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A Memo on Climate Change.

Oxfam International-America

226 Cause way Street, 5th floor

Boston, Mass 02114-2206

Tel (800)776-9326

Email: donorinfo@oxfamamerica.org

INTERNAL MEMO

TO: All employees.

FROM: The managing Director- Oxfam Climate change eradication department.

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DATE: 8th Jan 2017.

SUBJECT: Climate Change.

Our institution has been a great success to the fight against poverty in America and over 90 other

countries for the past few decades. However in the 21st century, the fight is turning to a losing

battle attributed to the new strain of global challenges that are emanating every now and then.

Among the many challenges the world is grappling with, there is none of severity like Global

Warming and Climate change. Oxfam hereby wishes to remind its staff to take note of the

climate change and emphasize much on it in its planning and implementation of its programs as

it works with communities as far as the fight against poverty is concerned.

Why Oxfam treats Climate change as a global issue.

There had been reportedly times when global temperatures where high, precipitation low and as

a result incidences of famine. However, none has presented itself with grave consequences like

the one of the 21st century.(Roger 1625-1626).All nations of the world; poor and rich, small and

huge, democratic or autocratic have had their share of the climate change problems. Global

temperatures are at their highest since the world was formed 4.5 billion years ago. Rainfall

patterns have also changed (prolonged droughts or erratic rains is the norm). Islands are

disappearing.The result has been drying of water bodies and loss of marine ecosystems, forests

have dried, species lost, the worst famines reported and above all a new strain of global crisis is

piling on the latter; “terrorism” courtesy of climate change.

For the reason, the global outcry to mitigate climate change has been on the rise. World leaders,

NGOs, the media, Humanitarian organizations and agencies have been on the forefront

championing for all right minded citizens to actively and proactively act to curb the menace. The
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former president of the United states Barrack Obama, The former UK’s prime minister-David

Cameron, former United Nations Secretary General- Ban Ki Moon, Pope Francis, Leonardo Di

Capria and Emma Thompson are a few among the world leaders who are on record having

enacted policies and plead with the public to save the globe from climate change. These and

others preach the gospel that the world belongs to us and our generations to come. It is thus an

ecological injustice to our unborn children to leave the world worse than we found it. It is not to

be forgotten that the World under the United Nations Organization has 17 development goals for

which fighting climate change has been given special emphasis.

Even though the media’s role in defining and setting climate change on the global agenda cannot

be ignored, the media has not been active enough as it should be as far as the fight against

climate change is concerned. There has been little and biased reporting on issues of global

warming and climate change (Bell et al) compared to news on other areas like politics. The little

reporting has also been flawed with scientific errors and rigidly adhering to construct of balanced

coverage (Wolfgang et all. 357-373). We are familiar with Christopher booker’s report of 24th

Jan 2015 in The Telegraph magazine that criticized a climate blog “Massive tempering with

temperatures in South America” that 2014 was the hottest year for the past 1000 years. Booker

categorically and vividly shows us the reason as to why we should not believe the blog based on

its flawed method used to arrive at the conclusion. A National Oceanic and Atmospheric

Administration (NOAA 895-899) report published in June 2015 by the Journal of Science is also

on record for having been based on false and misleading data.

It thus becomes clear that the media is underplaying its crucial role in joining hands with other

stake holders in the fight against and mitigating the hazards of climate change. Oxfam would

thus like to remind all its employees to be careful when incorporating media content into
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decision making and planning. The executive also wishes to urge Oxfam staff to work hard to

reminding the press of its role and inculcate a culture where the media works hand in hand with

other stake holders on matters of criticality such as the fight against climate change. On this, our

firm would like to remind employees that anytime you will be called to be interviewed in a tv

station or a radio station about the measures Oxfam is putting into place to fight global warming

and thus help communities alleviate poverty.

To what extent is the consensus that global warming and climate change is a global

menace?

According to data collected from four science institutions: NASA Goddard Institute for space

studies, NOAA National climate data centre, MET office Hadley Centre and the Japanese

Meteorological Agency there has been recorded rising global temperatures since 1850 with the

highest recorded temperature being in the last decade.

Moreover, reports by many American Scientific agencies reveal that global warming is the

severest problem of the 21st century with human influence blamed much for what it has caused

and seems to cause for even the future generations.

From leaders to ordinary citizens, the cry is save the globe. Of equal importance is that there is

an increased media and religious outcry to save the globe from the woes of climate change.

