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IT IS a nightmare played out in real life. Cyclone Sidr struck Bangladesh last November, bringing terrifying winds and tidal surges more than 20 feet high. Mohammed clung to the branches of a palm tree for safety, but his seven-year-old daughter was swept out of his arms. His family are now dependent on aid for their survival. They have lost their loved ones, homes, livelihoods, and all their possessions.
The community in Gaptoli could not prepare for what hit it. Tearfund believes that it is indefensible not to help poor people make provisions for disaster before it strikes. That is why part of our strategy to tackle the effects of a changing climate is to work with partners such as the Christian NGO HEED (Health, Education and Economic Development).
Ten km from Gaptoli, HEED evacuated 1200 people to a shelter that fatal night. Its 70 cyclone shelters in the area of Bhola saved tens of thousands of lives.
Tearfund’s new report, Climate of Disaster, says that a staggering 98 per cent of the 443,000 people killed and 2.5 billion affected by weather-related events in the past ten years are from developing nations.
The report also says that those countries that have contributed most to climate change need to ensure that at least £25 billion a year is spent on enabling communities such as Gaptoli to adapt before it is too late.
Working for both economic and environmental justice is a vital response to our changing climate. Climate of Disaster is at www.tearfund.org/carbonfast.
The carbon fast
In association with the Church Times, the Christian relief and development agency Tearfund invites you to join in a 40-day carbon fast during Lent.
Each week, we print daily carbon-fast challenges.
Friday 8 February
Tread lightly — whether that is by foot, by bike, on to a bus, or on the accelerator as you drive. Find a way to reduce carbon-dioxide emissions when you travel today. |
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