Rationale

Diaspora Emergency Action & Coordination (DEMAC) proposes to lead a panel focusing on diaspora response and adaptation to climate change-related hazards for enhanced coordination in risk disaster reduction, preparedness, anticipatory actions and humanitarian responses.

This session aims to foster a meaningful discussion among diaspora and humanitarian representatives, exploring potential synergies and identifying opportunities to support affected communities in effectively addressing the implications of climate change.

Context

Climate change is a global issue with local impacts. The consequences of today’s climate and environmental shocks, stresses, and related crises are dramatic. The world’s poorest, most vulnerable communities are the most affected. Despite responding to emergencies caused by climate change, diaspora groups find themselves ignored in international discussions. The positive impact of diaspora remittances, investments, and skills has historically benefited countries of origin. However, there is a limited understanding of their potential role in responding to climate challenges. Despite their significant contributions to economic development and community well-being, the nuanced ways in which diaspora communities can actively engage in climate response efforts remain underexplored. Gaps in coordination between diaspora and institutional humanitarian actors limit mutual understanding and joint solutions. Recognizing and comprehensively understanding the multifaceted contributions of diasporas in addressing climate-related issues is essential for unlocking their full potential as key players in global climate resilience and adaptation strategies.

In 2023 DEMAC in partnership with IOM conducted a case study to explore how diaspora respond to climate-induced disasters and support community resilience and adaptation to environmental degradation in South Sudan, Egypt, Sri Lanka, Peru and Tuvalu.

The main patterns and trends are the following:

1.     Case study diaspora actors were important in supporting longer term adaptation. Some are supporting climate-smart agricultural practices, income diversification, housing adaptation, internal relocation.

2.    DOs contribute to climate change mitigation efforts through awareness raising, advocacy, and direct involvement in carbon removal projects, encompassing tree planting and more.

3.    DO responses were strongest in the context of disaster response and recovery. Disasters triggered a substantial response from DOs, with charity, religion, and patriotism among motivators.

4.   DOs can share information & complement technology used for predicting disasters, anticipatory action and early warning efforts usually led by governments and institutional actors.

Objectives

1.     Present findings and lessons learned from the DEMAC and IOM Case Study “Diaspora Response to Climate change-related hazards in South Sudan, Egypt, Sri Lanka, Peru and Tuvalu” – DEMAC/IOM - February 2024

2.    Discuss feasible steps that enable an improved engagement between diaspora organisations, local organisations and institutional humanitarian actors in preparing and responding to climate change-related hazards (CCRHs):

o  What are the challenges for diaspora and humanitarian actors to collaborate and jointly address h CCRHs?

o  What best practices and lessons learned from diaspora initiatives could institutional humanitarian actors draw on to support community-based disaster preparedness and risk reduction initiatives?

o  What actionable recommendations can be easily implemented to strengthen engagement and cooperation between diaspora organizations, local and institutional humanitarian actors in addressing CCRHs?

Facilitator

·      DEMAC Coordinator or a climate expert

Panelists

·      2 Diaspora representatives addressing climate change-related hazards in their country of origin.

·      1 IHA representative engaged in CCRHs in the same countries.

·      1 local org/community representative in one of the two selected countries.

Detailed Agenda