Attributed to the increased global industrialization, with increased emission of green house gases

(For example carbon iv oxide), global warming continues unabated.

For the reason, there is sufficient evidence as to why Oxfam believes that climate change is a

global crisis. In fact, Carbon emissions are at their highest and global temperatures are rising up
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at alarming levels. (2 0C annual increases). Ice caps have dried and sea levels are rising annually.

This poses grave danger for communities living in low lying coastal areas as they risk being

submerged in water in the near future. There is no likelihood that carbon emission and green

house gases are any way likely to b lower based on the fact that governments have acted less to

address the issue. Industrialization too seems to be increasing globally. Oxfam notes with

concern that there will be more droughts, there will be more famines, and there will be more

diseases and more conflicts over resources. Above all, the global poverty indices are projected to

continue rising globally.

Based on the fact that Oxfam is an NGO formed with the core goal of helping communities fight

poverty and have a say on matters that concern them, climate change has every reason to concern

us. We note with concern that the poorest countries are the most vulnerable.Extreme weather is

destroying homes, crops and schools. This is pushing people backwards as they strive to excel.

We work with communities and especially on the causes and effects of climate change because

the people who work for Oxfam are being hit first and worst. The worst is even to come.

As an economist by profession, a man who has dedicated his life to working for the welfare of

communities for the last thirty years here at Oxfam, I feel that we need to incorporate every

possible measure and increase our partnering if our core goal of existence is anything to go by;

To help communities alleviate poverty and have a say on matters that matter to them. It is not to

be forgotten that global poverty index is already high at above 30% (Oxford poverty and Human

Development Initiative) above the targeted 10% of The United Nations by 2030.
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The communities we work with are perpetually reporting how they are worst hit by climate

change. There have been reported long-lasting floods in Asia, irregular and unreliable rains in

Mozambique, melting glacier in Bolivia and Tajikistan.

With the Adoption of The global agenda 2030(popularly called the 17 Sustainable goals of

development), Oxfam cannot ignore the crucial responsibility it has to help governments and

communities alleviate poverty “EVERYWHERE” and by “ALL MEANS” as per the global

goals number one.

This institution thus seeks adopting the following measures to address global warming and

climate change:

1. Partnering with communities to help increase appropriate management of forest

resources. Oxfam recognizes the crucial role NGOs play in linking institutions,

governments and communities. Since global warming has been attributed to increased

carbon missions, we intent to embark on re-forestation, forestation and agro forestry

measures with communities in Africa and Latin America. We also intend to partner with

governments and the United Nations to see that the necessary legislation is enacted and

implemented in the respective countries. We are demanding action that results into a

global fair deal for all people not just those with power and money. A series of forest

campaigns and mass action is thus underway.

2. Harvesting of rain water. Oxfam has noted with concern that despite of the little and

unreliable rains experienced in most of the world’s driest areas, harvesting programs are

few. As a result there has been a reported conflicts over the meager water resources

available if any. We intent to solicit for more funding and help communities harvest rain
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water. This will be through first educating them then providing free tanks to them. We

shall also help to building reservoirs across rivers.

3. Sensitizing communities. Nothing has the power to change the way a particular group of

people does things. Oxfam intends to continue partnering with governments and other

NGOs that share in our vision to continue educating communities on how well to do

things and fight poverty. Oxfam intents to go a step higher by launching the “Povera”

mobile app where communities, staff and governments will link in the goal of eradicating

poverty. We also intent to increase our presence by opening new branches in Sub-Saharan

Africa and Latin America. We already have helped communities in Thailand who are rice

growers innovate on farm water harvesting for irrigation and diversifying their crops. In

Pakistan, we are helping communities reclaim fields damaged by saltwater to get fresh

water for their fields and house hold.

4. Advocating for reduced usage of fossil fuels. 90% cause of global warming is the

increased emission of green house gases in the atmosphere. It is reported by scientists

that the gases have the ability to absorb and retain solar radiation for over 100 years in

the atmosphere. Oxfam plans to begin a campaign that aims at reducing fossil fuel

consumption. We intent to emancipate masses on the importance harvesting and use of

solar energy, wind energy and electricity. The target is to cut the 1990s carbon emissions

80% by 2050. We also intend to educate masses on the importance of using public

transport in towns and cities as opposed to private transport.

