For many of us, climate change once felt like a distant issue—hard to witness firsthand, complex to understand, and overwhelming to act on in the face of such a vast global threat.
But the climate crisis is no longer a future concern. It’s here, now, woven into our daily reality. Every day, we see more of the devastating impact of wildfires, floods, droughts, and heatwaves on communities around the world. According to the IDMC, climate change is now displacing three times more people than armed conflict is. That’s a shocking statistic, not to mention a devastating reality, uprooting millions of people’s lives globally.
I’m Katie, a Regional Head of Programmes at Choose Love, and I’ve been leading our Choose Earth campaign for over four years. Born out of solidarity and urgency in Brazil, Choose Earth was created to support Voo da Vespa, a grassroots project working directly with Indigenous Leaders who protect the Amazon Rainforest.
The Amazon biosphere in Brazil is an irreplaceable ecosystem critical to balancing the global climate and ensuring the health of our entire planet. But with these precious lands constantly at threat – from extractive industries, land grabbing, drug cartels and mining – Indigenous communities and leaders are the ones who step in to tirelessly protect some of the last remaining green spaces, often at great personal risk.
For many of these communities, the Voo da Vespa project is the only lifeline they can rely on.
I’m delighted that Choose Earth has been able to support over 42 key Indigenous Leaders since 2022, but our work on the Choose Earth project has revealed time and time again that it is the most marginalised and at-risk communities that bear the brunt of the climate crisis, and displaced communities are among the most deeply affected.
At Choose Love, more and more of our partners are reporting mounting pressures of climate changes that are impacting them as they deliver vital support for people who are trying to rebuild their lives after being forcibly displaced.
From distributing emergency firewood and winter clothing during unexpected snowstorms in Lebanon to building essential water, sanitation, and hygiene infrastructure in refugee camps in Greece during searing heat waves. Our incredible partners are doing whatever they can to meet the growing needs. But the pressure is intensifying.
Environmental disasters are deepening society’s inequalities. Rising temperatures and extreme weather are making already-dangerous migration journeys even more deadly. People displaced by climate change can’t wait for climate reparations to be debated at conferences. They need support now.
As a humanitarian charity, we believe in the power of people helping people. Grassroots responses are the fastest, most effective way to save lives—and in the face of enormous challenges, they continue to offer hope.
While the world waits for long-overdue international action, our partners are already making a difference on the ground. In Northwest Syria, they are gravelling roads in refugee camps to ease the extreme heat and improve water management. In Mexico, they are advocating for stronger legal protections for people displaced by climate in Central America. This is real impact—led by real people, right now.
By 2050, over 1.2 billion people could be displaced due to climate-related disasters (IEP). The urgency is undeniable. And this Earth Day, we’re asking for your support.
Please consider donating to the Choose Earth item. Your generosity helps us resource Indigenous leaders, frontline communities, and life-saving grassroots projects already responding to the climate crisis. We can’t wait for Governments, we must take bold, decisive action, and continue standing with those who are protecting our planet.
Because while the world debates, we act. And every act counts.
Katie Hurd
Regional Head
Like this article? share it using the options below
