Guardian and Observer charity appeal raises over £ 350,000 | Climate crisis

Just over a week after its launch, the Guardian and Observer charity appeal has raised more than £ 350,000 for good causes working for environmental justice in communities affected by extreme weather and climate conditions.

Almost 4,000 readers have donated to the appeal so far. The money raised will be shared between four charities: Practical action, Global Greengrants Fund United Kingdom, Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, and Foundation for Environmental Justice.

“This year’s Guardian and Observer charity appeal brings together four organizations, each in their own way, all focusing on the real victims of the climate crisis,” said one donor. “Your base notes inspired me to dig deeper into my pocket than I’ve ever done before. “

Donations have held steady so far despite the cancellation of Saturday’s annual fundraising telethon due to concerns about Omicron. The event, in which readers call journalists with donations, normally gives the appeal a big boost.

This year’s theme is Climate Justice, inspired by stories of people and communities uprooted by climate volatility, be it floods, wildfires, melting ice or drought, and supporting charities working with those most affected by environmental loss.

Introducing the appeal earlier this month, Guardian editor-in-chief Katharine Viner wrote: responsible for a tiny fraction of global emissions.

She added: “The richest countries pollute the most, but it is in the poorest that climate change is felt most, through extreme poverty, food and water insecurity and the displacement of millions. people from their homes.

Thanking readers for their generosity, Rose Longhurst, President of the Global Greengrants Fund UK, said: “I am incredibly grateful to the readers of The Guardian and The Observer for their generosity; in such a difficult year for so many people, there is a real sense of solidarity with those already hardest hit by the climate crisis.

“Grassroots communities – from the Amazon to the Arctic – protect our common planet. Your donations mean that with the Clima Fund, the Global Greengrants Fund UK will be able to support many other initiatives led by those on the front lines of climate change.