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Atlas of Mortality and Economic Losses from Weather, Climate and Water Extremes (1970–2012)
The Atlas of Mortality and Economic Losses from Weather, Climate and Water Extremes (1970–2012) seeks to raise awareness of these and other challenges to collecting and analysing disaster risk information. It presents a worldwide analysis of extreme weather, climate and water events, drawing on the Emergency Events Database (EM-DAT), compiled by the Centre for Research on the Epidemiology of Disasters (CRED). The Atlas compares the reported impacts of meteorological, climatic and hydrological extremes (as categorized by CRED) on people and economies at both global and regional levels.
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Les déterminants du coût des catastrophes naturelles : le rôle du changement climatique en France
Peinturier Cédric; Ministère de l'Écologie, du Développement durable et de l'Énergie (MEDDE) - Gouvernement de France, 2014L’objectif de l’étude est d’établir un bref état de l’art dans le domaine de l’économie des risques naturels et du changement climatique, afin, à la fois, de donner des clés de lecture des événements passés et de comprendre les points critiques des prochaines décennies.
L’étude s’appuie sur de nombreuses publications scientifiques. Elle constitue une synthèse, non exhaustive, des réflexions et travaux menés au cours des dernières années par les experts économistes et techniques. Il s’agit d’abord d’expliquer, sur la base de ces travaux scientifiques, l’augmentation des coûts des ...
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Can't afford to wait: why disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation plans in Asia are still failing millions of people
Oxfam, 2014This briefing note is calling for governments across Asia to increase efforts to address climate-related disasters – and for them to be backed by regional and global institutions and with fair contributions from wealthy countries. It argues that greater investment is needed in development that is resilient to climate change and disasters, and more effective assistance is needed for those at risk. Without it, disasters on the scale of super-typhoon Haiyan could fast become the norm, not the exception.
DBCP Technical Document, 49. Proceedings of the Second Capacity Building Workshop of the DBCP for the North Pacific Ocean and its Marginal Seas (NPOMS-2) : Application of Regional Ocean Observations for Increasing Society’s Understanding and Forecasting of Typhoons
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Recommendations for the post-2015 Hyogo Framework for Action (HFAII) : calling for increased attention to the need for integrated water and wetland management to reduce disaster risk
This paper summarizes a set of recommendations on wetlands for inclusion in the post-2015 HFA, calling for increased attention to the need for integrated water and wetland management to reduce disaster risk. It argues that emerging trends in disaster risks underline the need to consider the role of water and wetland management as important elements of disaster risk reduction and risk management strategy as wetlands are crucial in regulating the water cycle by reducing peak flood flows, storing excessive precipitation or recharging groundwater.
World risk report 2014: focus - the city as a risk area
Alliance Development Works ; United Nations University Institute for Environment and Human Security (UNU-EHS) - UNU, 2014This WorldRiskReport (WRR) consists of an index, a priority topic and case studies. The index describes the disaster risk for various countries and regions. The WorldRiskReport was developed in close cooperation between scientists and practitioners. Combined expertise, i.e. scientific structure and procedure and practical competence distinguish this report from comparable academic studies.
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Rapidly assessing flood damage in Uttarakhand, India
This brochure is part of a series highlighting the World Bank's achievements in disaster risk management initiatives. It reports on the Joint Rapid Damage Needs Assessment (JRDNA) conducted immediately in the aftermath of the 2013 monsoons, which triggered the collapse of a glacial lake dam and causing heavy flooding and landslides that claimed upwards of 4,000 lives and affected nearly a million people. This brochure describes the approach taken in recovering from to these events and offers lessons learned.
Tropical Cyclone Intensity Analysis
This lesson provides guidance for operational forecasters needing to combine different intensity methods to determine the intensity of a tropical cyclone. Each of the intensity methods is summarized, focusing on both strengths and weaknesses. These methods include the Dvorak technique, surface observations, scatterometry, the Advanced Dvorak Technique (ADT), microwave sounders (AMSU), SATCON, and subjective interpretation of passive microwave patterns. Consideration of the previous intensity estimate and forecast is also examined. Three case studies task the learner with combining the various ...
Primary Influences on Water Temperature for Inland Streams
This lesson explores the primary influences, or drivers, on water temperature of inland streams and rivers. We use a simulated flight, or flyover, where we look down at the features of the South Boise River in Idaho. An unregulated as well as a regulated reach of the river are explored (above and below the Anderson Ranch Reservoir), with a look at cross sections of the river and its environment at key locations during the flyover. We explore how environmental factors (climate, geography, stream morphology) impact water temperatures. Then, after defining the factors that affect water temperatur ...
Climate Variability and Change Lectures, July 2013
This lesson presents 13 recorded presentations from the 29 July–2 August, 2013 offering of the Climate Variability and Change Virtual Course (CVCVC). This five-day live facilitated online course provided an extensive background on a range of climate variability and change topics with an emphasis on developing communication skills for challenging climate topics. The topics covered in this course, while aimed primarily at NOAA operational climate services delivery staff will also be helpful for others who already possess a basic level of understanding of climate science. Presentations include: W ...
Establishment and Operation of a Flood Information System in the Hindu Kush Himalayas “Making information travel faster than floods”, HKH HYCOS User Phase 2015-2019 : Project Document
International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD); World Meteorological Organization (WMO) - WMO, 2014Submitted to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Government of Finland by International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD), Kathmandu, Nepal
SDS-WAS. Regional Center for Northern Africa, Middle East and Europe of the WMO Sand and Dust Storm Warning Advisory and Assessment System : activity report 2010-2012
This report presents the Center’s activities in the 2010-2012 period. It reports on its efforts to build capacity in the region and to develop user services to reduction of adverse impacts of dust in countries heavily impacted by dust storms. There remain important SDS-WAS research issues to be considered and it is hoped that the Center will continue to play a coordinating role in addressing these. These research topics include the assimilation of observations in numerical dust prediction models; role of dust chemical/mineral composition on health and environment; direct and indirect interacti ...
