More frequent and intense disasters are ravaging communities and upending lives as a result of our changing climate. The American Red Cross is on the frontlines of disaster response, supporting families across the country who are struggling to cope with this humanitarian crisis. We see first-hand how more disasters are driving more people to seek assistance.
"As climate disasters continue to worsen, families are counting on all of us to be there for them as they face the impact of more intense, extreme weather-related events. We must act now.”
Gail McGovern, President and CEO of the American Red Cross
The worsening climate crisis is driving families from their homes. In the last 10 years, more than 8.5 million people were displaced in the U.S.
Climate disasters also take a disproportionate toll on low-income families, diverse communities, older adults and people with disabilities. For families who face socioeconomic challenges, this disaster-caused displacement can be catastrophic: When facing an unexpected $400 expense, more than 30% of U.S. adults would need to borrow money or sell personal items to cover it.
As the nation’s largest provider of emergency sheltering, the Red Cross works one-on-one with people to help them recover after disasters. The most significant recovery needs we see revolve around chronic health conditions, food insecurity, and the availability of safe and affordable housing.
Through our work as a leading disaster responder in the U.S., we’re expanding our capacity to deliver emergency aid, enhancing our large-scale relief and recovery services, and growing partner-support networks in disaster-prone communities.
As part of the world’s largest humanitarian network, we’re reducing climate disaster risks in urban areas, institutionalizing pre-disaster anticipatory actions and engaging youth leaders in target countries.
We are taking steps to minimize our own environmental impact as we deliver on our critical mission. This includes cutting our emissions, waste and water use through new initiatives for more hybrid and electric vehicles, renewable energy sources, and eco-friendly supplies.
