Feeling the Heat: The human cost of poor preparation for climate-related disasters

As world leaders debate the effects of climate change at the UN Climate Change Conference in Doha, join Dr Benedetta Rossi and Islamic Relief as they talk about how investment in climate-change adaption programmes and resilience could save thousands of lives in natural disasters. Recent catastrophes in Pakistan, Haiti and the Philippines, as well as prolonged drought across Africa, provide the backdrop to this timely and engaging panel discussion.

In 2010/11, three major natural disasters took place that affected more than 25 million people. As a result, there are currently more than 29 million people suffering from chronic malnourishment. Islamic Relief feel that it is time for a change in global strategy – shifting away from reactive aid to equipping people and communities with the skills and tools they need to prepare for and protect themselves against disaster.

Join Elias Fon and Martin Cottingham from Islamic Relief, Deborah Doane, Director of the World Development Movement, and Dr Rossi, of the Centre for West African Studies (CWAS), to discover the importance of disaster preparedness, the cost-benefits and the likely impact on the number of lives and livelihoods saved.