ADRA Fights for Climate Solutions at COP28 in Dubai

06DECEMBER2023

ADRA Fights for Climate Solutions at COP28 in Dubai

NEWS ADRA, CLIMATE CHANGE, COP28, DUBAI


6 December 2023 |

The Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) is participating in the COP28 United Nations Global Climate Change Conference in Dubai this week, aiming to showcase its extensive experience in fostering resilience and sustainable development, according to a recent press release. This vital engagement is intended to help communities around the world anticipate, adapt to, and mitigate the challenges posed by climate change.

Scheduled from November 30 to December 12 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, COP28 brings together world leaders, scientists, and environmental experts to discuss and devise solutions for the pressing issues of climate change. This year, ADRA will be recognized as a collaborating humanitarian agency.

Imad Madanat, ADRA’s Vice President for Humanitarian Affairs and Network Standards, emphasized the organization’s pivotal role in addressing the widespread consequences of climate-related disasters. “The consequences are far more widespread than many of us realize. ADRA is at the forefront of battling the consequence of climate-related disasters that impact livelihoods and health in communities we work with, as well as prolong injustice and poverty,” Madanat stated.

ADRA’s Climate-Smart Strategies

For over two decades, ADRA has pioneered nature-based initiatives alongside engineered climate-resilient solutions, and provided resource management capacity building. The organization has launched numerous initiatives worldwide, including:

– Climate-resilient houses for indigenous communities.
– Drip irrigation systems for water and fertilizer conservation.
– Drought-resistant seeds for sustainable crops.
– Organic farming techniques as alternatives to chemical weedicides and pesticides.
– Greenhouses for income generation and improved nutrition in rural areas.
– Training for marginalized groups and women in resilient farming techniques.
– Recyclable plastic bottle houses for displaced individuals and those affected by leprosy.

ADRA Moves to Net Zero

ADRA is actively pursuing Net Zero, striving for minimal greenhouse gas emissions. This initiative aligns with NASA’s climate research highlighting the detrimental effects of greenhouse gases on the planet. ADRA has shared insights from previous COP26 and CP27 conferences through its 2021 Carbon Reduction Guide. Several ADRA country offices have adopted the Climate Environmental Charter, and the agency participated in the ICRC and EcoAct pilot project to develop the Humanitarian Carbon Calculator in 2022.

ADRA’s Role at COP28

ADRA is hosting significant sessions at COP28, including:

– December 5: “Carbon Accounting for Humanitarian Actors” session, focusing on the humanitarian responsibility for eco-friendly operations.
– December 10: “Resilient and Inclusive Food Systems” session, in collaboration with World Vision and Welthungerhilfe, addressing climate impacts on food security.
– December 10: “Food Insecurity: Climate-induced Shocks and Humanitarian Response” panel, discussing the relationship between food security, climate change, and humanitarian responses.

Carina Rolly, Advocacy and Policy Advisor for ADRA Germany, stated, “ADRA can create a better roadmap for reducing the carbon footprint in our operations by sharing our knowledge with COP28 leaders and working with governments, reliable partners, faith-based groups, communities, and other climate-focused organizations.”

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