The latest report by the International Panel on Climate Change (IPCC)
has shown that climate change will further exacerbate extreme weather and lead to more disasters.The British Red Cross says that the report which was published in Brussels this morning (6
April) and entitled 'Impacts, Adaptation and Vulnerability', highlights the importance of preparing for disasters in all areas, including climate change."The report confirms our worst fears
– that vulnerable people; the elderly, sick and the poorest people in the poorest countries, are at greatest risk when it comes to climate change," said Madeleen Helmer, head of the Red Cross Red
Crescent Climate Centre in the Netherlands.David Peppiatt, head of policy and partnerships at the British Red Cross, said: "Climate change is a humanitarian issue as much as it is environmental,
political or economic, which illustrates that the work of organisations, such as the British Red Cross, is essential in preparing communities for disasters."He added: "The British Red Cross
not only responds to disasters when they strike, but works locally to prepare communities facing the threat of hurricanes, earthquakes and other disasters, including conflict, well before they
happen."NepalThe British Red Cross incorporates disaster preparedness and risk reduction measures into much of its project work throughout the world, such as in Bangladesh,
Nepal, its overseas branches in the Caribbean and the 2004 tsunami recovery programmes.In Nepal, for example, the British Red Cross is working with the Nepal Red Cross to reduce the impact of
natural hazards on society, with a particular focus on flood and landslide-affected communities.The work involved setting up a disaster preparedness office to coordinate early warning systems.
The Red Cross also organised evacuation plans, and stocked up on food and family packs in flood-prone areas.Disaster
preparedness in Bangladesh
[ Any views expressed in this article are those of the writer and not of Reuters. ]
