It’s been depressing to see how quickly climate change has been shoved down the political agenda, so James Cameron’s piece in today’s Times makes for a refreshing read.

Yes, we’re facing economic woes and, yes, there’s a lot to do. But dropping climate change from business and political agendas risks us saving a global economy just in time for climate change to make its mark resoundingly. What would be the point in that?

Climate change already has a grip in poor countries. Over the past few years, we’ve watched in horror as floods and hurricanes have become more devastating and frequent - but then perhaps settled back into our own routine.

Probably less acknowledged is how poor people face increasing difficulties every day as a result of climate change. They don’t make the headlines - but they are having devastating impacts on people’s health and livelihoods. Women have to walk further to find water for their children. Changing weather patterns mean that farmers are literally guessing when they should sow their seeds to feed their families and make a living. Many, for example in Uganda, have been left in the desperate situation of having those seeds washed away by unusually heavy rainfall - with no new crops, but months of dry weather. And in the coastal regions of Bangladesh, the salinisation of land makes it harder to grow crops and makes water too salty to drink.

Rich countries are generally being cushioned from climate change impacts so far. But, when James Cameron can say that London is as much at risk of rising sea levels as economic meltdown, surely this has to hit home?

Only by meeting climate change head on and tackling the issue jointly with the economic meltdown can we be assured of a real, long term future. Hand in hand, the two can help each other. Low-carbon technology can generate new jobs and a new way-of-working can complement the need to tackle climate change through, for example, low-carbon investment.

It does mean making tough decisions, but that is part of the deal anyway in this economic climate. The two must go together. To suggest that climate change should be put on the top shelf with a “to do” Post-It note on it misses an opportunity to ensure a safe and prosperous future for all but is incredibly dangerous. Inaction is not an option.

More from the Oxfam Press Office at http://www.oxfam.org.uk/news