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10 hours ago

Disasters are not inevitable.

When extreme climate threats hit vulnerable communities, they turn into disasters. Costing lives and livelihoods, driving people from their homes in an attempt to survive, forcing them to sell assets they rely on for income, and threatening food supplies.

BUT if those most at risk are forewarned and forearmed, while the underlying problems are addressed, communities can move from vulnerability to resilience and opportunity.

A great example of this is our work with communities in Bangladesh. Every year, monsoon rains cause the three major rivers to swell, resulting in devastating floods. Sandbars emerge as the rivers recede, but they were considered too infertile for even the most skilled farmer to tend.

We’ve introduced a technique called sandbar cropping that allows pumpkins to be grown on the sandy, barren soil left behind when flood waters recede. As well as giving a high yield and being packed full of health benefits, pumpkins can be stored for up to a year, meaning people have a crop both for their families and also to sell.

With the extra income they earn, they can send their children to school, buy livestock and become more resilient to the monsoon climate! ... See MoreSee Less

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Rising temperatures will cause more deaths than all infectious diseases – study

2 days ago

Increase in extreme weather events pose major threats to vulnerable communities. But it is possible to help people thrive despite disasters and climate change.

At Practical Action, we refuse to accept that vulnerability is normal and disasters inevitable. We want a world that puts climate action and people's needs centre stage. A world where communities are able to manage future risks, minimise their impact and adapt to the changing climate. Have a look at our website to find out more.

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Poorer, hotter parts of the world will struggle to adapt to unbearable conditions, research finds

4 days ago

Green is the new grey!

What’s the best way to help communities protect themselves against disasters like floods and landslides?

For decades, the answer has been massive, expensive, grey structures that fight against nature and all too often fail to take into account the needs of the most vulnerable.

We’re doing things differently – working with communities and with nature to build small-scale solutions using locally-available materials.

When it comes to disaster resilience, size isn’t everything.

Read more: fal.cn/39xFa ... See MoreSee Less

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6 days ago

Meet Rongali, a 70-year-old farmer in Nepal. Rongali has lived his whole life in Bangalipur, a tight-knit community of 135 households.

Flooding from the nearby Aurahi river used to regularly destroy property and crops in this area. Rogali could only watch as his precious harvest was washed away year after year. Climate change means that the flooding has increased in severity and frequency during his lifetime.

We helped the people of Bangalipur build a biodyke along the river. This green embankment looks natural – because it is. Made out of locally-available bamboo and rattan, it’s almost indistinguishable from the river bank. But it has a vital role in protecting homes and farmland from floods.

“We worked for 25-days straight to build this biodyke. This year there has been no soil erosion at all” Rongali says.

From vulnerability to resilience – proof that green solutions can protect both people and the planet.

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Anything But Normal: How the media can be a force for change in the aftermath of Covid-19 - International Broadcasting Trust

1 week ago

Abbie Wells, Engagement Officer at Practical Action, urges the media to work with INGOs as a force for change in the aftermath of Covid-19.

"What the world needs now is INGOs, private sector, governments and institutions to work in collaboration and partnership to forge a new world order that protects and benefits those that have suffered the worst effects of Covid-19."

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Abbie Wells writes about Practical Action’s new campaign and urges the media to work with INGOs as a force for change in the aftermath of Covid.

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We are an international development organisation putting ingenious ideas to work so people in poverty can change their world.

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17h

Indeed, increase in extreme weather events pose major threats. But disasters are not inevitable. If those most at risk are forewarned and forearmed, while the underlying problems are addressed, communities can turn vulnerability into #resilience. https://fal.cn/39CpN

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6 Aug

When #climatechange and conflict collide, the result can be catastrophic. But we’ve proven that it’s possible to build long-term #resilience by focusing on the fundamental problems that cause poverty and vulnerability. Read our latest blog for more info: https://fal.cn/39zCP

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5 Aug

#TED speakers have ranked our founder's book 'Small is Beautiful' as the top20 books to read this summer! "I've returned to Small Is Beautiful recently, to be nourished by his argument for economics as if people mattered."- S.Sanford https://fal.cn/39yhE @think_gen @TEDTalks

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StC Payroll Giving @StCPGiving·

4 Aug

Let’s not go ‘back to normal’. Let’s build a world that works better for people and planet. Your support could help @PracticalAction do this Setting up payroll giving is quick and easy Find out more here http://ow.ly/AThL50ACm9S #PayrollGiving #OurPlanet #Environment #NoPlanetB

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