5. Increased donation and support. We seek to emancipate masses on the crucial role their

generosity will play in saving the globe to their benefit and the benefit of generations to

come. Oxfam seeks to increase its stream of activities and staff in an attempt to reaching

new grounds in the fight against poverty. Increased funding is thus key. We seek the

continued support of well-wishers in our daily to daily activities.

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6. Encouraging farmers in dry areas to plant drought resistant crops: We have had

significant improvements in South Africa by encouraging farmers grow fast maturing

crops. We intent to encourage farmers in dry areas grow drought resistant crops. Our

expansion and presence in more African countries is expected to reach new grounds.
7. Enable vulnerable countries and communities adapt to climate change. We seek to launch

an international climate fund to help vulnerable and poor countries already struggling

with climate change and its hazards to adapt to climate change.

8. Embarking on punitive measures by polluters. Oxfam will liaise with governments and

international agencies to punish business persons who exploit and pollute the

environment. The firm seeks to achieve this by pushing for enactment of new climate

treaties and partnering with other agencies on the globe that share in the same vision.
9. Advocating for, green farming: It is argued that the uncontrolled use of farm chemicals

accounts for the bulk of green house gases that cause global warming. Our goal is to

emancipate masses and promote agriculture that does not involve the use of inorganic

fertilizers and the excessive use of pesticides.

10. Promoting Green house farming and irrigation. Climate change is to blame for the

increasing global food shortages. Our goal being to help communities cope with climate

change and mitigate on its consequences, we intend to partner with international agencies

like FAO to help communities and governments achieve food sufficiency. We shall begin

a new program where we shall start issuing green house facilities to communities in dry

areas. We shall also promote irrigation farming by availing funds to governments in dry

areas.
11. Conducting research. Oxfam will work with meteorological departments and maritime

agencies across the globe to help communities living in low lying areas to avert the risk

of floods. Early communication and relocation of vulnerable communities is also being

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considered. We shall also employ a team of disaster attendant personnel who will help

victims of floods in affected areas.

12. Drilling bore holes, enclosing dams, de-silting canals and digging water pans. Global

warming has resulted to water shortages that are severe than ever in the past years. To

mitigate the severity, we intent to begin borehole drilling in arid and semi arid areas. By

partnering with governments of the world, we also intend to enclose new dams across

rivers. The dams will also provide water for irrigation and boost fish farming.

De-silting canals is also on our agenda in the new plan to deal with climate change. This

will ensure that irrigation canals can accommodate sufficient water for farming in

irrigated areas. By so doing, Oxfam will see to it that communities achieve self

sufficiency.

In Our new deal we also intend to begin digging more water pans and avail water for

communities living in arid and semi-arid communities. Such water will be used for

irrigation and drinking by livestock a measure that will go a long way to curbing the

livestock deaths reported from dry parts of sub-Saharan Africa and Asia.

Should we wait until the global financial crisis is resolved?

The battle to raise more funds for climate change is a separate to the very issue we are dealing

with. However, a green economy will create jobs and reduce carbon emissions. It does require

tough decision making but that already is part of the fair deal.
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Conclusion.

Oxfam recognizes fully the consequences that climate change has caused the whole world. Our

goal as an NGO is to help communities alleviate poverty. Climate change squarely attributes for

the global poverty index and has to be cut. We thus seek the continued support of our staff,

governments and partnership with communities in delivering our quality services to the global

community.

Regards your climate change and mitigation managing director- Robins Oyachio.

CC: Richard Churchill- special programs coordinator Africa.

Mara yare Chogev- Special programs coordinator Asia.

Suzanne Okhlorine-Africa climate and Resilience Alliance (ACCRA).

Works cited

Brown, Molly E., and Chris C. Funk. "Food security under climate change." (2008).

Brown, Oli, Anne Hammill, and Robert McLeman. "Climate change as the ‘new’security threat:

implications for Africa." International affairs 83.6 (2007): 1141-1154.

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Change, Climate. "Global Warming." TAPPI JOURNAL (1998).

Pielke, Roger A. "Land use and climate change." Science 310.5754 (2005): 1625-1626.

Schipper, Lisa, and Mark Pelling. "Disaster risk, climate change and international development:

scope for, and challenges to, integration." Disasters 30.1 (2006): 19-38.

Tacoli, Cecilia. "Crisis or adaptation? Migration and climate change in a context of high

mobility." Environment and urbanization 21.2 (2009): 513-525.