SPC SOPAC Published Report, 187. Hydrometeorological Disasters in the Pacific
Holland Paula; United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNISDR) - Secretariat of the Pacific Community (SPC), 2014It is a long accepted fact that the Pacific is one of the most natural disaster prone regions in the world. Aside from the threat of seismic events, such as earthquakes, tsunamis and volcanic activities, the Pacific region is subject to a wide range of hydrometeorological hazards. […]
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Managing drought, sustaining growth in Djibouti
This brochure is part of a series highlighting the World Bank's achievements in disaster risk management initiatives. The brochure offers lessons learned on managing disaster risk and promoting urban resilience and it presents Bangladesh's path-breaking Urban Resilience Project, the product of a collaborative effort among the government, the World Bank, and GFDRR, which equips key government agencies with state-of-the art emergency management facilities and improves construction permitting processes.
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Haïti, ensemble face aux risques
The booklet gives an overview of disaster risk management (DRM) achievements in the period between January 2010 and January 2015 in Haiti, one of the countries in the world that is most vulnerable to disasters. It presents accomplishments (i) in mainstreaming DRM in the reconstruction work after the 2010 earthquake, (ii) in stronger coordination between stakeholders (the government, NGOs, international donor agencies, etc.), (iii) in improvements in identifying, assessing and monitoring disaster risks, including the use of mapping and spatial technologies, and (iv) in increasing resilience wit ...
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Haiti, facing risks together: achievements in disaster risk management since 2010
The booklet gives an overview of disaster risk management (DRM) achievements in the period between January 2010 and January 2015 in Haiti, one of the countries in the world that is most vulnerable to disasters. It presents accomplishments (i) in mainstreaming DRM in the reconstruction work after the 2010 earthquake, (ii) in stronger coordination between stakeholders (the government, NGOs, international donor agencies, etc.), (iii) in improvements in identifying, assessing and monitoring disaster risks, including the use of mapping and spatial technologies, and (iv) in increasing resilience wit ...
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Promoting the use of climate information to achieve long-term development objectives in sub-Saharan Africa : results from the Future Climate For Africa scoping phase
This report is based on initial research into the use of long-term (5-40 year) climate information in Malawi, Rwanda, Zambia and the coastal cities of Accra, Ghana and Maputo, Mozambique to achieve long-term development objectives in sub-Saharan Africa . The study also assesses how long-term climate information is being used by planners of large dams and ports in Africa. The research finds that governments and businesses are failing to consider long-term climate information in investment planning: in most of the case study countries, not a single example of climate information being effectivel ...
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Beyond reaction : drought and climate change in Central America
CARE International (CI), 2014This document is a joint research report that was presented on the 5th of December during COP20 and on the 9th of December at the People's Summit in Lima, Peru. It argues that, for the construction of new governance under difficult conditions due to the drought and the impacts of climate change in Central America, it is urgent not only to allocate financial resources for adaptation, but also to take synergic actions that will implicate the civil society and the governments.
Based on the expected impacts of climate change for Central America, presented through various forecast s ...
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Natural catastrophes and man-made disasters in 2013
This issue presents an overview, both global and regional, of the catastrophes that occurred in 2013 and their impacts in terms of number of victims and economic and insured losses. It includes a chapter on fostering climate change resilience, which argues that dealing with climate change requires a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions alongside an integrated approach to disaster risk management and describes how cost-effective adaptation measures could avoid up to 68% of climate change risks. It also focuses on Typhoon Haiyan, which was the biggest humanitarian catastrophe of the year.
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Climate finance: is it making a difference? : A review of the effectiveness of multilateral climate funds
This report analyses a decade of contributions and spending to nine major international and two national funds set-up to tackle climate change. Funds have been subject to considerable scrutiny and have become increasingly inclusive, seeking to respond to guidance from diverse stakeholders. Active engagement from civil society and the private sector with these funds can bring new issues and perspectives to bear on decisions made. The report conclusions provide recommendations on how climate-finance architecture can become more effective.
Effective spending of multilateral climat ...
National Drought Management Policy Guidelines : a template for action
The implementation of a drought policy based on the philosophy of risk reduction can alter a nation’s approach to drought management by reducing the associated impacts (risk). This was the idea that motivated the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), the Secretariat of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), in collaboration with a number of UN agencies, international and regional organizations, and key national agencies, to organize the Highlevel Meeting on National Drought Policy (HMNDP), which ...
Turn down the heat: confronting the new climate normal
World Bank the - World Bank, 2014This report focuses on the risks of climate change to development in Latin America and the Caribbean, the Middle East and North Africa, and parts of Europe and Central Asia. For each region, the report addresses the regional patterns of climate change, such as heat extremes, extreme precipitation, droughts, tropical cyclones/hurricanes, and sea-level rise.
Building on earlier Turn Down the Heat reports, this new scientific analysis examines the likely impacts of present day (0.8°C), 2°C and 4°C warming above pre-industrial temperatures on agricultural production, water resource ...
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Resilience to extreme weather
The Royal Society, 2014This document investigates how we can reduce the impact of extreme weather today while preparing ourselves for future changes, and what we can do to build our resilience. The authors explore these and other key questions to help inform important decisions about adaptation and risk reduction that are being made at global, national and local levels.
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Financial protection against natural disasters : from products to comprehensive strategies - an operational framework for disaster risk financing and insurance
This publication proposes an operational framework to guide countries in developing and implementing sustainable and cost-effective financial protection policies and operations which complement investments in risk reduction, prevention, and building resilience in order to support governments, businesses, and households manage the financial impacts of disaster and climate risks without compromising sustainable development, fiscal stability, or wellbeing. It addresses residual risk, which is either not feasible or not cost effective to reduce or prevent. It also takes stock of the progress in th ...
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Review of the zero draft of the post-2015 framework for disaster risk reduction
This paper presents the Overseas Development Institute and CDKN experts' analysis and suggestions for improvement of the latest draft of the post-2015 framework for disaster risk reduction (DRR), which governments will look over in Geneva on the 17th and 18th November. This meeting represents the last major gathering before the World Conference on DRR in Sendai, Japan in March 2015.
