Need for people centred approach to climate action

As the world gears up for UN Climate Conference (COP31) in Antalya in November, there is need to heed calls at the recent London Climate Action Week, for a people-centred approach to climate action that is rooted in implementation, inclusivity, partnership and practical action. Focus should be on solutions that deliver visible, people-centred benefits to real communities.

While climate change is a global phenomenon, its impacts play out locally. As global temperatures rise, local governments, communities, and households face more frequent and more severe climate hazards, including hurricanes, droughts, and heatwaves. These hazards devastate communities, displace families, damage infrastructure, and strain public resources and local budgets.

Addressing these emergencies requires a people-centered approach that empowers individuals, prioritizes resilience and adaptation in policies, and mobilizes communities to adapt and drive positive change.

Certainly, it is possible to change the narrative from vulnerability to prosperity. But that can only materialize if people are put at the centre of all commitments and efforts in the fight against the canker called climate change.

Indeed, more should be done to renew focus on implementation, inclusivity and practical solutions that improve people's lives. In particular, there is need to find ways to translate climate commitments into practical implementation.

As Samed Ağırbaş, the Climate High-Level Champion, has succinctly stated in vision statement, climate action that is effective, should improve lives and become increasingly relevant to people and communities facing the impacts of climate change.

A people centred approach to climate action is important if we are to build a world where children are free from the climate crisis and where every person has the opportunity to thrive in dignity, health and security and to participate meaningfully in shaping the climate solutions that affect their lives.

It is important for climate action must reach people where they are and be shaped with them. This requires inclusive participation across society, ensuring communities are not only beneficiaries of climate action but active partners in designing and implementing solutions. It must strengthen resilience in communities most exposed to climate impacts and generate tangible benefits for health, livelihoods, food security, nature and economic opportunity."

COP31 represents an important milestone in the transition from ambition to implementation. The commitments, roadmaps, pledges and breakthroughs developed across previous COPs must now translate into measurable outcomes in communities, cities, farms, industries and households around the world.

Climate action must improve lives and become increasingly relevant to people and communities facing the impacts of climate change. At the centre of this effort is a simple principle: climate action must improve lives.

Noteworthy, climate solutions are strongest when they are designed with the participation of those they seek to serve. Community-led approaches can ground climate policies in local knowledge and needs, build subnational and local institutions to support preparedness and recovery and invest in climate solutions tailored to their unique circumstances and needs.

A people-centered approach to climate action strengthens communities, drives economic growth, and enables countries to adapt and thrive in a changing climate.

Mr Obonyo is a Public Policy Analyst. Email: [email protected]