© Guillaume Gaffiot, Burkina Faso

POLICY

MINIMUM STANDARDS

ENVIROMENT & CLIMATE

2020/2025
 INDEX
April 2020
Action Against Hunger International Publication
Cover photography: © Guillaume Gaffiot, Burkina Faso
©Action Against Hunger International. All rights reserved.
Graphic design: Rudy Martinez

1. MOTIVATION AND CONTEXT 5

2. PRINCIPLES

ENGAGEMENT 1. 7
ENGAGEMENT 2. 7
ENGAGEMENT 3. 9

3. MINIMUM STANDARDS

ENGAGEMENT 1. 11
ENGAGEMENT 2. 11
ENGAGEMENT 3. 13

BIBLIOGRAPHY 15

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Many people have contributed to the development of this Action Against Hunger Environmental Policy.

This Action Against Hunger Policy was developed by Eduardo Sánchez Jacob, Rudy Martínez and Candela de la
Sota Sández under the coordination of Mayte Valdez, Cross-cutting Themes Manager of Action Against Hunger
in Spain and Didier Vergès, Prevention & Disaster Resilience Referent of Action Against Hunger in Spain.
 1. MOTIVATION AND CONTEXT

July 2019 has been the month with the hottest global average temperature, exceeding the record of July 2016
by 0.04ºC, according to the Climate Change Service of the European agency, Copernicus. More than 800 million
people in the world still suffer from hunger and over two billion are victims of malnutrition. At the same time,
food systems contribute to up to 57% of GHG emissions (GRAIN 2011), when including all the steps from ma-
nufacturing the inputs and deforestation down to waste management through crop production, animal rearing,
food processing, transportation and distribution.

Given the internationally recognized climate emergency situation, it is essential to develop our activities throu-
gh a climate and environmental approach. This approach allows us to understand better and be responsible in
facing the main environmental challenges. The second Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) aims to eradicate
hunger and put an end to all forms of malnutrition by 2030. In order to cope with climate change and vulnerable
collective needs, regarding gender equity in particular, it is necessary to set up a sustainable agriculture which
respects the environment, biodiversity and ultimately contributes to the fight against climate change. Among
the state obligations of many countries regarding human rights and the environment, the right to a healthy en-
vironment is increasingly recognized. In more than 100 countries, it enjoys constitutional protection. They focus
on the right to a clean, safe, favourable, healthy or ecologically balanced environment. Beyond the applicable
legal frameworks in each country, the requirements of the donors and the pressure of society, the integration
of environmental aspects is mainly a moral obligation. In our fight against hunger it is essential to assume our
environmental responsibilities properly and on a sustainable way.

In Action Against Hunger, we recognize that the impact of climate change could be disastrous and undermine
years of progress in the fight against hunger and malnutrition. We are thus committed to move forward in our
approach to the climate crisis and to be at the forefront of the fight against hunger under a climate and envi-
ronmental approach. Health security is also directly affected by climate change with the increase of waterborne
and vector-borne diseases, such as malaria (Martens 1995), dengue (Patz 1998), diarrhoea (Kolstad 2011) and
cholera (Pascual 2000); and has many other health implications (Patz 2005, McMichael 2006, Costello 2009).
Also, extreme weather events damage infrastructure and can impede access to health and care facilities (Wat-
son 2007), placing pregnant women and infants most at risk (Callaghan 2007).

This Policy lays down our commitments to embrace the environmental and climatic challenges, establishing
core principles and a series of steps to guide our interventions under global and local perspectives, able to
protect the local environment, identify environmental risks and mitigate them. Besides, a set of minimum
standards and indicators has been established in order to allow a proper monitoring and evaluation of the
implementation of the Policy. Our engagement will pass through a clear integration of the issues raised by
climate crisis and environment in our strategic planning as well as in our management system in both Head-
quarters and field activities.

As a basic principle, there are no restrictions or limitations on the sectors in which the policy is implemented.
Thus, the geographical scope of the policy is global. Obviously, the social, economic, political and environment
of each intervention must be incorporated into operationalization measures in order to ensure coherence. The
references used in this policy are: The Agreement of Paris1, European Union, United Nations and in particular
UNEP2 (United Nations Environment Program) and UN Environment/OCHA Joint Unit (JEU)3 specifically for
emergency response.

