Community resilience: Gardens and water harvesting in the face of climate change

Climate change has become one of the most pressing issues of the 21st century, manifesting through extreme weather phenomena that affect millions of people around the world. The environmental crisis is not only reflected in rising temperatures but also in droughts, floods, wildfires, and storms that disproportionately impact vulnerable communities. In this context, community gardens and rainwater harvesting emerge as effective strategies to strengthen the resilience of communities facing these challenges. The data is compelling: people living in low- and middle-income countries are five times more likely to be forcibly displaced due to natural disasters. A clear example of this vulnerability is seen in the recent flooding in Venice, which left thousands homeless and exposed to serious health risks. However, the case of the Italian city is not unique; in 2019, Cyclone Idai devastated Mozambique, causing the deaths of over a thousand people and affecting millions in their access to basic services. Natural disasters not only destroy infrastructure but also create a breeding ground for the spread of diseases, exacerbate mental health issues, and overwhelm the healthcare systems of affected communities. A study published in the journal Nature highlights that the poorest and most densely populated communities suffer the most from the consequences of climate change, revealing a clear relationship between vulnerability and socioeconomic conditions. Bangladesh is a paradigmatic case, where nearly 50% of the population lives in poverty and faces constant flooding. On the other hand, in Australia, the wildfires of 2019-2020 ravaged millions of hectares, causing not only human loss but also a profound impact on biodiversity and environmental health. Meanwhile, water stress in agricultural regions, such as East Africa, has led to a food insecurity crisis affecting millions, particularly the most vulnerable, including children. Scientific evidence shows that the distribution of the impacts of climate change is deeply unequal. Communities living in poverty often have fewer resources to adapt to and respond to these phenomena, leaving them exposed to elevated risks to their health and safety. These socioeconomic factors limit their capacity to respond, highlighting the need to implement equitable approaches and adaptive strategies to protect these groups. Oxfam International's report states that the richest 1% of the planet generates twice the carbon emissions of the poorest half of the global population. This disparity is not only alarming but underscores the urgency of adopting policies that fairly distribute resources and responsibilities in the fight against climate change. The most vulnerable communities cannot continue to bear the burden of a crisis they did not cause. In light of this reality, the implementation of public policies that address these inequalities is crucial. Concrete initiatives such as the grant program from the Commission for Environmental Cooperation among Mexico, the United States, and Canada have proven effective. Since 2021, this program has supported 42 projects that include rainwater harvesting and community gardens, examples that show how it is possible to reduce vulnerability to climate change. Community gardens, in particular, not only provide a solution to food insecurity but also strengthen social fabric by fostering collaboration and support among community members. These initiatives enable people to grow their own food, which is especially critical in areas where access to fresh produce is limited. Additionally, they contribute to environmental sustainability and promote education on responsible agricultural practices. It is essential for governments, businesses, and communities to work together to develop effective response strategies to climate change. At the individual level, every citizen can contribute by supporting environmental policies and participating in community initiatives. Collective efforts are a fundamental pathway to building a more just and sustainable future, where climate inequality is finally addressed. Climate change represents an unprecedented challenge, but through community action and the implementation of equitable policies, we can work towards a more resilient future. The key lies in recognizing that we are all part of this struggle and that together, we can face the challenges posed by climate change, ensuring a healthier and fairer environment for generations to come.