This document is a handbook on current and recently completed programs implemented by the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC). It discusses the International Federation’s goals, priorities, fundamental principles, and exemplary projects aimed at addressing disaster risks associated with climate change. The paper begins by underlining the IFRC’s global goals for the period between 2006 and 2010. These goals include: a) reducing human deaths and injuries that occur as a result of the adverse effects of disasters and diseases; b) increasing the capacity of local communities, civil society, and Red Cross Red Crescent Societies to effectively tackle the most pressing cases of vulnerability; and c) promoting diversity, tolerance, and social integration. These goals are based on the idea that reducing community vulnerabilities to natural hazards will ultimately result in the reduction or mitigation of disaster impacts. To better articulate its views on reducing or mitigating disaster impacts, the IFRC makes reference to the Hyogo Framework for Action (HFA), which focuses on building resilient nations and communities. The IFRC emphasizes the role the HFA framework in informing communities in their efforts to increase their resilience, to strengthen their capacity to limit the occurrence of disaster, and to promote sustainable development. The IFRC contends that disaster and development are intimately connected; that disaster impedes development by notably destroying valuable infrastructure and reducing human productivity. Some of the recent Red Cross initiatives discussed in the document include disaster preparedness and contingency planning in Bangladesh; cash aid, employment generation, road construction, and environmental protection to combat food insecurity in Ethiopia; and community self-assessment in 63 Indonesian villages. These various projects highlight the varied and comprehensive nature of the IFRC’s efforts to address disaster risks.
General Risk Management
General Risk Reduction