Climate change is a reality, and poses a serious long term threat to society and to the environment. Scientists have generated significant evidence that the use of fossil fuels, deforestation, and changes in land use have led to an increase in greenhouse gases (GHGs) in the atmosphere, causing the Earth’s surface temperature to rise. This has already and will continue to result in changing rainfall patterns: heat waves; melting of glaciers; increases in frequency and magnitude of extreme weather events such as storms, floods and droughts; and rising sea levels. These climate-related events—compounded by poverty, environmental degradation, and inadequate disaster management—have profound impacts particularly on poor women, men and children who may have less capacity, skills and resources to adapt.

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