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Managing disaster risks for a resilient future : a work plan for the Global Facility for Disaster Reduction and Recovery 2015-2017
This work plan lays out how the Global Facility for Disaster Reduction and Recovery (GFDRR) will continue to implement its Strategy 2013–2015. It responds to priorities articulated by disaster-prone countries based on GFDRR’s established relationships with partners through its portfolio of projects. It focuses on activities and results to be supported by the new multi-donor trust fund (MDTF), for which GFDRR must mobilize new resources. It also includes activities and results to be financed in FY15 from the balance of the existing MDTFs. Additional activities have been separately planned using ...
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Working as one : a road map to disaster resilience for Australia
Barnes Paul; Bergin Anthony; Nichola Daniel; et al. - Australian government publishing service, 2014This special report offers a roadmap for enhancing Australia’s disaster resilience, building on the 2011 National Strategy for Disaster Resilience. It includes a snapshot of relevant issues and current resilience efforts in Australia, outlining key challenges and opportunities. It sets out 11 recommendations to help guide Australia towards increasing national resilience, from individuals and local communities through to state and federal agencies.
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Tourism and disaster risk : a contribution by the United Nations to the consultation leading to the Third UN World Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction (WCDRR)
United Nations, 2014This document provides some recommendations for addressing disaster risk in tourism in the post-2015 framework for disaster risk reduction. It presents: (i) status of mainstreaming disaster risk reduction in tourism; (ii) the drivers for mainstreaming disaster risk reduction into the tourism sector; (iii) recommendations for addressing disaster risk in tourism in the post-2015 framework for disaster risk reduction; (iv) measuring disaster risk in tourism; (v) a list of agencies contributing and a brief description of institutional commitment; and (vi) key documents/source of additional info.
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Infrastructure and disaster : a contribution by the United Nations to the consultation leading to the Third UN World Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction (WCDRR)
United Nations, 2014This document provides recommendations for addressing disaster risk in infrastructure in the post-2015 framework for disaster risk reduction. It presents: (i) the status of mainstreaming disaster risk reduction in the infrastructure sector, reporting on the progress and highlighting some emerging trends; (ii) the drivers for mainstreaming disaster risk reduction into the infrastructure sector; (iii) recommendations for addressing hazard risks in the infrastructure sector in the post-2015 framework for disaster risk reduction; (iv) measuring disaster risk in the infrastructure sector; (v) a lis ...
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Hyogo Framework for Action, post-2015 : what would we like to see. Voices from the field
This Delphi study aims to feed lessons learned from working and implementing projects on disaster risk reduction (DRR) in the field into the policy dialogue on a HFA2. The study is designed to build a bridge between field practitioners and policy makers. The key messages are derived from DRR practice, based on the perspectives of Civil Society Organizations which work with men and women in affected communities. The study provides concrete evidence for the importance of a holistic and integrated approach to DRR and the roles of multiple actors in increasing community resilience and reducing the ...
Resilience programming among nongovernmental organizations : lessons for policymakers
IFPRI, 2014This food policy report reviews resilience processes, activities, and outcomes by examining a number of case studies of initiatives by nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) to enhance resilience capacity, and draws implications for policymakers and other stakeholders looking to strengthen resilience. It argues that resilience building relies on integrated programming, which is defined as a cross-sectoral approach with a long-term commitment to improving the three critical capacities: absorptive capacity (disaster risk management), adaptive capacity (longer-term livelihood investments), and tran ...
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Integrated risk management: its importance in protecting people
Switzerland Government, 2014Integrated risk management (IRM) is a central element of disaster risk reduction in Switzerland and it is applied in many of the risk-oriented planning guidelines of the Federal Office for Civil Protection (FOCP). It is also applied by other federal offices, cantons and organisations, and is described in a variety of publications. The document explains the different components and aspects of integrated risk management means as it is used in disaster risk reduction in Switzerland. It is intended to support a better understanding of its meaning and its relevance to different areas. The document ...
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Islands of the future: building resilience in a changing world
UNESCO, 2014This booklet outlines UNESCO's activities in small island developing States (SIDS), covering the period from 2006-2013. It features chapters on: (i) promoting quality education in islands; (ii) building island resilience; (iii) valuing and sharing island heritage and identities; (iv) building knowledge societies in islands; (v) enabling island cohesion and social well-being; (vi) managing natural resources for a sustainable future; and (vii) the UNESCO participation programme in SIDS.
On resilience, the booklet underlines the particular vulnerability of SIDS to disasters, which ...
World disasters report 2014: focus on culture and risk
This year’s World Disasters Report focuses on culture and risk. It explores the different ways in which culture affects disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation and how disasters and risk influence culture. It examines why people choose to live in hazard-prone locations, and how culture and beliefs enable them to live with the risks they face. The report looks at the organizational culture of agencies working in the fields of disaster risk reduction and adaptation, and challenges the widespread faith in community-based activities. It also considers culture in relation to housing a ...
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Emergencies and disasters: WHO Regional Committee, sixty-fifth session
World Health Organization (WHO) - WHO, 2014This document responds to the need to ensure that health measures focused on prevention and mitigation of risks related to natural hazards are implemented in the Western Pacific Region. It presents the draft Western Pacific Regional Framework for Action for Disaster Risk Management for Health, which focuses on all phases of the disaster risk management for health (DRM-H) cycle: prevention, preparedness, response and recovery in order to prevent and mitigate risks associated with disasters.
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Sixth Session of the Pacific Platform for Disaster Risk Management : Chair's summary
This summary provides the Chair’s assessment of the main points of the key issues discussed during the Pacific Platform for Disaster Risk Management, held in Suva, Fiji on 2–4 June 2014.
It presents (i) the findings of a ten-year review of the Hyogo Framework for Action (HFA) in the region; (ii) a summary of a High-level dialogue between prominent representatives of Fiji, French Polynesia, New Zealand and Thailand, addressing community resilience building and the role of leaders in this agenda; (iii) the perspectives of the Pacific region on the consultation process around the ...