1 https://unfccc.int/process-and-meetings/the-paris-agreement/the-paris-agreement
2 https://www.unenvironment.org/
3 https://www.unocha.org/themes/environmental-dimensions-emergencies

© Tine Frank, Uganda

ENVIROMENT & CLIMATE 2020/2025 5
 2. PRINCIPLES

ENGAGEMENT 1.
We are accountable of our environmental impact and outline our way of working in the face of climate change.

PRINCIPLE 1.1: We know our carbon footprint.

Climate change is the biggest threat to development in the coming years and it especially affects
food and malnourished vulnerable groups. Climate change increases the intensity and frequency of
extreme weather events such as droughts, cyclones and floods, which will produce more humanitarian
emergencies and displaced people.

Most of the human activities have a carbon footprint, and the only way to avoid the worst climate
impacts is to be aware of our greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions to address their fast reduction.

PRINCIPLE 1.2: We assess the environmental impact of our projects.

Projects can affect the environment. Environmental risk assessment anticipates the worst situations
and protect the resources. Simple tools are applied to make a first environmental and climatic diagnosis
of all interventions and detect risks. High-risk interventions are analysed in detail with Environmental
Impact Assessments (EIA), if necessary. An environmental risk assessment allows focusing efforts on
critical issues.

PRINCIPLE 1.3: We study the interlink between our core mandate and climate change and outline
our way of working for a climate against hunger.

Climate change aggravates humanitarian crises, bridging the humanitarian development gap becomes
increasingly important. It is necessary to have an accurate knowledge of the interactions of the
environment and climate with vulnerable populations who depend on the natural environment and their
environmental services, using the gender perspective. From this analysis on climate-related challenges
on hunger, we will define our way of working both for dedicated interventions and mainstreamed
approach able to improve our impact.

ENGAGEMENT 2.
We promote actions oriented to be at the forefront of the fight against hunger under a climate and
environmental approach.

PRINCIPLE 2.1: We care for the natural resources.

We commit to incorporate the climatic and environmental dimension in the supply chain and to reduce
waste production and the consumption of energy, materials and equipment.

We assume the principles of redesign the supply chain, Circular Economy, to keep products and mate-
rials in use; Zero Waste, to recycle, biodegrade or value waste, and avoid sent trash to landfills, inci-
nerators, or the ocean; Life Cycle Assessment, to assess environmental impacts associated with all the
stages of a product’s life from raw material extraction through materials processing, manufacture, distri-
bution, use, repair and maintenance, and disposal or recycling; Energy Efficiency and use of Renewable
Energy, and Acquisition in Local Markets, to minimize transport and logistics costs.

We are committed to reduce the use of materials, prioritizing those of more sustainable origin or with
environmental labels (paper, ecological, electronic labels ...) and those that generate less waste or easier
management (e.g. avoid plastics, hazardous waste). The use of materials and equipment is prolonged by
choosing those that have a longer life and reusing, refurbishing, sharing, selling or donating equipment
that is no longer used, etc. Waste is managed, prioritizing recycling, selective separation or alternative
system, and hazardous waste treatment.

© Lys Arango. Borena, Ethiopia

6 POLICY BRIEF PARA LA ESCALACIÓN DE LA RESPUESTA HUMANITARIA EN VENEZUELA. ENVIROMENT & CLIMATE 2020/2025 7
PRINCIPLE 2.2: We increase the availability of and access to multi-hazard early warning systems ENGAGEMENT 3.
and disaster risk information in order to be able to anticipate and reshape our programming under a We are transparent and exemplary in transforming our fight against hunger in the face of climate crisis.
climate-sensitive approach.
Environmental disasters are increasing in frequency and intensity and it is important to promote survei- PRINCIPLE 3.1: We are engaged to reduce our carbon footprint and environmental impact.
llance mechanisms and early warning systems in area of high exposure to climate variability. We adopt We support the objective of the Paris Agreement to maintain the global average temperature at 1.5ºC
the concept of ‘Early Warning Early Action’ for translating warnings into anticipatory actions to reduce above the pre-industrial temperature, the commitment of a carbon neutral society in 2050, and we
the impact of specific disaster events. compromise with ambitious targets for reducing GHG emissions in the medium term.

