launching of pre-emergency funding requests for preparedness activities and response.
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Climate change can act as a catalyst for enhanced disaster management.
Many national Red Cross and Red Crescent societies will be touched by the health implications of climate change.
Routinely taking humanitarian action before a disaster or health emergency happens, making full use of scientific information on all timescales.
The Red Cross and Red Crescent never works in isolation. Partnerships are more important than ever in the context of global warming.
The global climate is changing and the past no longer explains the present.
The Red Cross and Red Crescent has traditionally focused on response. But now other aspects, including risk reduction, are also given priority.
Red Cross Red Crescent youth take action to reduce the impacts of climate change.
The Red Cross Red Crescent has a growing body of experience working on addressing climate change. Here’s how to use it to get started.
Take a look at Red Cross Red Crescent climate change activities on the worldmap
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The Climate Guide contains the experiences of over thirty national Red Cross and Red Crescent societies. Read more
