Climate change is a pressing global challenge that requires global cooperation at unprecedented scaleand speed. However, at the core of this relatively new area of focus lies the long-standing imperative ofglobal poverty. Not only will climate change impact poverty and threaten the achievement of the MDGs,but addressing poverty, MDGs and development inequalities represent an essential step in tackling theimpacts of climate change.

Climate change and global poverty have attracted considerable attention in recent years as key global justice challenges of our times. Both are serious challenges to the future health and prosperity of our planet. They must be combated simultaneously; we cannot take care of one without addressing the other. An effective attack on poverty and the ill-effects of climate change requires taking comprehensive action that encompasses both issues.