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Explaining extreme events of 2013 from a climate perspective : Special Supplement to the Bulletin of the American Meteorological Society Vol. 95, No. 9, September 2014
AMS, 2014
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Global reinsurance : strengthening disaster risk resilience
This publication address the threat posed by natural disasters, disruptive technologies, political turmoil, terrorist attacks, and environmental degradation to companies, cities and entire nations and the essential role played by global reinsurers in absorbing disaster shocks by providing predictable financial relief and strengthening societal resilience.
It gathers the extensive experience of the members of the Global Reinsurance Forum (GRF) in assessing current and future risks, in managing risks, and in creating tailor-made risk transfer solutions. It considers the critical role pla ...
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Evaluating ecosystem-based adaptation for Disaster Risk Reduction in Fiji
This report documents an assessment of disaster risk reduction for flooding in the Ba and Penang River catchments in Viti Levu, Fiji to identify the most cost-effective management options for communities and households. The analysis accounted for the biophysical and socioeconomic impacts of flooding, the costs, benefits, and feasibility of management, and the potential impacts of climate change. The report highlights that natural disasters such as hurricanes, cyclones, and tropical depressions cause average annual direct losses of US$284 million in the Pacific region – the highest in the world ...
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Global estimates 2014: people displaced by disasters
This document addresses the need for coordinated approaches to prevent, manage and respond to the enormous challenge of disaster-induced internal displacement. It is an essential contribution to the knowledge of the scale and impacts of rapid-onset disasters.
It provides a solid evidence base for understanding global patterns and trends in displacement, and to inform frameworks for the achievement of post-2015 goals on disaster risk reduction and sustainable development. It also underscores the need for climate change adaptation plans and donor commitments that give due attenti ...
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Facing Uncertainty : the value of climate information for adaptation, risk reduction and resilience in Africa
This report puts participatory scenario planning (PSP - a multi-stakeholder platform for making seasonal climate forecasts useful) into the broader context of climate communication, with a focus on Africa.
It is aimed at new users and intermediaries interested in integrating climate information into adaptation, resilience, disaster risk reduction (DRR), early warning, agriculture and other sector-based development programmes and related work. It explains why and how climate information is a valuable resource for informing responses to climate variability and change. Based on lessons fro ...
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A catalyst for change: how the Hyogo Framework for Action has promoted disaster risk reduction in South East Europe
Global Facility for Disaster Reduction and Recovery, the ; United Nations International Strategy for Disaster Reduction (UN/ISDR); World Bank the - GFDRR, 2014This report celebrates some of the many achievements made in the South East Europe (SEE) region in the context of the Hyogo Framework for Action 2005-2015: Building the Resilience of Nations and Communities to Disasters (HFA), and suggests areas for further development and improvement. It is set in the context of the South Eastern Europe Disaster Risk Mitigation and Adaptation Programme (SEEDRMAP) and aims to present some evidence-based elements of success and key regional achievements in addressing the HFA, as well as highlighting areas for further work at regional and national level. The res ...
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Agriculture and disaster risk : a contribution by the United Nations to the consultation leading to the Third UN World Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction (WCDRR)
United Nations (UN) - United Nations, 2014This document provides some recommendations for addressing disaster risk in agriculture in the post-2015 framework for disaster risk reduction. It presents: (i) the status of mainstreaming disaster risk in agriculture, reporting on the progresses and highlighting some emerging trends; (ii) the drivers for mainstreaming disaster risk into agriculture; (iii) the regional/international policy frameworks and initiatives within agriculture to be targeted; (iv) measuring disaster risk in agriculture; (v) a list of agencies contributing and description of institutional commitment; and (vi) key docume ...
Assessing the costs of climate change and adaptation in South Asia
This report synthesizes the results of country and sector studies on the economic costs and benefits of unilateral and regional actions on climate change in ADB’s six South Asia developing members, namely Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, the Maldives, Nepal, and Sri Lanka. The study takes into account the different scenarios and impacts projected across vulnerable sectors and estimates the total economic loss throughout the 21st century and amount of funding required for adaptation measures to avert such potential losses. It is envisioned to strengthen decision-making capacities and improve understa ...
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Linking food security, climate adaptation and carbon management : a case study from Indonesia
Suni Yulius P.K.; Lassa Jonatan A.; Institute of Resource Governance and Social Change (IRGSC) - IRGSC, 2014This paper addresses the reduction of carbon emission as a global climate mitigation imperative and considers the negative impacts of climate change on food production. It argues that, in order to ensure that climate adaptation, food security and climate mitigation objectives are mutually achieved, local level intervention is necessary.
The case study shows local level action where efforts achieving food security through mutual adoption of climate adaptation (e.g. drought and soil erosion management through land and water conservation measures) and carbon mitigation. The resear ...
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Madagascar: country case study report - How law and regulation supports disaster risk reduction
International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) ; United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) - UNDP, 2014This report considers the extent to which disaster risk reduction (DRR) is mainstreamed into the disaster risk management laws and institutions in Madagascar. It identifies key laws and regulations in the area of disaster risk management (DRM), especially those applicable nationwide. It finds that these legal frameworks currently focus more on response and recovery than on prevention and DRR. Legislation also provides for DRM bodies at all levels of government administration, including at the community level, although the establishment and effective functioning of these bodies remains a challe ...
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Hyogo Framework for Action, post 2015: what would we like to see - Voices from the field
Picard Mary; International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) ; United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) - UNDP, 2014The aim of this report is to support legislators, public administrators, DRR and development practitioners and advocates to prepare and implement effective disaster risk management (DRM) legal frameworks for their country’s needs, drawing on examples and experience from other countries.
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Retrospective evaluation of the GFDRR program in a sample of disaster-prone countries
DARA - Spain, 2014This evaluation presents evidence of the Secretariat of the Global Facility for Disaster Reduction and Recovery (GFDRR)'s improvements in disaster risk management (DRM) performance in five countries (Guatemala, Malawi, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Vietnam) and analyzes the implications for the theoretical model that sustains its approach and the current Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Framework.
