Climate change resilience

What we believe

The Salvation Army believes people are made in the image of God. He has entrusted us to reflect his personality by caring for the Earth and everything in it.

The Salvation Army recognises environmental degradation as one of the most pressing issues facing the world today, affecting us all. Its effects fall disproportionately on the most vulnerable, particularly in terms of health, livelihood, shelter and the opportunity to make choices. The very survival of humanity depends on the health of the whole ecosystem.

In addition to being compelled by the lived experience, The Salvation Army also accepts the scientific evidence that demands action on all levels to lessen the effects of environmental damage. It is committed to sustainable environmental practices which are required to safeguard the integrity of creation.

Read our international positional statement on the environment

Climate change resilience

54,164
people will benefit from community resilience projects in 2024
300
people from 50 countries attended an online symposium on climate change
7
countries where conservation agriculture techniques are being used

‘Climate change is not just an environmental issue, but a social justice issue that is not gender-neutral.’

Headshot of Colonel Diana MacDonald

Colonel Diana MacDonald, Territorial Commander, Pakistan Territory

Colonel MacDonald encouraged the territory to plant trees across Pakistan as a result of attending a Salvation Army symposium on climate change adaptation and resilience.

Conservation agriculture and food security

A group standing in a pearl millet field

Conservation agriculture in Zimbabwe

A Salvation Army project in the north of Zimbabwe is promoting conservation agriculture to help local farmers adapt to climate change.

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People sort harvested crops

Muko Agriculture and Food Security Project

The Muko Agriculture and Food Security Project in Rwanda aims to empower local farming communities with technical skills and food security.

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A woman tends to plants in a fenced garden

Mseto Resilience Project

Food security intervention is delivered through the Mseto resilience project improving and equipping families with farming knowledge and skills relevant to the context of climate change.

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Conservation agriculture

Within communities in Mali, The Salvation Army has equipped small-scale farmers in organic fertiliser production techniques, enhancing agricultural productivity while conserving the environment.

A project beneficiary shares his experience: 

First, I have acquired an awakening of consciousness during and after the training. I thought the use of chemical fertilisers would increase my incomes. But I was destroying my health, endangering my family, my soil and my environment without knowing it. The training helped me discover it. Now I am able to work with less expenses through homemade fertilisers that are beneficial not only for health but also for environmental conservation.

Similarly, in Kenya, The Salvation Army has supported communities where there has been prolonged drought to promote food security by introducing conservation agriculture techniques to maximise crop production, even in challenging conditions.

These measures include crop diversification, crop rotation and minimising soil disturbance.

A field in Kenya