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26.11.2012 - From 26 November to 7 December 2012, The United Nations’ Conference of the Parties (COP) will meet once again to assess progress in dealing with climate change. The impact of climate change is felt by small-scale famers across the world: from intense rain and rising temperatures in Central America to frost spells in Kenya and droughts in Malawi. The change in climate has brought about an influx of pests and disease, lower crop yields and the destruction of plants such as coffee and tea on many small-scale farms. Although they contribute the least to climate change, small-scale farmers are the most threatened by changing weather patterns. Rising unemployment, increased urbanisation and growing food insecurity as a result of climate change are now issues that the world’s most vulnerable farmers must face.

However, the problem of climate change does not need to be one that small-scale farmers must face alone. Together with Fairtrade, vulnerable farmers can tackle climate change and mobilise support for climate change adaption and mitigation. The Fairtrade Standards encourage farmers to instigate change on their farms while the Fairtrade environmental standards set the bar for adaption to climate change. The Fairtrade Development Premium provides the financial basis for projects centred on adaption to climate change and Fairtrade works with technical partners to develop standards for adaptation finance and carbon credits. Over USD 7 million in Fairtrade Development Premium money has been used for communal environmental protection projects. Projects include setting up tree seedling nurseries in Uganda and learning climate adaption techniques in Peru. 

Despite the good that has already been done, far more technical and financial support is needed if Fairtrade and small-scale farmers are to effectively tackle climate change. Fairtrade farmers will lobby for this support at COP 18 this year. COP18 provides a forum for farmers to make their voices heard and advocate for fair climate finance for the farmers who are often overlooked. Fairtrade Producer Representatives at COP18 include Tomy Mathew from the Network of Asian and Pacific Producers, Chief Adam Tampuri from Fairtrade Africa, Carlos Vargas the Coordinator of Fairtrade Latin America and the Caribbean, and Nasser Abufarha the producer representative for the Middle East. These members of the Fairtrade staff will their plans to develop standards for fair carbon finance that will support farmers to adapt to climate change and benefit from the carbon market. 

For more information, case studies and interviews with Fairtrade farmers visit http://www.fairclimatedeal.net/