The effects of a warming climate will likely be far-reaching and profound. In addition to warming and changed weather patterns, climate change will increasingly spark extremes in weather – a greater frequency and intensity of storms, heat, and cold. Critically, the effects of climate change exacerbate the scarcity of key resources, and hence contribute to armed conflict and impoverishment. To respond to these effects, humanitarian action needs to focus more on climate preparedness and response to slow-onset disasters – but how does humanitarian protection work fit into this shift?
On 19 November, PHAP and the Global Protection Cluster (GPC) organized a webinar organized on climate change preparedness and community-based protection. The discussion focused on how protection concerns can be better included in preparedness work and in slow-onset disasters to avoid protection gaps and include marginalized communities. What is the role of the Protection Cluster in this? Are structural changes for coordination and communication called for, especially as Protection Clusters are normally not activated for preparedness work?
About the Global Protection Cluster strategic review
GPC is developing a new Strategic Framework for 2020-2024. Extensive consultations are continuing to take place with academics, AoRs, community members, donors, experts, NGOs and other Clusters. The GPC is also trying to revitalize its structures to react better to the needs of the field and speak more forcefully for change around protection. The new GPC Strategic Framework is expected to reflect the evolution of the humanitarian response system highlighted by the work on the Centrality of Protection and the IASC Protection Policy and the need to adapt working methods to take account of changes to the UN coordination system announced by the Secretary-General in 2018; nexus discussions; climate response and new approaches to solutions.
The GPC is now partnering with the International Association of Professionals in Humanitarian Assistance and Protection (PHAP) to carry out online consultations with stakeholders globally to help shape and refine the strategy.