PRINCIPLE 2.3: We define and develop adapted actions to overcome the consequences of climate We consider necessary to set ambitious but realistic targets and to plan the main actions to reduce our
change on hunger. emissions. We commit to opt for the use of renewable energy in our offices the midterm and progres-
Climate change adaptation and Disaster risk reduction are cross-sectoral topics and it is fundamen- sively improve the efficiency of the vehicle fleet. In the long term, we plan to review our whole displa-
tal that public policies related to agriculture, food security, nutrition, health, rural development, water cement strategy.
and sanitation, economic development fully consider these topics and offer a coherent set of policies,
allowing inclusive development and nutrition for all. Timely and well-designed adaptation actions have PRINCIPLE 3.2: We transform our relationship with our stakeholders.
the possibility to mitigate the impacts of climate change on the most vulnerable through preparedness, The environmental challenges require the mobilization of all actors, and in some contexts, the environ-
risk reduction, both applied to the livelihoods and the organization of society. Principles must be de- mental efforts of a single actor may be limited by those of others.
veloped to ensure adaptation-oriented finance reached those who need it the most and actually stren-
gthen their livelihoods and build their capacity to face the adverse impacts of climate change. Action We invite all our stakeholders (Final Beneficiaries, Private & Public Donors, Employees & Collaborators,
against hunger recalls the need for ambitious mitigation as food security and nutrition will be jeopar- Humanitarian Community, Governments & Public Institutions, Partners, Media, Competitors, General
dized in a warmer world. Nonetheless, mitigation actions should never be done in a way that threatens Public and Suppliers) to align with our environmental policy, informing, supporting and setting an exam-
local communities’ livelihoods and food security nor should countries avoid mitigation in agriculture ple of good environmental practices. We will reward the environmental performance of our stakehol-
under the pretext of safeguarding high GHG emissions food production systems. ders and seek for high environmental standards.

For our stakeholders without commercial relationship, we offer training and resources to facilitate com-
pliance. We raise awareness and incidence measures when high-risk or impact issues are detected.

PRINCIPLE 3.3: We bet for more competences and systems, able to systematize our climate and
environmental awareness and inform on our progress.
Our staff has basic knowledge to incorporate the Environmental dimension in their work, and there
are specialists in the organization to support specific or more complex issues. The organization staff is
familiar with the environmental policy and the main guides to put it into practice.

The Environmental dimension is incorporated in the most important processes from the Environmental
point of view, along the project cycle, purchasing, training, recruitment of staff, information system,
accountability, studies, research and incidence, annual strategy development and Country strategy de-
velopment.

Besides, we inform annually our environmental performance and progress on our fight against hunger
in the face of climate crisis.

© FTZ Studio, Colombia

ENVIROMENT & CLIMATE 2020/2025 9
 3. MINIMUM STANDARDS

ENGAGEMENT 1.
We are accountable of our environmental impact and outline our way of working in the face of climate change.

PRINCIPLE 1.1: We know our carbon footprint.

MINIMUM STANDARDS:
The Carbon Footprint of our operations in the field is calculated using an international accepted me-
thodology.

The Carbon Footprint of our Headquarter and operations in Spain is calculated using an international
accepted methodology and will consider a wide scope of elements: energy, transport, supplies,
equipment, information and communication technologies.

PRINCIPLE 1.2: We assess the environmental impact of our projects.

MINIMUM STANDARDS:
We promote, protect, and respect environmental rights and ensure that specific environmental regulations,
whether available, are applied in our interventions in countries with high environmental risks.

Projects are subjected to environmental and climate screening to assess their risk, with a gender
perspective, and have an environment marker.

High environmental risk projects have an Environmental Impact Analysis.

PRINCIPLE 1.3: We study the interlink between our core mandate and climate change and outline
our way of working for a climate against hunger.

MINIMUM STANDARDS:
We identify the challenges, our strengths in our contexts in the face of the adaptation and mitigation of
climate change.

We define our niche and our role with regard to the fight against hunger under a climate sensitive approach.

ENGAGEMENT 2.
We promote actions oriented to be at the forefront of the fight against hunger under a climate and
environmental approach.

PRINCIPLE 2.1: We care for the natural resources.

MINIMUM STANDARDS:
We ensure that no project contaminates aquifers, water bodies, soil and air as well as no project depletes
natural resources locally.

A standard system to detect and manage hazardous waste exists and all hazardous waste is
properly managed.

Alignment with the EU’s Green Public Procurement (GPP).

© Eric Simiand, Central African Republic

ENVIROMENT & CLIMATE 2020/2025 11
Promotion of good practices for suppliers, good use of equipment and services, and good travel and ENGAGEMENT 3.
mobility practices. We are transparent and exemplary in transforming our fight against hunger in the face of climate crisis.

