Climate Change and Disaster Risk Management
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Material Information

Title:
Climate Change and Disaster Risk Management Towards A Resilient South Asia
Creator:
Climate Action Network of South Asia (CANSA).
Disaster Risk Reduction Program, Florida International University (DRR/FIU) ( summary contributor )
Place of Publication:
New Delhi
Publisher:
Climate Change and Disaster Risk Management
Publication Date:
Copyright Date:
2011
Language:
English

Subjects

Subjects / Keywords:
Natural hazards and disasters ( lcshac )
Climate change ( lcshac )
Genre:
non-fiction ( marcgt )

Notes

Summary:
This policy brief is an outcome of the panel discussion on Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) and Climate Change in South Asia. It highlights the various climate induced disasters that have occurred throughout the region of late, and the need for an integrated approach to building the resilience of countries in South Asia over the coming years. The South Asian region regularly faces a variety of weather-related disasters, from flooded lowlands and urban centers, to drought-stricken or cyclone-ravaged agricultural zones. While these are the traditional problems of the region, climate change is increasing the intensity and scale of these disasters. Recognizing the above facts, this policy brief discusses disaster trends related to rapid climate-change, as well as the importance of inter-governmental cooperation and commitment to new approaches such as Climate-induced Disaster Risk Management (DRM) towards reducing the vulnerability of the region’s people. The report starts with “SAARC Declaration of Disaster and Climate Change in Thimpu,” which emphasized that global negotiations on climate change should be guided by the principles of equity, as well as common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities, as enshrined in the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change. This brief considers South Asia a ‘hot spot’ of climate-induced disasters, pointing to the rapid melting of Himalayan glaciers, the gradual sinking of the Maldives Islands, and the ever-present drought conditions plaguing farmers throughout the Indian sub-continent. Although it is well recognized that DRM should be mainstreamed within development, the challenge of managing risks posed by disasters to development is becoming more difficult as climate change augments the hazard and vulnerability components of disaster risk and increases uncertainties. Discussion of the new approach to climate-induced DRM suggests an integrated approach with key priority being placed on capacity building and increasing the resilience of communities, and natural ecosystems. The focus of the least developed countries should shift from relief to risk reduction and preparedness. As disasters in South Asia habitually span beyond national borders, the brief recommends cross-border dialogue and coordinated action. It further recommends that all development projects incorporate environmental and climate-sensitive approaches, and that adaptation is integrated at the very highest levels of government planning in order to ensure low-risk, equitable human development, and poverty alleviation. ( English,English )
Subject:
Disaster Risk Reduction and Climate Change
Citation/Reference:
(2011). Climate change and disaster risk management: towards a resilient South Asia. Climate Action Network of South Asia (CANSA).

Record Information

Source Institution:
Florida International University
Rights Management:
All rights reserved by the source institution

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Aggregations:
Disaster Risk Reduction