Understanding Climate Change and Its Impact on Disasters
Climate change refers to significant and lasting changes in the average temperature and weather patterns on Earth, primarily driven by human activities.
- Phases of Disaster Management:
- Prevention: Includes reducing greenhouse gas emissions and enhancing carbon sinks through conservation and sustainable practices.
- Preparedness: Involves developing and implementing strategies to manage and mitigate the effects of climate-related disasters.
- Response: Requires immediate actions to manage the impacts of disasters, such as mobilising emergency services during wildfires.
- Recovery: Focuses on restoring communities post-disaster, which can be complicated by recurring climate events.
- Types of Disasters:
- Droughts: Extended periods of deficient rainfall leading to water shortages, worsened by higher temperatures and shifting precipitation patterns.
- Wildfires: Uncontrolled fires in forests and grasslands, driven by hot, dry conditions and longer fire seasons linked to climate change.
- Risk, Hazard, Vulnerability, and Resilience:
- Risk: The probability of harmful consequences from climate-related disasters, influenced by exposure and vulnerability.
- Hazard: Natural phenomena (such as prolonged droughts or extreme heat) that can cause harm.
- Vulnerability: The degree to which a community can be harmed by climate impacts, often determined by socioeconomic factors.
- Resilience: The ability of individuals and communities to adapt, recover, and thrive in the face of climate change challenges.
- Disaster Preparedness and Early Warning Systems:
- Effective early warning systems can provide timely information on drought conditions or wildfire risks, enabling communities to prepare.
- Integrating climate data and modelling into these systems enhances their effectiveness and accuracy.
- Disaster Response and Humanitarian Logistics:
- Timely response efforts are crucial during climate-induced disasters, requiring efficient logistics for resource distribution.
- Coordination between organizations (e.g., NGOs, government bodies) is vital for effective emergency management.
- Community-Based Disaster Management (CBDM):
- Engaging local communities in disaster planning and response enhances ownership and effectiveness of strategies.
- Local knowledge and practices can complement scientific approaches in addressing climate risks.
- Climate Change and Disaster Risk:
- Climate change increases temperatures and alters precipitation patterns, leading to more frequent and severe droughts and wildfires.
- Between 2000 and 2019, the number of extreme weather events doubled, showing a direct link between climate change and disaster occurrences.
- Legal and Institutional Frameworks:
- The Paris Agreement (2015) aims to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius, requiring international cooperation to mitigate climate change.
- National and local disaster management policies must integrate climate change strategies to enhance disaster resilience.
