Joanne Rose

Climate adaptation from a poverty perspective

Adaptation to already discernible climate changes, particularly an increase in extreme events, is an urgent task for all nations. This article argues that adaptation is an urgent priority, especially for the developing world, to build a resilient society. For poor nations, poverty alleviation is the main policy driver, although changes in livelihood strategies are driven by a range of factors. Using a case study, direct and indirect adaptation is examined with reference to the specific livelihoods of the Chagga people on Kilimanjaro, Tanzania. Evidence suggests that coping strategies to maintain livelihood systems can work against long-term adaptation to climate change, unless there is linkage to poverty alleviation. Linking climate change adaptation to project development through notions of additionality does not carry sufficient leverage to simultaneously address poverty alleviation and climate change. It is suggested that, rather than micro-economic project management, a broader macro-economic frame be established. A rights-based approach is argued as a vital driver for informing financial, institutional, political and technological policies and instruments.

Energy, poverty and governance

To make any progress towards achieving the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), a new approach to energy systems for the poorer nations is needed. Equally, a new approach to energy should shape thinking in the developed and industrializing world about energy futures. All countries need to have access to clean, affordable and reliable energy services that do not exacerbate the climate change risks. A global energy policy will emerge, but by the backdoor of environment policy. This article is in three parts. First, it examines the problem in the developing world. Second, it ‐establishes a framework for evaluating the approach to energy systems. Third, it argues that technology transfer as commonly practised is not an appropriate vector. In concluding, this article sets out an approach at international level.

The challenge of humanitarian aid: an overview

This article outlines current issues in the delivery of humanitarian assistance. It explores the postulates of humanitarian interventions. The increasing level of aid is mapped against changing patterns of natural disaster and complex emergency. The humanitarian system itself is explored by sectors, and levels of global funding are analysed. Over the last 15 years, there has been a rising demand for accountability by humanitarian actors, this is especially true in chronic, long-term complex emergencies where the criteria of humanitarian assistance delivery are expanded beyond the need for immediate relief. A series of continuing tensions, particularly the dominance of a western-based model of intervention largely delivered to non-western beneficiaries are explored for an unanswered conclusion.