Environment and Climate Change
Sustainable and responsible use of natural resources is essential for strong economic development and lasting poverty reduction. Effective resource management calls for an interdisciplinary approach that integrates physical, biological, economic and social perspectives, and recognises the growing risks posed by climate change and environmental degradation.
Population growth and unsustainable economic development are putting unprecedented pressure on air, water, soil, ecosystems, and biodiversity. Climate change, driven largely by fossil fuel use, land use, and ecosystem degradation (incl. deforestation), is intensifying these pressures and undermining long-term environmental sustainability and climate resilience.
Low-income communities are among the most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. They often depend directly on natural resources for their livelihoods and are more exposed to extreme weather events, pollution, and slow-onset changes such as droughts and sea-level rise. Many lack the financial and technical capacities needed for effective climate change adaptation, disaster risk reduction and recovery.
Given the complexity and cross-cutting nature of today’s environmental challenges, a systems-oriented approach to environmental management and socio-economic planning is critical. PEM helps partners integrate climate and environmental considerations into policy development, planning, budgeting and implementation, including through nature-based solutions, just energy transitions and improved management of climate-related loss and damage.
Our work aligns with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, in particular SDG 6 – Clean Water and Sanitation, SDG 7 – Affordable and Clean Energy, SDG 12 – Responsible Consumption and Production, SDG 13 – Climate Action, SDG 14 – Life Below Water and SDG 15 – Life on Land.
