A single contribution can change the world
Nordics take their responsibility to share their wealth and knowledge with the world seriously. One way they’re educating the world and bringing it to the next level is through the Nordic Development Fund.
According to the Nordic Development Fund (NDF) site, there are projects all over the world in progress to help developing nations create and implement a feasible plan to address current and future needs. What began as a vehicle for social and economic development, in 2009 pivoted to focus on climate change interventions in low-income countries. See the NDF Annual Report.
There have been a large number of reports in recent news about the growing climate crisis. Forecasting climate change on a global scale, these reports predict higher temperatures, more torrential rain and stronger storms. Due to the intense new weather patterns, what was once fertile ground is becoming dry and useless or flooded during the growing season. The world will need to adapt if we are to continue producing enough food for the current population. See this article for more information.
The Nordic fund seems to be pre-empting this change through their projects, teaching techniques and funding initiatives that will provide lasting results. They call it climate resilience.
Why are they so interested in climate change adaptation and mitigation? Perhaps because they see the effects sooner than we do. Take the seed bank in Longyearbyen, Norway. Experts predicted the thawed permafrost at the entrance would freeze again soon after construction, but it hasn’t frozen again since they built it. In 2007. Perhaps that would raise a few eyebrows, especially when the local temperatures have been increasing so quickly there compared to the rest of the world.
I would love to be able to contribute to these Nordic causes. But their donations are on a level I cannot hope to match. Fortunately, there are other options for those of us who want to join the humanitarian effort. One such option is Kiva. This non-profit allows everyday citizens to make a difference in the world by providing micro loans to individuals in low-income areas. Contribution levels are low, but it is still a risky endeavor. View the loan as a gift and you should have no problems. If it is repaid, you can re-gift it to others. The more you pay it forward, the better you’ll feel about yourself and humanity at large.
What did I learn from this?
Work to improve the world. Share your personal wealth and knowledge with others.