IVS for Climate Justice: Global Campaign
- Ewan Cheyne
- Dec 13, 2023
- 3 min read
Who is involved for Climate Justice?
IVS for Climate Justice is a worldwide campaign taking place in over 100 countries, coordinated by CCIVS (A global network focusing on International Voluntary Service), bringing together the activities of five International Voluntary Service networks, CCIVS, Service Civil international (SCI), The International Building Organisation (IBO), Alliance of European Voluntary Service organisations and Network for Voluntary Development Asia (NVDA).
It engages volunteers with local communities to work on grassroots projects that combine manual work and awareness raising actions. These address issues such as climate change, carbon offset, environmental sustainability, protection of ecosystems, water and soil management and conservation.
What is Climate Justice?
Climate justice is the fair treatment of all people, including under represented communities. Climate change is often felt the most by marginalized and disadvantaged communities, which is why it is important to shed light on this subject.
Here are key components of climate justice:
Equity: Climate justice emphasises the need for fairness and equity in both the causes and effects of climate change. It acknowledges that historically, certain countries and communities have contributed less to climate change but are often more severely affected.
Vulnerability and Resilience: Climate justice considers the differential vulnerabilities of communities and individuals. It recognises that those who are socially, economically, or politically marginalised are often more susceptible to the impacts of climate change. Moreover, it emphasises the importance of building resilience in these communities to help them adapt to and cope with the changing climate.
Historical Responsibility: Climate justice recognises the historical responsibility of developed countries, which have historically been the major contributors to greenhouse gas emissions. It calls for accountability and urges these countries to take a leading role in mitigating climate change and assisting vulnerable nations in adapting to its impacts.
Participation and Inclusion: Including diverse voices, especially those from frontline communities and indigenous groups, in decision-making processes related to climate action is an integral part of this discussion. It argues for the inclusion of perspectives that represent a range of social, economic, and cultural backgrounds.
Interconnectedness: Climate justice acknowledges the interconnected nature of climate change and other social justice issues. It recognizes that addressing climate change requires a holistic approach that considers issues such as poverty, inequality, and human rights.
In essence, climate justice seeks to ensure that the response to climate change is not only effective in reducing greenhouse gas emissions but also considers the ethical and social dimensions of the issue, with a focus on protecting the most vulnerable populations and promoting fairness in the global response to the climate crisis.
As part of the International Voluntary Service (IVS) movement, we consider climate justice as an inevitable brick in building a sustainable future and creating a just and fair society. Our members, projects and activities stretch across the entire globe, uniting people of all ages and backgrounds. IVS projects and activities are a powerful tool to support local communities worldwide, and allow to reallocate resources and capacities. By taking active steps against climate change and demonstrating solidarity with most vulnerable population groups and peoples, we assume our responsibility in the global sustainability challenge and seek to do our part in attaining climate justice.
