The world’s population is consuming the planet’s natural resources at an unprecedented rate, the equivalent of 1.5 planet Earths each year. If everyone lived like the average Australian we would require 3.8 planets to support the world's population. A sustainable economy is the only way to guarantee living standards in Australia will improve and poverty can be reduced in developing countries.
In order to prevent dangerous climate change, wealthy developed countries, including Australia, must reduce their carbon pollution by at least 40 per cent by 2020 (below 1990 levels) and return levels of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere to 350 ppm.
Rising sea levels and tidal inundations linked to climate change have also significantly reduced access to locally-grown foods including the staple root crops taro and pulaka. These climate impacts have contributed to an increased reliance on imported, processed foods – the consequence is a rise in health conditions like diabetes and hypertension previously little known in Tuvalu.
If left unchecked, climate change threatens not just our way of life, but the lives of millions of people living across the Pacific, Asia and beyond. The flipside is that climate change presents us with a tremendous opportunity to reassess our priorities and shape a new, sustainable and more just world.
India is a vast country. So vast that climate change is having very different effects in different parts of the country. But Oxfam India are acting to bring communities together to explore what the possibilities are for future action, leading the way for India and the world.
Lydia reflects on her time as an intern with Oxfam Australia, and the work she's helped shape in promoting the Robin Hood Tax to the public, local MPs and the Foreign Minister Kevin Rudd.
Cancun, Mexico is often associated with being a popular holiday location for fun seeking American students, yet for two weeks from November 29th, the coastal city will be host to the 2010 UN Climate Summit. We’re hoping that this will mean that there will be a little less tequila and more politically inspired discussion...
In the lead up to the UNFCCC in Cancun, Mexico the issue of climate change is not getting much media attention. With the first agreement period of the Kyoto Protocol due to run out in 2012 it is time that countries of the globe reach a new and binding agreement.
Just Group owns many Australian household brands including Just Jeans, Jacqui E, Jay Jays, Portmans, Peter Alexander, Dotti, and Smiggle. Unfortunately, the company has not taken the steps needed to uphold workers’ rights within Australia and in its and overseas supplier factories.
Politicians love to talk about individual rights and responsibilities – you have the right to welfare if you need it – you have the responsibility to get a job if you can - is the general sentiment of modern Australian governments – and the vast majority of us would say fair enough.
