Climate Charter

In line with the principle of “do no harm”, we will avoid, minimize and manage the damage we cause to the environment and the climate, while maintaining our ability to provide timely and principled humanitarian assistance. We will implement sound environmental policies and systematically assess the immediate and longer-term environmental impact of all our work, including our programmes, procurement, logistics and premises. We will measure and significantly reduce our greenhouse gas emissions, in line with global goals. Supporting high-quality emission reduction projects to offset unavoidable emissions, including through conservation and restoration of forests and land, will complement reduction efforts, but will not be considered a substitute for such efforts. We will responsibly manage and use natural resources, including water, and reduce and properly manage the waste generated in our premises and by our programmes.

Our action will be guided by the leadership and experience of local actors and communities. We will support them to better prepare for changing climate and environmental risks, and will learn from local, traditional and indigenous knowledge on mitigation and adaptation measures, including nature-based solutions. We will invest in locally led durable responses. We will work together to ensure meaningful and inclusive participation and leadership of local actors and people we serve in the design, management, implementation and evaluation of our programmes.

To strengthen our collective capacity to reduce risks, anticipate crises, act early and ensure the sustainability of our activities, we will enhance our understanding of evolving short- and long-term climate and environmental risks and opportunities. When feasible, we will produce and share relevant and accessible data and analysis, to help address data scarcity. We will improve our use of science, evidence, technology and communications to address these risks in all our activities.

We will enhance cooperation across the humanitarian system, in particular between local, national and international actors. We will also work with local and national authorities, environmental, development and human rights actors, international financial institutions, the private sector, researchers, suppliers and donors to ensure a continuum of efforts to manage risks and to develop sustainable interventions. We will, notably, share our knowledge and insights to help shape people-centred, climate-resilient and inclusive development.

We call for ambitious action at all levels, by governments, organizations, the private sector and individuals to reduce risks and address the causes and consequences of the climate and environmental crises. We commit to informing and influencing decision-making, including relating to laws, policies, investments and practices, with evidence of people’s experience and the current and future humanitarian consequences of the climate and environmental crises. We will also step up our efforts to promote improved implementation of relevant international and national laws, standards, policies and plans for stronger climate action and environmental protection.

We will rigorously measure and transparently report on the impact of our work on the climate and environment, and seek feedback from the people we serve. Following our adoption of this Charter, we will translate our commitments into time-bound targets and action plans within a year (if not already in place), using relevant standards and guidance. Targets may need to be reviewed on a regular basis, as our ambitions increase, and our knowledge and capacity develop. Shifting our ways of working will entail changes in mindsets and approaches, as well as significant transition and maintenance costs. We will invest the necessary resources to achieve our commitments and support each other in the process of implementation. The support of our donors will be essential.