In particular, the evaluation sought to fulfill following objectives: (a) identify if program outputs are contributing to expected (and unexpected) improvements in DRM performance in a sample of ...
Canada in a changing climate: sector perspectives on impacts and adaptation
Government of Canada, 2014This report focuses on new information and knowledge, assessing advances made in understanding climate change impacts and adaptation from a sectoral perspective, based primarily on literature published up to the end of 2012. It draws from the individual chapters of Canada's national-scale science assessment of climate change impacts and adaptation, which include an overview of Canada’s changing climate (Ch. 2), thematic chapters focused on sectors (Ch. 3 to 8) and the concluding chapter on adaptation research and practice (Ch. 9). The rest of the synthesis is structured around high-level concl ...
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Disaster resilience : topic guide
This topic guide focuses on resilience to natural hazards, with emphasis on humanitarian action, in fragile and conflict-afflicted states as well as in other contexts. Although some principles are common to both contexts, there remains a high level of uncertainty about how to build resilience in adverse political economies. The document is a useful guide for policymakers and practitioners synthesizing the evidence, approaches and lessons that emerge from the literature.
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Technical guidance on choosing targets for reducing natural disaster risk
Centre for Research on the Epidemiology of Disasters (CRED) ; Overseas Development Institute (ODI); Risk Management Solutions (RMS) - ODI, 2014This report presents the findings of a study that has explored climate finance delivery in Ethiopia. For the first time, estimates of the level of climate change relevant expenditures that appear in the national budget are presented, and their policy and institutional impacts analyzed.
The report indicates there are major challenges for Ethiopia to finance its response to climate change as there appears to be a major financing gap caused by the difference in the national Climate Resilient Green Economy strategy and the national budgetary resources for climate change-relevant act ...
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Recommendations of the European Seismological Commission (ESC) for the Post Hyogo Framework of Action (HFA2)
This document presents the recommendations and proposals developed by the ESC community for the post-2015 Framework on Disaster Risk Reduction (the HFA2 initiative). It includes: (i) proposals on the structure of the new policy; (ii) proposals on fostering scientific investigations on hazards, especially earthquakes; (iii) integration of science with policy making; and (iv) regional and international collaboration and cooperation.
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Local approaches to harmonising climate adaptation and disaster risk reduction policies: Lessons from India
The Sustainable Environment and Ecological Development Society (SEEDS) conducted research in the disaster-prone arid zones of India, Leh and Barmer to determine how best to overcome the challenges of integrating effective disaster risk reduction and climate adaptation into development planning. This brief describes the team’s research and observations, and suggests how other communities can address similar challenges by using windows of opportunity in post-disaster situations. The paper argues that special planning and response mechanisms need to be developed at the national level to meet the ...
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A review of droughts in the African continent: a geospatial and long-term perspective: In Hydrology and Earth System Sciences Discussions, 11
2014This paper presents a review and analysis of the available literature and information on droughts to build a perspective on geospatial and temporal variation of droughts in Africa. The study is based on the review and analysis of droughts occurred during 1900–2013 as well as evidence available from past centuries based on studies on the lake sediment analysis, tree-ring chronologies and written and oral histories and future predictions from the global climate change models. The paper argues that the available evidence from the past shows that the African continent is likely to face extreme and ...
Operational plan for integrated disaster risk management 2014–2020
Asian Development Bank (ADB) - ADB, 2014This operational plan highlights the urgent need to enhance the management of residual disaster risk, including through the establishment of adequate disaster risk financing arrangements. It outlines a series of crosscutting actions to address these needs, focusing on institutionalizing integrated disaster risk management, strengthening capacity and knowledge, investing in disaster resilience, and engaging stakeholders. The operational plan recognizes the importance of reducing disaster risk in both the immediate and long term, taking the possible effects of climate change into account.
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Natural catastrophes and man-made disasters in 2013 : large losses from floods and hail; Haiyan hits the Philippines
This Sigma report gives a global and regional overview of catastrophes in 2013 when almost 26,000 people died in disasters. It also takes a special look at fostering climate change resilience. Typhoon Haiyan was the biggest humanitarian catastrophe of the year and Asia had the highest economic losses. Worldwide economic losses from catastrophes worldwide were US$ 140 billion in 2013. The report predicts that climate change could contribute to rising losses in the future as the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events increase. It is argued that dealing with climate change requires a r ...
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Planning for the future and adapting to climate change in Ethiopia: lessons from ACCRA
This briefing paper discusses ACCRA's activities in promoting pro-poor and participatory climate change adaptation and disaster risk reduction in planning processes. It argues that policymakers face difficult trade-offs in planning for a changing and uncertain future. Yet many development actors continue to plan for the near-term, with little room for manoeuvre or contingency. The paper focuses specifically on one specific characteristic of adaptive capacity in order to help decision makers and planners to better prepare themselves for the future: Flexible and Forward-Looking Decision Making ( ...
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Vulnerability profiling of cities: a framework for climate-resilient urban development in India
This working paper presents a holistic approach for how a city can customise its rapid vulnerability assessment in order to understand what is required for building climate resilience. The framework can be used to highlight the potential impact of climate change on urban services arising from the geographical setting of a city; the nature, size and density of its settlements; and the existing coping capacity of its society and governance system. The paper argues that the situation is aggravated by growing urban populations, high urban poverty and backlogs in the provision of basic infrastructu ...
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How to scale out community-based adaptation to climate change
This working paper explains how to increase the scale and impact of community-based adaptation (CBA). It argues that CBA is a viable way to build communities’ resilience to climate change, particularly those most vulnerable to its impacts. CBA puts them in the driving seat when it comes to designing and delivering adaptation options. However, until recently, analysis of the impacts beyond the immediate beneficiaries was not possible because not enough CBA projects had been implemented. As a result, most of the lessons about best practice have yet to be scaled out or included in wider developm ...
