New documentary raises awareness for adaptation needs
Press release:
A new documentary released on 11 December 2014 highlights the growing recognition of the need for adaptation to climate change around the world, as recognized by governments at this week’s UN Climate Change Conference in Lima.
The 20 minute documentary “Adapting to a changing climate” introduces viewers to the topic of climate change adaptation by weaving inspiring stories of adaptation action together with interviews with experts.
The documentary was produced by the United Nations Climate Change secretariat on behalf of the UNFCCC's Adaptation Committee.
“Climate change can be an opportunity to transform society, an opportunity to learn from the mistakes that we have made and to build a better future,”
- explains Juan Hoffmaister, Co-Chair of the Adaptation Committee, in the film. The video documentary was inspired by the Adaptation Committee’s Adaptation Forum in 2013 in Warsaw, Poland, that brought together global leaders to share their ideas about raising the profile of adaptation. The Forum was hosted by Christiana Figueres, Executive Secretary of the UNFCCC.
“Climate change is global but adaptation measures need to be taken determined by the specific circumstances and specific impacts that each family, each community, each city is experiencing,”
she said. Adaptation action can take many shapes and forms. In order to highlight adaptation action that is already happening, the video documentary showcases two projects featured by the UNFCCC’s Momentum for Change initiative and a project by the Government of The Netherlands.
“What we all want is a vision of a climate resilient future where all rights to food, to water, to health, education, and life are protected,” said Mary Robinson, UN Special Envoy for Climate Change."
In addition to the English version, versions in 9 languages are planned with subtitles, including the 6 UN languages (Arabic, Chinese, English French, Russian, Spanish) as well as Portugese, Bengali and Hindu.
These versions will be released in 2015 and distributed globally. The Adaptation Committee encourages organizations and individuals to widely disseminate the video documentary.
Interested broadcasters are invited to contact the UNFCCC secretariat in order to obtain a free high-quality copy for broadcasting purposes.
About the Adaptation Committee
The Adaptation Committee is the UNFCCC advisory body entrusted with promoting coherent global action on climate change adaptation. It was established in 2010 under the Cancun Adaptation Framework.