Our urgent call to world leaders at COP26

Rich nations need to act now to protect those most vulnerable to climate change

Speaking ahead of COP26 about the $100bn (£73bn) pledge to help less developed countries adapt to the effects of extreme weather, Renewable World Chief Executive Phil Brown said

“We join the call for the world’s leaders to act now to limit the rise in global temperature to 1.5 degrees and make good on their commitment of $100bn additional climate finance a year.

Climate change is happening now, and it is hurting the poorest hardest. Already precarious livelihoods are being destroyed as those least able to respond, often women and girls, face floods, droughts, landslides and other climate induced natural disasters.

Nepal is among the countries most vulnerable to extreme weather, and the rural communities we work with here are at the sharp end of climate change. Most depend on subsistence agriculture, and even the slightest change to the weather has a profound impact on their lives. These communities, often lacking access to energy which is critical to climate adaptation, are facing increased food insecurity, malnutrition and biodiversity degradation. The impact of this year’s heavy monsoon rains and the COVID-19 pandemic have been devastating.

Since 2008, Renewable World has installed renewable energy systems in Nepal’s remote, off-grid communities. We are helping communities increase their resilience to the effects of climate change, through solar-powered early warning systems; training in climate-smart agriculture; and projects to protect livelihoods and fragile ecosystems. With reliable and affordable renewable energy, communities can pump clean water; light and power their homes, schools and health clinics; irrigate their land; and develop new businesses. The impact is life changing.  But we are just a small part of the solution.

Tackling climate change needs a comprehensive and urgent response. This must include wealthy countries providing the finance poor countries need to adapt to climate change and develop low carbon, sustainable futures where no one is left behind.”