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What does it take to mainstream disaster risk management in key sectors?
This guide draws on the experience of CDKN’s programmes on climate-related disaster risk management (DRM) within the context of climate compatible development. It explores why mainstreaming DRM into development policy has had widely varying results between countries. In doing so, this guide attempts to delve beneath the surface of mainstreaming and identify the ways forward for integrating short- and long-term considerations for disaster risk reduction in important development sectors.
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A global overview of case studies with a focus on infrastructure: economics of climate adaptation - shaping climate-resilient development
This paper overviews the case studies evaluating economics of climate adaptation (ECA) and ranging from assessments of tropical cyclone and storm surge risk in New York to drought risk in India and flash flood risk in Guyana. The ECA methodology is a guide that addresses the questions of climate-related losses and preventive measures to avert these losses in a more systematic way. Looking ahead to 2030 or 2050, it provides decision makers with the facts to understand the total climate risk in their region and design an appropriate adaptation strategy. It highlights that decision makers need th ...
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Drought in Jalna: community-based adaptation to extreme climate events in Maharashtra
This booklet is based on outcomes from a two-year Indo-Norwegian research and capacity development project titled, ‘Extreme Risks, Vulnerabilities and Community-Based Adaptation in India (EVA)’. The findings draw upon empirical data from rural communities in Jalna District in the dryland region of Marathwada of Maharashtra.
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Building Morocco’s resilience: inputs for an integrated risk management strategy
Global Facility for Disaster Reduction and Recovery, the ; Switzerland Government - World Bank, 2014This report aims to support the Government of Morocco in the development of an integrated risk management strategy. The report summarizes methodologies, data, assumptions, results, comparative analyses, international benchmarks and other aspects of Morocco’s risks.
Developing and adopting a national strategy for integrated risk management (IRM) will not only make Morocco better prepared to avoid future crises, and be more reactive and resilient if/when they occur, but also allow the government to make more informed decisions on overall resource allocation and prioritization.
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The economics of climate change adaptation in Africa’s water sector: a review and way forward
This working paper summarizes existing work on the costs and benefits of climate change adaptation for the water sector in Africa. It reviews adaptation cost estimates for the continent and the main economic appraisal methods used, then summarizes results. It focuses on adaptation to climate impacts on the water sector, such as damage to water infrastructure, rather than impacts from water on other sectors, such as agricultural drought.
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Natural disasters in the Middle East and North Africa: a regional overview
Global Facility for Disaster Reduction and Recovery, the ; United Nations Development Programme (UNDP); United Nations International Strategy for Disaster Reduction (UN/ISDR); et al. - GFDRR, 2014This report focuses on the challenges of managing natural disasters, presenting a synthesis of the status of disaster risk in the Middle East and North Africa (MNA) Region, including gaps and areas for remedial or enhanced actions. It highlights the progress already made and opportunities to learn from best practices, and provides critical feedback to governments and partners on efforts and processes required to make the region disaster resilient. This report proposes a strategic framework to help MNA countries shift from disaster response to proactive risk management.
WMO Statement on the status of the global climate in 2013
The dramatic impact of climate variability and climate change continued to be felt all over the world throughout 2013.The WMO Statement on the Status of the Global Climate in 2013 pro¬vides a snapshot of global and regional trends in weather and climate over the past year and highlights some of the year’s most significant extreme events.
Lignes directrices pour une politique nationale de gestion de la sécheresse : un modèle d’action
Organisation météorologique mondiale (OMM); Global Water Partnership (GWP) - OMM, 2014 (OMM-No. 1164)La mise en oeuvre d’une politique nationale de gestion de la sécheresse fondée sur le principe de la réduction des risques peut exiger de revoir les dispositions prises jusqu’alors en vue d’atténuer les impacts correspondants. Ce constat a conduit l’Organisation météorologique mondiale (OMM), le Secrétariat de la Convention des Nations Unies sur la lutte contre la désertification (CNULCD) et l’Organisation des Nations Unies pour l’alimentation et l’agriculture (FAO) à tenir du 11 au 15 mars 2013, à Genève, la Réunion de haut niveau sur les politiques nationales en matière de sécheresse, en col ...
Руководящие указания по разработке национальной политики в области борьбы с засухой : Руководство к действию
Всемирная Метеорологическая Организация (BMO); Global Water Partnership (GWP) - BMO, 2014 (BMO-No. 1164)Осуществление политики в отношении засухи, основанной на философии, заключающейся в уменьшении риска, может изменить национальный подход к борьбе с засухой за счет уменьшения соответствующих последствий (риска). Именно эта идея вдохновила Всемирную Метеорологическую Организацию (ВМО), Секретариат Конвенции Организации Объединенных Наций по борьбе с опустыниванием (КБОООН) и Продовольственную и сельскохозяйственную организацию Объединенных Наций (ФАО) в сотрудничестве с рядом учреждений ООН, международных и региональных организаций и ключевых национальных агентств на организацию и проведение Со ...
المبادئ التوجيهية للسياسات الوطنية لإدارة الجفاف : نموذج إجرائي
المنظمة العالمية للأرصاد ; Global Water Partnership (GWP) - المنظمة العالمية للأرصاد, 2014 (مجموعة مطبوعات المنظمة-No. 1164)إن تنفيذ سياسة بشأن الجفاف تستند إلى فلسفة الحد من المخاطر يمكن أن يغيّر النهج الذي تتبعه أي دولة في ما يتعلق بإدارة الجفاف وذلك بتقليل الآثار ذات الصلة )بالمخاطر(. وقد كانت هذه هي الفكرة التي دفعت المنظمة العالمية للأرصاد الجوية WMO( (، وأمانة اتفاقية الأمم المتحدة بشأن مكافحة التصحر ) UNCCD (، ومنظمة الأغذية والزراعة للأمم المتحدة ) FAO ( إلى القيام، بالتعاون مع عدد وكالات الأمم المتحدة والمنظمات الدولية والإقليمية والوكالات الوطنية الرئيسية، بتنظيم الاجتماع الرفيع المستوى المعني بالسياسات الوطنية بشأن الجفاف HMNDP( (، الذي عُقد في جنيف من 11 إلى 15 آذار/ مارس 2013 . وكان موضوع ذلك الاجتماع ...
