Adapting to Climate Change- A Guide

Toward Resilience - A Guide to Disaster Risk Reduction and Climate Change Adaptation(194 page pdf, Marilise Turnbull, Charlotte L. Sterrett, Amy Hilleboe, Emergency Capacity Building Project , Jan. 2013)

Today we review a report that is aimed at adapting to climate change in developing countries with emphasis on the particular vulnerability of women and children to the disasters which are increasing as climate change and its impacts continue to intensify. Examples are given on applying ten principles which appear to be as valid for urban cities as for the case studies in rural third world countries.
Key Quotes:

“The guide provides essential introductory information, principals of effective practice, guidelines for action in a range of sectors and settings, case studies and links to useful tools and resources, for the application of an integrated, rights-based approach to disaster reduction and climate change adaptation.”

 “Climate change is altering the face of disaster risk, not only through increased weather related risks and sea-level and temperature rises, but also through increases in societal vulnerabilities, for example, from stresses on water availability, agriculture and ecosystems.”

"principles for an integrated approach to disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation:"

• "Increase understanding of the hazard and climate change context
• Increase understanding of exposure, vulnerability and capacity
• Recognize rights and responsibilities
• Strengthen participation of, and action by, the population at risk
• Promote systemic engagement and change
• Foster synergy between multiple levels
• Instill flexibility and responsiveness
• Address different timescales
• Do no harm:”

“Wherever disaster risk is high for the population in general, it is likely to be higher for children…..children’s future wellbeing is also likely to be compromised by a reduction in household income, disruption to education, and loss or sickness of family members on whom they depend…Children usually make up more than half the population in vulnerable communities, urban neighborhoods and countries. Involving them in its design and implementation increases the likelihood of a resilience-building program or policy being responsive to their needs.”

‘Disaster and climate change risks are not gender-neutral. The nature and extent of their exposure and vulnerability is different for women, men, girls and boys.. Their [women’s] vulnerability may also be conditioned by cultural roles that restrict them from developing knowledge and skills that would enable them to save lives and prevent disaster losses, such as learning to swim, or participating in public meetings.“

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