International Strategy for Disaster Reduction (ISDR)

Disaster risk reduction and adaptation to climate change

Disaster risk reduction is critically important to adapting to the changing climate. Disaster risk reduction and adaptation to climate change share the same ultimate goal of reducing vulnerability to weather and climate hazards. Disaster risk reduction efforts are guided by the Hyogo Framework for Action 2005-2015: Building the Resilience of Nations and Communities to Disasters, to which 168 Governments agreed in Hyogo, Kobe, Japan, in 2005. The Framework aims for “the substantial reduction of disaster losses, in lives and in the social, economic and environmental assets of communities and countries.” As part of its text, Governments agreed to integrate climate change adaptation and disaster risk reduction through:

The Hyogo Framework calls on countries to reduce underlying risks by integrating risk reduction measures and climate change adaptation. This will enable current and future efforts for climate change adaptation to benefit from practical experience in disaster risk reduction.

The benefits of disaster risk reduction
In some cases, even relatively simple structural measures could yield both short and long-term benefits to climate variability and change, such as bracing and securing roof trusses and walls using straps, clips or adhesives to reduce hurricane damages. Property-owners in the US Gulf States who implemented all the recommended hurricane protection methods suffered only one-eighth of the damages from Hurricane Katrina than those who did not implement such methods. The result was that investment by property-owners of $2.5 million avoided damages of over $500 million. This is a prime example of cost-effective adaptation.

The first step is good governance: planning, budgeting and implementing policies to avoid settlement in hazardous areas and ensure that hospitals, schools, transportation and water systems are hazard resistant, for instance. To ensure that such measures work responsibilities need to be clear, enforcement effective and budgets appropriate.

A second step is to understand the risks we face and take action based on that knowledge. We need to use risk knowledge to develop effective early warning systems. When early warning systems provide information about a hazard to a vulnerable population, and plans are in place to take action, thousands of lives can be saved.

A third step is raising awareness and educating young and old alike so they can reduce their own vulnerability. Many countries are taking such steps, through the media and in schools.

The fourth step is changing practices and conditions that aggravate risk, such as environmental degradation and poverty. Protecting precious ecosystems, such as coral reefs and mangrove forests, allows them to act as natural storm barriers. Effective insurance and micro-finance initiatives can help to transfer risks and provide additional resources.

A fifth and crucial step is to prepare for the disasters that will inevitably strike by having contingency plans in place and emergency funds established, as well as regularly conducting simulation exercises.

If we follow these five steps, as called for in the Hyogo Framework, we will reduce our vulnerability and be better prepared for climate change impacts. However, we are not moving fast enough in this direction, and the vulnerability of populations is growing. The risk of not taking action now to incorporate climate change in policies for public services, such as natural resource protection and disaster risk reduction, may leave a significant public liability either because the private sector will no longer carry the risk, for example by refusing to offer flood insurance, or because of the sharply rising costs of disaster recovery and public safety. Land-use planning and performance standards to cite but two should enable and encourage both private and public investment in buildings, long-lived capital and infrastructure to take account of climate change.