国家干旱管理政策指南 : 行动模板
实施基于降低风险理念的干旱政策能 够通过降低相关影响（风险）而改变国家的 干旱管理方式。正是这一理念促使世界气 象组织（WMO）、联合国防治荒漠化公约 （UNCCD）秘书处以及联合国粮食及农业 组织（FAO）与一些联合国机构、国际和区 域组织以及主要的国家机构合作，于2013 年3月11-15日在日内瓦召开了国家干旱政策 高级别会议（HMNDP）。HMNDP的主题 是‘降低社会脆弱性 – 帮助社会（社区和行 业）’。[...]
Directrices de política nacional para la gestión de sequías : modelo para la adopción de medidas
Organización Meteorológica Mundial (OMM); Asociación Mundial para el Agua (GWP) - OMM, 2014 (OMM-No. 1164)La aplicación de una política sobre la sequía basada en la filosofía de la reducción de los riesgos puede modificar el enfoque de la gestión de la sequía por los países mediante la reducción de los efectos conexos (riesgo). Esta es la idea que motivó a la Organización Meteorológica Mundial (OMM), la secretaría de la Convención de las Naciones Unidas de Lucha contra la Desertificación y la Organización de las Naciones Unidas para la Alimentación y la Agricultura (FAO), en colaboración con diversos organismos de las Naciones Unidas, organizaciones internacionales y regionales y organismos nacion ...
بيان املنظمة العاملية لألرصاد اجلوية عن حالة املناخ العاملي في 2013
طفق العالم يشعر طوال عام 2013 بالآثار الكبيرة المترتبة على تقلبية المناخ وتغيره. ويقدم بيان المنظمة العالمية للأرصاد الجوية عن حالة المناخ العالمي في 2013 صورة للاتجاهات العالمية والإقليمية للطقس والمناخ طوال العام الماضي، ويبرز بعضاً من أهم الظواهر المتطرفة التي شهدها العام الماضي.
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Ecuador: referencias básicas para la gestión de riesgos 2013-2014
Este documento reúne en un formato de fácil lectura una serie de materiales de referencia básica para conocer y reflexionar sobre los avances y los desafíos de la gestión de riesgos en Ecuador, en el nuevo marco legal establecido por la Constitución en el año 2008. El material que contiene y la manera participativa en que se generó son una demostración del interés y del esfuerzo compartido por más de 50 instituciones ecuatorianas, casi todas integrantes del Sistema Nacional Descentralizado de Gestión de Riesgos.
El documento se estructura en dos grandes secciones:
Primera ...
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¿Es posible ahora culpar al calentamiento global de la meteorología extrema?
Siempre que un episodio meteorológico extremo —ola de calor, crecida, sequía, etc.— aparece en los titulares de algún medio de comunicación, alguien en algún lugar señala con dedo acusador al cambio climático provocado por el ser humano.
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Sequía y desertificación en los sellos de correos
El Marco Mundial para los Servicios Climáticos (MMSC) identifica cuatro áreas de prioridad inicial: el agua, la seguridad alimentaria, la salud y la reducción del riesgo de desastres. La sequía y la desertificación (de ahora en adelante, S+D) son temas importantes en todas estas áreas.
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Предсказуемость за пределами детерминистических ограничений
Традиционная концепция детерминистических ограничений подвергается сомнению путем рассмотрения возможности определенной успешности прогнозирования во всех временных масштабах от часов до
Adaptation to climate change in the southern mediterranean: a theoretical framework, a foresight analysis and three case studies
This report addresses the main policy relevant questions about climate change adaptation in the Mediterranean region and provides answers based on a theoretical framework applied to the case of three Mediterranean countries, namely Türkyie, Egypt and Tunisia. The first sections deals with adaptation to climate change from a theoretical viewpoint, covering not only economic issues, but also fairness and international agreements on mitigation and adaptation.
The second part makes use of the conceptual framework developed in the theoretical discussion to analyse the adaptation-rel ...
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CAWCR technical report, 60. Defining heatwaves: heatwave defined as a heatimpact event servicing all community and business sectors in Australia
This report proposes a new objective definition for heatwaves and heatwave severity that may be applied to any location in Australia, or for that matter the world. Using this definition, it is now possible to compare severe and extreme heat events across time and space.
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Analysis of disaster risk management in Colombia: a contribution to the creation of public policies
World Bank, 2013This document evaluates the progress of risk management in Colombia proposes recommendations that will enable the Government to set up public policies in this area on a short-and long-term basis. It defines a set of recommendations so that disaster risk management becomes a State policy, emphasizing that improving land use and land occupation conditions is a priority in reducing the impact of disasters. The technical analysis included in the report is intended for those responsible for implementing disaster risk management policies, as well as professionals, researchers, and experts in the sub ...
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Adapting agriculture to climate change
This brief deals with adapting Australia’s agriculture to climate change, especially broadacre farming, and is based mainly, but not exclusively, on experiences in southern South Australia. It highlights key needs to support future adaptation, including investment in education, social science research, seasonal weather predictions and policy certainty and adaptability.
全球气候 2001-2010年 - 气候极端事件十年 决策者摘要
从十年的视角出发，有可能评估各种趋 势并预见未来。这一视角还能够为开发业务 气候服务的努力提供参考依据，而通过气候 服务可为农业、卫生、灾害风险、水资源和 其它部门的决策过程提供信息和预报。目前 正在通过WMO牵头的全球气候服务框架协 调这方面的努力。
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The year of recurring disasters: a review of natural disasters in 2012
This report examines four topics: (i) disasters in 2012, with a focus on recurring disasters; (ii) the role of regional organizations in disaster risk management; (iii) wildfires; and (iv) the important role of women in disaster risk management. It highlights the value given by governments and other actors in working together to prevent disasters and, to a lesser extent, to respond to disasters occurring in the region. It also features the development of strong regional initiatives and different mechanisms for encouraging collaboration, including frameworks for disaster risk reduction, regiona ...
