Climate-Resilient International Development
Sep 26, 2014
Signed by: Barack Obama
Signed on: Sep 23, 2014
Published on: Sep 26, 2014
Sep 26, 2014
Signed by: Barack Obama
Signed on: Sep 23, 2014
Published on: Sep 26, 2014
Summary
Makes sure U.S. help to other countries considers the effects of climate change to protect our investments and help those nations prepare.
What problem does this solve?
Climate change threatens to undo progress in developing countries and weaken the effectiveness of U.S. aid. This order requires government agencies to include climate preparedness in their international projects to protect these efforts and help nations adapt.
What does this order do?
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Incorporating climate resilience into international development
Integrates climate resilience into foreign aid
Requires government agencies to consider climate change risks like sea-level rise and droughts in all their international development plans, projects, and funding.
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Working group on climate-resilient international development
Creates a new climate working group
Establishes the Working Group on Climate-Resilient International Development to guide agencies, develop tools, and track progress on making foreign aid climate-proof.
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Incorporating climate resilience into international development
Promotes climate resilience in international organizations
Directs U.S. agencies to encourage international groups like the United Nations and World Bank to also include climate change risks in their development projects.
Requires progress reporting
Mandates that agencies track and report on how they are adding climate-resilience into their work, including what portion of their projects have been assessed for climate risk.
Who does this affect?
- U.S. government agencies with international programs
- Developing countries receiving U.S. aid
- International aid organizations
What is the real world impact?
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Protects U.S. foreign aid investments
Ensures that money and resources spent on helping other countries are not wasted due to the negative impacts of climate change, like floods or droughts.
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Strengthens U.S. global leadership on climate change
Positions the United States as a leader in addressing climate change by encouraging other countries and international groups to adopt similar climate-smart policies.
When does this start?
This order takes effect immediately, with specific goals and reporting requirements established for the following years.
Working group implementation plan
The new working group must create a 2-year plan with 6-month goals to put the order's requirements into action.
Review of climate mitigation opportunities
Within one year of the order, the National Security Council must meet with agencies to find more ways to help international partners reduce emissions.