Announcing Our Climate Roadmap: A Path to Environmental Responsibility

As we look to the future, envisioning a path to a more harmonious, just, peaceful and inclusive world, the reality of the ecological crisis we are facing cannot be ignored. While NP’s work focuses on preventing violence and protecting civilians impacted by conflict it is clear that not only do we need to adapt our programming to include climate-related protection concerns, but as an organization we must also learn to be better climate citizens. It is simply not enough for us to contribute to mitigating the impact of climate change for others, we must, as NP, proactively and intentionally ensure that our operations are as clean and gentle as possible for the planet.

Knowledge is power. In order to prepare ourselves for this journey, NP has partnered with the Climate Action Accelerator (CAA) to complete an organizational-wide assessment of our carbon footprint. In doing so, we have the information that we need to know where we are and what we need to do together to achieve our commitment to reducing NP’s carbon footprint by 50% by 2030.

We invite each and every individual involved with NP to be an active participant in this journey, both within the organization and in their personal lives. Together, we can make a positive impact and contribute to a more sustainable future.

We Must Act Now

Climate change, conflict and the protection of civilians are intimately connected. The climate crisis erodes our physical environment and cascades into social interactions. Resources, communities' relationships, economics, and social security nets are put under great stress. The evidence from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) reports is clear: climate change is a risk multiplier as it aggravates existing vulnerabilities and inequalities. Conflicts are exacerbated, which hinder further climate responses and, in the midst of it all, civilians struggle against an onslaught of threats to their security, well-being, and livelihoods.

The urgency of the climate crisis demands immediate action. Climate change is accelerating faster than anticipated, threatening ecosystems and humanity's future. As a global crisis, all actions count, and organizations like NP have the power to inspire others to join in climate action efforts.

Our commitments

• We will reduce our carbon emissions by 50% by 2030 compared to 2019, without purchasing carbon offset credits.
• We will reduce air travel mileage by 35% by 2030, introduce sustainable travel practices everywhere feasible and promote the use of train instead of European short hauls.
• As of 2024, we will implement an Environmental Guideline, setting out the criteria that guide us in each of our travel and purchasing decisions.
• We will switch to fossil free energy by default in all our facilities, aiming to reach 90% of carbon free electricity in our yearly consumption by 2030.
• Our offices lead by example, implementing eco practices at work and adopting a zero single use plastics policy.
• Each NP staff and partner has the opportunity to contribute to change and to the implementation of environmentally friendly practices. We invest in their training, giving them the tools and the means to act.
• We integrate environmental and climate issues into our programming, acting for the promotion and dissemination of environmental actions among the communities we serve and the community organizations we partner with.
• We learn from our partners, support them and influence actors in our ecosystem along the path of a demanding climate and environmental commitment. We share our experience and tools and are transparent each year on our progress and challenges.

See the Roadmap Now

* * *

We extend our gratitude to all NP staff and collaborators who contributed to the development of this roadmap. Special thanks to the Climate Action Accelerator for their support in producing this roadmap and facilitating our journey towards environmental responsibility.

The Climate Action Accelerator is a non-profit initiative dedicated to mobilizing community organizations to scale up climate solutions and combat global warming. Their goal is to help sectors like aid, health, and higher education achieve emissions reduction targets in line with the Paris Agreement.