The MHREC volunteer team met in the last weeks for interactive sessions to discuss and learn more about climate change. Before the workshops, each volunteer had completed a United Nations e-course on different issues related to climate change. The volunteers were given the opportunity to discuss and explain what they had learned from their individual courses, as well as to reveal a summary to the other volunteers.
One of our volunteers, Greta followed the “Sustainable Diet” course. The main idea of the e-course is to promote sustainable changes in our eating habits, like for example cutting down on the amount of meat we consume, or switching from beef to chicken or fish, or even buying locally rather than imported foods. Another flagged issues is our farming techniques, i.e. replacing regular farming with high efficiency farming , and reducing the amount of unsustainable packaging that we use, as well as turning to paper bags rather than plastic. By following these guidelines and adjusting our lifestyle choices we can make the food industry more sustainable.
The thing that struck Greta the most about this course was the high efficiency farming as she wasn’t aware that it was a technique that farmers utilized.
Another volunteer, Julian followed the course “Integrating Climate Change in UNICEF’s Planning and Programming“. It looked into the multifaceted challenges climate change poses globally. It comprehensively explores the tangible impacts of climate change worldwide, emphasising the imperative for effective mitigation and adaptation strategies to safeguard lives and livelihoods. Specifically tailored to align with UNICEF’s mission, the e-course highlights the intricate connections between climate change and the organisation’s core programmatic areas.
The e-course underscores the urgency of collective action by providing real-world examples, mainly focusing on the vulnerable demographic of children. It highlights opportunities for professionals engaged in country programming to integrate climate considerations into their work.
The e-course outlines vital learning objectives to benefit development professionals within the UNICEF sphere. It provides a nuanced understanding of the planning tools employed at the country level to seamlessly integrate climate change into programming efforts. Real-world case studies, such as the impact on Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) and Education sectors in regions like Vietnam, exemplify the practical application of these tools. Furthermore, the e-course navigates through the principles guiding the design of climate programmes and accessing essential climate finance, essential components for implementing impactful initiatives. Modules two and three feature insights from UNICEF Champions, including figures such as Silvia Gaya, Simone Vis, and Reis Lopez Rello, offering firsthand perspectives on championing effective climate change integration into projects and programming.
What struck Julian the most about the course was its illustration of how climate change connects to and impacts children, who comprise 30% of the population. Moreover, it provided practical ways of combating climate change through both adaptation and mitigation while also emphasising the role of UNICEF’s programs in assisting and empowering children.
Check back for Part Two of this article to learn more about the other ecourses that volunteers followed.
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