The document acknowledges many of the fundamental correlations between climate change adaptation (CCA) and disaster risk reduction (DRR). It represents the growing understanding and collaboration taking hold in these two fields. It starts out by outlining the linkages between the two fields, effectively answering the question of whether or not one can develop effective DRR initiatives if they do not have a background in CCA. Simply put, one cannot. The document clearly demonstrates that the differences between the two policy areas have nothing to do with formal barriers in communication and collaboration. It notes that practitioners in both fields tend to work together because DRR is the bridge linking CCA, development, poverty reduction, science, and education, to name a few fields. The relationship between CCA and DRR is illustrated through 8 CCA/DRR case studies. These case studies cover: climate change and disaster management measures to address flood risk in the city of Pune, India; strategic action planning to address climate disaster risks in the Maldives; adaptation to water-related disaster risks in the Andean Highlands of Peru; legislation in the Philippines declaring DRR a critical element in addressing climate-related risks; integration of CCA and DRR across sectors in Samoa; drought risks and water resource management in South Africa; a comprehensive adaptation strategy that emphasizes disaster risk management in London, United Kingdom; and the Vietnam government’s actions to increase links between its DRR and CCA programmes. The document presents six actions that governments should take to improve their capacity to adapt to climate-related disaster risks. These include identifying and mapping the institutions, policies, and mechanisms already in existence that engage in DRR, and those that carry out CCA; cataloging information on hazards, exposure, vulnerability, and risks; bringing all stakeholders to the table to determine areas for collaboration, policy harmonization, and closing gaps; promoting capacity-building in CCA and DRR; establishing projects that integrate CCA and DRR objectives; and ensuring that adaptation planning is multi-sectoral and development-oriented.
General Disaster Risk Reduction
Climate change