The predicted and already apparent impacts of climate change are global but most severe for the poor and vulnerable populations. At the same time, the richest 1% of the world's population consumes 40% of the world's resources, and is the primary driver of climate change. Despite efforts on reducing greenhouse gas emissions, some impacts of climate change will be inevitable due to past and current emissions. In fact, climate change is already affecting livelihoods, water supply, our food and personal security, biological diversity and ecosystem services, national and global economies - much of society as we know it. Climate change is directly linked with other global issues such as population growth, poverty, disaster, displacement and conflict. Many developing countries lack the knowledge and resources to cope with the changing climate that places the lives and livelihoods of communities in even greater danger.

The escalating level, frequency and intensity of certain natural disasters has brought about a new awareness on the risks associated with climate change. However, too little attention continues to be given to addressing climate change in a proactive manner, in particular regarding climate-related natural disasters.

Climate change is a cross-cutting theme is all areas of work of ProAct Network. We focus in particular on community-based adaptation, knowledge sharing, capacity building and technology transfer. We also promote sound environmental management and emphasise the synergies between climate change adaptation and disaster risk reduction. In addition, ProAct provides institutional support and guidance for field practitioners in humanitarian and relief operations, as they need to adapt activities to the changing environment to ensure the scale and sustainability of interventions.