Eleven civil society organizations called on the Government for public policies that are fairer, more coherent, and aligned with environmental sustainability and social justice, warning about the “disproportionate impact” of climate crises on the most vulnerable populations.
The organizations signed a manifesto in the form of an open letter in which they express concerns about the environmental and societal impacts of cases such as the recent weeks’ inclement weather.
With the worsening of climate change and greater environmental risks, vulnerable populations are the ones who suffer the most, the organizations say, for whom current models of production and consumption, energy options, and the management of natural resources “continue to deepen social, economic and territorial inequalities.”
Therefore the organizations argue that climate action must coherently integrate the environmental, social and economic dimensions of sustainable development, “promoting a rapid and socially just transition, based on solidarity and effective support to countries and communities with the least capacity to respond.”
And they consider soil protection a priority, because soils are essential to food production, biodiversity and climate resilience, noting that degradation worsens desertification, erosion and food insecurity.
The 11 organizations also highlight the need to integrate gender equality into environmental, agricultural and climate policies, and the need to strengthen Education for Development and Global Citizenship (EDCG).
Among other recommendations, the manifesto, which will be published on Saturday, suggests strengthening climate adaptation policies focused on protecting the most vulnerable populations, promoting fair and sustainable food systems, ensuring the effective participation of civil society in public policies, and strengthening youth involvement in decision-making processes.
The manifesto states the need to strengthen adaptation and mitigation policies centered on protecting the most vulnerable populations, through integrated risk prevention strategies, disaster response, and nature-based solutions, ensuring the safeguarding of life, health, livelihoods and human rights.
The document is signed by Instituto Marquês de Valle Flôr, Fundação Fé e Cooperação, Oikos cooperação e desenvolvimento, Rosto Solidário, Vida, ADRA, Helpo, Par, Associação Transmontana pelo Desenvolvimento, ONGD Plataforma Portuguesa e Animar.
