Hier (Dutch for ‘Here‘) is the name of a large Dutch climate program whose fundamental idea it is to stress the immediate necessity to implement adaptation projects and initiatives to climate change. Hier introduces a new brand uniting and representing all initiatives that reduce the risk of climate change. This campaign involves not only 38 national charity organisations, but also government and businesses. Eventually, this could be a starting point for an international campaign.
Among charity and environment organisations many projects have been developed for an effective attitude to climate change and there has been significant progress. Unicef teaches children how to swim in Bangladesh, where drowning is still a major cause of infant mortality. Simavi is constructing a so called ‘Cloud catchers‘ in Nepal in the battle against drought conditions. The Red Cross and FreeVoice are working on a calamity emergency system for hurricanes in Central America. These are only few examples of the projects that have been implemented by the organisations that take part of the Here campaign.
The Hier program takes on board both adaptation to irreversible climate change and prompt attending to the cause of it, because they reinforce, rather than oppose one another. By bringing forth concrete adaptative initiatives on areas like poverty eradication, safety, agriculture, health and environment, the urgency of dealing with environmental problems do no longer become abstract and long term, but concrete and visible. From that the effects of climate change on society worldwide will become evident.
Initiatives to climate change can easily start close to home. The Netherlands Society for Nature and Environment has presented a top ten list of energy efficient products to choose from. World Wide Fund for Nature introduced the most economical cars and Greenpeace calls up to buy energy efficient light bulbs. And there are many more initiatives. See www.hier.nu for a list of these initiatives.
Hier runs a broad media campaign on tv, radio and billboards. Hier is featured on the Dutch broadcasting channel Talpa, for instance during the weather forecast.
For questions and further information concerning either the Hier program or the Conference 'Culture is a Basic Need' please contact cer@princeclausfund.nl
Here is the Dutch climate program whose fundamental idea it is to stress the immediate necessity to implement adaptation projects and initiatives to climate change. www.hier.nu
(CER) provides emergency relief for cultural heritages that have been affected by man-made or natural disasters.
Cultural Emergency Response
Prince Claus Fund
Hoge Nieuwstraat 30
2514 EL The Hague
Tel. 31 (0)70 4274303
Fax 31 (0)70 4274277
E-mail cer@princeclausfund.nl
www.princeclausfund.nl
