Oxfam estimates that over the last 20 years, the need for humanitarian aid has increased by 800% due to weather-related emergencies. Climate activists want private donors to take bold moves to deal with this unfolding threat.
While they all agree that philanthropy could help fill funding shortfalls, some argue that it has thus far worked within a traditional system that is steeped in colonialism and capitalism — and this needs to change.
Philanthropy is meant to fill gaps created by exploitative global systems but private donors have continued working within the same space that perpetuates exploitation, a situation that has ended up doing more harm to last-mile communities struggling with emergencies such as the climate crisis, Gloria Mugabekazi, a feminist funder working in Uganda, said during a recent WINGSForum held in Nairobi ahead of the 28th United Nations Climate Change Conference, or COP 28.
About the author
David Njagi
David Njagi is a Kenya-based Devex Contributing Reporter with over 12 years’ experience in the field of journalism. He graduated from the Technical University of Kenya with a diploma in journalism and public relations. He has reported for local and international media outlets, such as the BBC Future Planet, Reuters AlertNet, allAfrica.com, Inter Press Service, Science and Development Network, Mongabay Reporting Network, and Women’s Media Center.