The consumption of the main resources used such as energy, water, vehicles, computer equipment, PRINCIPLE 3.1: We are engaged to reduce our carbon footprint and environmental impact.
telecommunications, and office supplies is monitored.
MINIMUM STANDARDS:
PRINCIPLE 2.2: We increase the availability of and access to multi-hazard early warning systems The “Carbon Neutral” principle is included in our strategic planning.
and disaster risk information in order to be able to anticipate and reshape our programming under a
climate-sensitive approach. We put in place a plan for GHG reduction targets and compensation with time schedule, measures and
resources
MINIMUM STANDARDS:
We increase our predictive capacity on the basis of innovative solutions for surveillance and particularly PRINCIPLE 3.2: We transform our relationship with our stakeholders.
in area of high exposure to climate change.
MINIMUM STANDARDS:
We anticipate our actions in the face of disaster events and advocate for this window of opportunity In our relationship with stakeholders and all the related documents and templates, we inform about this
amongst our stakeholders. Policy and ask for alignment and compliance.

PRINCIPLE 2.3: We define and develop adapted actions to overcome the consequences of climate When high-risk or impact environmental issues are detected, stakeholders are informed.
change on hunger.
Environmental criteria will be incorporated in tenders and requests for equipment or services.
MINIMUM STANDARDS:
We define our strategy to face and overcome the consequences of climate change on hunger at global In the evaluation procedure, the good environmental performance of the products and suppliers is
level with regard to the most vulnerable groups and particularly undernourished children; women; elderly positively valued.
and disable people.
PRINCIPLE 3.3: We bet for more competences and systems, able to systematize our climate and
We define a set of actions and adapted measures according to our expertise and able to build resilience, environmental awareness and inform on our progress.
reducing needs and supporting sustainable livelihoods to adapt to future shocks.
MINIMUM STANDARDS:
At all levels where our projects are developed, we involve all the actors towards on planning, budgeting We provide continuous training to our staff and induce our new staff on how to mainstream environmental
and shaping policies for building resilience capacities. and climate aspects in our project and operations.

We incorporate the environmental dimension in our procedures.

We build an Action Plan to put in place this Policy, associated to our international strategy.

We measure and make available our environmental impact and performance.

We inform annually our progress on our fight against hunger in the face of climate crisis.

© Lys Arango
ENVIROMENT & CLIMATE 2020/2025 13
 BIBLIOGRAPHY

GRAIN (2011) Food and climate change: the forgotten link. Against the Grain, September 2011

Martens, et al (1995) Potential impact of global climate change on malaria risk. Environmental Health Perspectives,
volume 103, number 5

Patz, et al (1998) Dengue fever epidemic potential as projected by general circulation models of global climate
change. Environmental health perspectives, 106(3): 147–153

Kolstad, et al (2011) Uncertainties Associated with Quantifying Climate Change Impacts on Human Health: A
Case Study for Diarrhea. Environmental Health Perspectives, volume 119, number 3, 299-305

Pascual, et al (2000) Cholera Dynamics and El Niño-Southern Oscillation. Science 289, 1766-1769

Patz, et al (2005) Impact of regional climate change on human health. Nature 438, 310-317

McMichael, et al (2006) Climate change and human health: present and future risks. The Lancet, Volume 367,
Issue 9513, 11–17 March 2006, Pages 859–869

Costello, et al (2009) Managing the health effects of climate change. The Lancet, Volume 373, No. 9676,
p1693–1733

Watson, et al (2007). Epidemics after Natural Disasters. Emerging Infectious Diseases, 13(1),1

Callaghan, et al (2007) Health Concerns of Women and Infants in Times of Natural Disasters: Lessons Learned
from Hurricane Katrina. Maternal and Child Health Journal, Volume 11, Issue 4, pp 307–311

© Susana Vera
ENVIROMENT & CLIMATE 2020/2025 15
FOR FOOD.
FOR WATER.
FOR HEALTH.
FOR NUTRITION.
FOR KNOWLEDGE.
FOR CHILDREN.
FOR COMMUNITIES.
FOR EVERYONE.
FOR GOOD.
FOR ACTION.
AGAINST HUNGER.

C/ Duque de Sevilla, 3.
28002 Madrid
Tel. +34 91 391 53 00
Fax +34 91 391 53 01
www.accioncontraelhambre.org