IPCC Report.pdf - Adam Curry

Chapter 9Case StudiesThe Philippines example shows that such integration is underway,and the teacher training in Indonesia example concludes that suchintegration can be helpful in avoiding overburdening full curricula.• Training of teachers and professionals in all relevant sectors can havea positive multiplier effect. As the Nepalese teachers’ evaluationexample shows, teacher training is critical to address risk selfperceptionand ensure that teachers pass on appropriate DRRknowledge. The training of builders example in Nepal, India, andthe Philippines illustrates the successful dissemination of DRRmethods and tools within a critical sector across borders.As well as providing further examples of current adaptation and DRRinitiatives, a United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Changesynthesis report of initiatives undertaken by Nairobi Work Programmepartners concludes that the integration of activities relating to education,training, and awareness-raising into relevant ongoing processes andpractices is key to the long-term success of such activities (UNFCCC, 2010).9.3. Synthesis of LessonsIdentified from Case StudiesThis chapter examined case studies of extreme climate events, vulnerableregions, and methodological management approaches in order to gleanlessons and good practices. Case studies are provided to add contextand value to this report. They contribute to a focused analysis and convey,in part, the reality of an event: the description of how certain extremeevents develop; the extent of human loss and financial damage; theresponse strategies and interventions; the DRR, DRM, and CCA measuresand their effect on the overall outcomes; and cultural or region-specificfactors that may influence the outcome. Most importantly, case studiesprovide a medium through which to learn practical lessons aboutsuccesses in DRR that are applicable for adaptation to climate change.The lessons identified will prove useful at various levels from theindividual to national and international organizations as people try torespond to extreme events and disasters and adapt to climate change.The case studies highlight several recurring themes and lessons.A common factor was the need for greater amounts of useful informationon risks before the events occur, including early warnings. Theimplementation of early warning systems does reduce loss of lives andto a lesser extent damage to property. Early warning was identified byall the extreme event case studies – heat waves, wildfires, drought,dzud, cyclones, floods, and epidemics – as key to reducing the impactsfrom extreme events. A need for improving international cooperation andinvestments in forecasting was recognized in some of the case studies,but equally the need for regional and local early warning systems washeavily emphasized, particularly in developing countries.A further common factor identified overall was that it is better to investin preventive-based DRR plans, strategies, and tools for adaptation thanin response to extreme events. Greater investments in proactive hazardand vulnerability reduction measures, as well as development of capacitiesto respond and recover from the events were demonstrated to havebenefits. Specific examples for planning for extreme events includedincreased emphasis on drought preparedness; planning for urban heatwaves; and tropical cyclone DRM strategies and plans in coastal regionsthat anticipate these events. However, as illustrated by the SIDS casestudy, it was also identified that DRR planning approaches continue toreceive less emphasis than disaster relief and recovery.It was also identified that DRM and preventive public health are closelylinked and largely synonymous. Strengthening and integrating thesemeasures, along with economic development, should increase resilienceagainst the health effects of extreme weather and facilitate adaptationto climate change. Extreme weather events and population vulnerabilitycan interact to produce disastrous epidemic disease through directeffects on the transmission cycle and also potentially through indirecteffects, such as population displacement.Another lesson is that in order to implement a successful DRR or CCAstrategy, legal and regulatory frameworks are beneficial in ensuringdirection, coordination, and effective use of funds. The case studies arehelpful in this endeavor as effective and implemented legislation cancreate a framework for governance of disaster risks. While this type ofapproach is mainly for national governments and the ways in whichthey devolve responsibilities to local administrations, there is animportant message for international governance and institutions as well.Frameworks that facilitate cooperation with other countries to attainbetter analysis of the risks will allow institutions to modify their focuswith changing risks and therefore maintain their effectiveness. Thiscooperation could be at the local through national to internationallevels. Here and in other ways, civil society has an important role.Insurance and other forms of risk transfer can be linked to disaster riskreduction and climate change adaptation by providing knowledge andincentives for reducing risk, reducing vulnerability, and enabling recovery.A lesson identified by many case studies was that effective DRR educationcontributes to reduce risks and losses, and is most effective when it isnot done in isolation, but concurs with other policies. The integration ofactivities relating to education, training, and awareness-raising intorelevant ongoing processes and practices is important for the long-termsuccess of DRR and DRM activities. Investing in knowledge at primaryto higher education levels produces significant DRR and DRM benefits.Research improves our knowledge, especially when it includes integrationof natural, social, health, and engineering sciences and their applications.In all cases, the point was made that with greater information availableit would be possible to better understand the risks and to ensure thatresponse strategies were adequate to face the risks. It further poses aset of questions to guide the investigations.The case studies have reviewed past events and identified lessons thatcould be considered for the future. Preparedness through DDR and DRM529