Climate justice
The climate crisis will affect all of us, but not equally. Together, we can protect the planet and all people — let’s make our future fair, safe and equal.
Donate NowDestructive weather, rising seas, unprecedented fires and historic famines. The climate crisis worsens the inequalities that keep people in poverty. It hits hardest the people who are least responsible for the problem, and least resourced to protect themselves from the impacts.
We support communities on the frontline with climate-smart solutions, while advocating to end the climate crisis.
What is Oxfam doing to help
Enabling just and fair transitions
Moving towards an environmentally sustainable economy that is no longer reliant on fossil fuel energy and contributes to decent work for all, social inclusion, and the eradication of poverty.
Building climate resilience
Supporting communities to respond to increasing risk of climate disasters. Adopt a resilient and sustainable development pathway that responds to the changing nature of climate and disaster risks, shocks and uncertainties.
Advocating access to climate finance
Climate finance — international funding to support climate action in developing countries — is a matter of global justice: those who have contributed least to the causes of climate change are typically the most vulnerable to its impacts, and have the least resources to respond.
The impact of our work
“If you plant your crops and it rains, then they’ll grow… you will grow. And if it doesn’t rain, you get nothing.” — Josefa
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Like all farmers, Sifiso’s livelihood depends on the weather. She says, “I get my income from farming … We farm vegetables, peanuts, sorghum and cowpeas. Sometimes, we grow millet and maize.
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Our UnBlocked cash transfer program supports vulnerable communities with immediate cash transfers when disasters strike.
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“We are actually really worried, especially for the kids because they are the ones that suffer this the most… if they don’t eat properly, they start losing weight and they can suffer from malnutrition.” — Lucas
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Haji and his wife Mehrunnisa are able to use their new skills learnt as part of the Building Resilient Communities Program.
Watch NowLatest news
REPORT
Falling Short: Funding fairer climate action in a warming world
Australia’s investment in climate solutions for the region is falling short at a time when the new Government is seeking to rebuild its reputation with our Pacific neighbours.
Also in this section
Understanding Climate Change eBook
Understand Climate Change eBookHow can you help
Faqs
What is climate change?
Climate change is a substantial and continuous change in the global average temperature, driven largely by increased carbon dioxide and other human-made emissions into the atmosphere. Learn More.
What is climate justice?
Climate justice is really about the way the climate crisis influences inequality. The need for action is now more urgent than ever as vulnerable communities all over the world continue to suffer from the consequences of climate change.
How is climate change affecting poverty and hunger?
Climate change is making economic inequality worse. The effects of the climate crisis are disproportionally felt by those who’ve contributed the least to the climate crisis. This is true within and between countries and regions.
What should Australia be doing?
It’s critical that we take the action necessary to restrict global temperature rise to within 1.5˚C, beyond this point many countries will face unmanageable suffering and devastation. We must take action at home and on the world stage to combat climate change including:
- Making a commitment to reduce Australia’s domestic emissions by 74% below 2005 levels by 2030 and reach net-zero emissions by 2035;
- Developing a concrete plan to phase-out coal and gas from Australia’s energy supply.
Why is Oxfam working on climate change?
We believe all lives are equal and no-one should live in poverty. The climate crisis is the single greatest threat in the fight against poverty, hunger and inequality.
Oxfam, globally and in Australia, was one of the first big development agencies to draw the links between climate change and the lives and prospects of communities worldwide, and in particular its impact upon people living in poverty.
What are we doing about climate change?
We need to find a fair global solution to climate change. We are working with communities at the front lines of climate change to amplify their voices and to support them in being part of the solution to the climate crisis. Oxfam funds and supports programs that directly help communities to survive in the face of climate change.
What evidence do we have for climate change?
Today there is extraordinarily robust evidence of global heating and its impact upon ecosystems and communities. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, whose reports represent the most complete and authoritative distillation of evidence from across relevant disciplines, can be found on their website. It is the United Nations body for assessing science on climate change and we reference their extensively researched reports to make decisions and create support programs at Oxfam. Visit the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) website.
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