Welcome to the United Nations
The Division for Inclusive Social Development (DISD) of the Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UNDESA) is organizing an expert group meeting on “Families and Climate Change” to be held in New York on 15-16 May 2024.
In line with General Assembly resolutions recommending research and analysis of megatrends, this meeting will explore: (1) climate change and its impact on families; (2) the role of families in climate action; (3) Indigenous perspectives on climate change and sustainable family farming; and (4) the interlinkages between climate change and demographic trends, forced migration and displacement, sustainable urbanization and new technologies.
Climate change and its impact on families
Families’ vulnerability to climate change is manifested in the increasing frequency of extreme weather events, including hurricanes, droughts, floods and wildfires, often leading to displacement, property damage and loss of livelihoods. Food and water scarcity affects agricultural productivity and water availability, and thus families’ ability to access food and clean water. Changing climate patterns also influence the spread of diseases and exacerbate respiratory conditions, placing additional burdens on families' healthcare needs. Moreover, families often rely on industries that are sensitive to climate impacts, such as agriculture, fisheries and tourism. Changes in these sectors can have economic implications for families' income and stability.
Papers and Presentations
Sustainable City Design and Families by Professor Mohamed Gamal Abdelmonem
At the Crossroads: Climate Change, Indigenous Perspectives and Sustainable Family Farming by Ruben P. Viramontez Anguiano
Why Families are essential for future climate protection policy by Prof. Dr. Martin Bujard
Redefining Workspaces: Human Ecology, Families and Environmental Footprint by Patricia Debelju and Ángeles Destéfano
Families, Circular Economy, Education and Environmentally Friendly Habit Formation by Regina Moroncelli Florio
Climate Change and Families by Franzina
Care in the Home, Care of the Common Home by Mercedes Jaureguibeitia
EU Climate Action: Engaging Families for Sustainable Change by Kinga Joó
Population Growth and Environmental Sustainability by Zitha Mokomane
The Impact of Climate Anxiety in Family Formation What Do Young Adults Think about the ‘Climate Baby Dilemma’? by Ignacio Socias Piarnau
Interlinkages Between Climate Change, Forced Migration, Displacement, And Sustainable Urbanization by Bahira Sherif Trask
Climate Change, Family Technology Use and the Role of Technology in Promoting Climate Action by Susan K. Walker
Climate Change – How Families Can Make a Difference by Madeleine Wallin
The Interdependence of Family Stability and Environment: A Multidisciplinary Approach by Ahmed Aref & Sarah Zahran