WCDMP, 80. Assessment of the observed extreme conditions during late boreal winter 2011/2012
World Meteorological Organization (WMO) ; Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA); Deutscher Wetterdienst (DWD) - WMO, 2013Congress during its sixteenth session in 2011 welcomed the decision of the Commission for Climatology during its fifteenth session in 2010 for improving WMO Climate System Monitoring including related methodologies and dissemination of monitoring reports for timely information on extreme weather and climate events occurring on large scale and having high socioeconomic impacts. A brochure called "Assessment of the observed extreme conditions during the 2009/2010 boreal winter" was published by WMO in 2010 and is now followed by this supplement to the WMO annual statement on the status of the g ...
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Roles of Pacific regional organizations in disaster risk management
This report documents the current contributions of Pacific regional organizations to disaster risk management (DRM) and explores the potential for them to play more substantial and active roles in the future. Although regional mechanisms are playing increasingly important roles in DRM, there has been remarkably little research on their contributions and few published studies on their comparative advantages. At a global level, this recent Brookings study sought to address this gap by summarizing the work of more than thirty regional organizations involved in DRM, drawing some comparisons and ge ...
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The role of conservation programs in drought risk adaptation
This report evaluates the extent to which farms facing higher levels of drought risk are more likely to participate in conservation programs, and finds a strong link between drought risk and program participation. It examines drought risk adaptation, defined as the choices that farmers make in response to drought risk exposure, and addresses the policy uncertainty by examining the role of drought risk within agricultural conservation programs and considering potential changes in conservation program design, such as adjustments in contract ranking criteria or changes in eligibility requirements ...
Rethinking disaster risk management and climate change adaptation
Howes Michael; National Climate Change Adaptation Research Facility (NCCARF) - Griffith University, 2013This report investigates impacts of climate change, population growth, and urban coastal development on Australian environment, economy, and society, particularly in relation to bushfire and flood. The report aims to develop the foundations for a nationally consistent approach to disaster risk management and climate change adaptation that would be supported by a set of appropriate reforms to governing institutions and tools.
This is the final report of a research project entitled "The Right Tool for the Job: Achieving climate change adaptation outcomes through improved disaster ...
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Using ICT and social media in disasters: opportunities and risks for government
This report examines four different issue areas to analyze how social media is used in the context of risk and crisis communication, using hurricane Sandy as an example. These areas include: public safety and preparedness; emergency warnings, alerts and requests for assistance; recovery efforts; and, finally, monitoring and situational awareness. In the context of each of these areas, the report highlights the key literature and real-life examples to explore the risks vs. opportunities in the utility of social media. These four areas capture the role of engagement and strategy in both the risk ...
Six steps to flood resilience: guidance for local authorities and professionals
University of Manchester, 2013This guide introduces the concept of local flood risk management and outlines a six step process for local officials to find and implement effective adaptation policies and strategies. The guide is divided into sections based on the six steps, which include mapping and assessing risk, selecting the appropriate method of adaptation, implementation of the flood management plans, and long-term maintenance. At the end of each section there is guidance on recommended information resources.
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What will adaptation cost? an economic framework for coastal community infrastructure
This document is developed to guide decision makers in coastal zones through the process of choosing the most economically efficient climate change adaptation plan appropriate for their community. The document is composed of four chapters: (i) chapter one outlines three tasks related to developing scenarios of coastal hazards in order to assess the baseline risk; (ii) chapter two instructs the decision maker to assess options for adaptation; (iii) chapter three instructs the decision maker to identify and monetize impacts and estimate the costs of alternative adaptation strategies; (iv) and ch ...
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Working with nature: towards integrated approaches to disaster risk reduction
This document addresses the often complex underlying causes of risk and calls for better integration of approaches to disaster risk reduction, bringing together expertise from relevant sectors and making optimal use of the natural protection provided by ecosystems. It considers floods, coastal defences and hybrid engineering.
Tropical Severe Local Storms
The module provides a brief overview of severe local storms in the tropics. Basic ingredients for thunderstorms and assessment of thunderstorm potential from soundings are described. Then properties and hazards of ordinary thunderstorms, multicellular thunderstorms, supercells are reviewed. Conditions conducive to supercell formation in the tropics are examined along with methods of identifying them in radar and satellite images. Supercell and non-supercell tornado properties and formation are described. Finally, tornadoes, waterspouts, and dust devils properties are compared.
Caribbean Radar Cases
This module presents radar case studies taken from events in the Caribbean that highlight radar signatures of severe weather. These cases include examples of deep convection, squall lines, bow echoes, tornadoes, and heavy rain resulting in flooding. Each case study includes a discussion of the conceptual models of each type of event as a review before showing the radar signatures and allowing the learner to analyze each one.
Tropical Mesoscale Convective Systems
Mesoscale Convective Systems (MCSs) occur globally and can account for significant percentages of the annual precipitation in some locations. MCSs are responsible for flooding as well as damaging surface winds in some instances. Thus, it is important for forecasters to understand when, where, and how MCSs develop and maintain themselves. This module covers all modes of MCSs with a strong focus on the tropics and the different aspects that brings to MCS development, maintenance, and structure. It describes conceptual models of MCSs and the dynamical and physical processes that influence their e ...
GOES-R ABI: Next Generation Satellite Imaging
This extension of the COMET lesson “GOES-R: Benefits of Next Generation Environmental Monitoring” focuses on the ABI instrument, the satellite's 16-channel imager. With increased spectral coverage, greater spatial resolution, more frequent imaging, and improved image pixel geolocation and radiometric performance, the ABI will bring significant advancements to forecasting, numerical weather prediction, and climate and environmental monitoring. The first part of the lesson introduces the ABI's key features and improvements over earlier GOES imagers. The second section lets users interactively ex ...
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