The impacts of climate change will affect all aspects of the climate- not just rising temperatures. It makes rainfall less predictable; it changes the character of the seasons and increases the frequency and severity of extreme weather events such as storms, floods and frosts. The impacts of these changes are exacerbated by existing environmental problems and poverty . For example, when deforestation is combined with heavy rainfall resulting in more landslides and floods. So people who depend on the environment for a living and who are already struggling to cope, are at risk of being hit even harder. Thus climate change exacerbates existing social and economic challenges that the poorest already face and in addition, adds to the uncertainty facing them.

Resource poor people are the least prepared to protect themselves and adapt to this future uncertainty. Practical Action is working with these communities to manage the risk of disasters; help them manage changing season patterns and adapt their farming practices; enabling them to get better access to information on technologies and skills through linking with governments and other service provides; and empowering people through strengthening community organisations to plan for their own future development. Read more about our programmes here.

At national and international levels Practical Action is lobbying for fair, ambitious and legally binding policies to reduce emissions, encourage sustainable development and fund adaptation. Find out more about our campaigns and policy work on climate change here.