Fair Trade Organisations have been working for several decades (namely) to protect the planet and reduce their own impact on the environment (see Fair Trade Principle Ten on ‘Respect for the Environment’ here). Climate change is threatening to undo the gains of Fair Trade in promoting sustainable livelihoods for small farmers and artisans.

Climate change is currently a survival issue for many people, especially those in developing countries, who are geographically and economically unfortunate to be the hardest hit. It threatens to cost these countries billions of dollars for climate change adaptation and in economic losses if carbon emissions cutting – to keep global warming well below 2C – is delayed, as warned by Oxfam.[1]

WFTO is concerned that the carbon emission cutting proposals submitted for COP21 Session in Paris will fall short to keep global warming under control. World leaders need to take responsible and effective action; cutting emissions can no longer be delayed. Both the Planet and Humanity are running out of time. The Paris meeting should also come up with concrete action to help countries with climate change adaptations.

People and Planet must be put first before profit.

WFTO endorses Oxfam’s Game-changers in the Paris climate deal. Please learn more here.

Principle Ten 

Organisations which produce Fair Trade products maximise the use of raw materials from sustainably managed sources in their ranges, buying locally when possible. They use production technologies that seek to reduce energy consumption and where possible use renewable energy technologies that minimise greenhouse gas emissions. They seek to minimise the impact of their waste stream on the environment. Fair Trade agricultural commodity producers minimise their environmental impacts, by using organic or low pesticide use production methods wherever possible.

Buyers and importers of Fair Trade products give priority to buying products made from raw materials that originate from sustainably managed sources, and have the least overall impact on the environment.

All organisations use recycled or easily biodegradable materials for packing to the extent possible, and goods are dispatched by sea wherever possible.