After two weeks of splitting hairs over key elements of a new climate treaty at the UN climate talks here in Lima, governments failed once again to put the world on a pathway to keep global warming under control. It is sobering to think that this same process of UN climate negotiations started 20 years ago! What will it take for governments to act?
As part of the mid-year budget outlook (MYEFO), the government yesterday announced a third cut to the aid budget of $3.7 billion. This brings the cuts to aid announced by this Government to $11.3 billion in just one year.
With just two days to go at the UN Climate Conference in Lima and in the biggest march in Peru in the last 20 years -- thousands of people took to the streets yesterday to demand action against climate change.
Anariata, 28, lives in Mozambique, where regular drought can mean life-threatening hunger. Despite the dry, desert-like conditions, Anariata has learned how to produce and sell food for improved nutrition and valuable income -- and is now teaching others how to do the same.
Typhoon Hagupit continues to advance across The Philippines, dumping intense rainfall and causing flooding, storm surges and high winds. Oxfam is working to ensure clean water and sanitation for affected communities and the hundreds of thousands of people seeking refuge in evacuation centres.
As representatives from more than 195 governments around the world come together in Lima, Peru this week to work on drafting a global treaty on climate change, they should heed the words of Peruvian farmer Marisa Marcavillaca: "Climate change is not just about the climate, it is about our lives."
Oxfam is prepared for a major disaster response in the Philippines after Cyclone Hagupit was upgraded to a Super Typhoon. The Category 5 storm, which has recorded maximum wind speeds of more than 300km/h, could pose a risk millions of people. Oxfam has staff on standby to respond to the emergency and stocks throughout the Philippines ready for rapid distribution.
Nari is 24 and participates in a local Cambodian program called "Women Talk on Air" -- a program that aims to build capacity and empower women to speak their minds to community leaders and decision-makers. She discusses her concerns around hydropower dam construction and the potential impact on an entire community.
Last weekend activists unveiled a banner at Huaca Pucllana, the site of an ancient pyramid in Lima, Peru ahead of the UN climate conference starting this week. The message to leaders and rich countries like Australia is clear -- we must do more.
It's been a busy few months at Design for Change. A new website, a whole host of new design concepts tackling fair trade and Indigenous health, and an exciting new conversation series called Troublemakers, coming to a city near you.
