IPCC_Managing Risks of Extreme Events.pdf - Climate Access

Chapter 9Case StudiesExecutive SummaryCase studies contribute more focused analyses which, in the context of human loss and damage, demonstrate theeffectiveness of response strategies and prevention measures and identify lessons about success in disaster risk reductionand climate change adaptation. The case studies were chosen to complement and be consistent with the informationin the preceding chapters, and to demonstrate aspects of the key messages in the Summary for Policymakers and theHyogo Framework for Action Priorities.The case studies were grouped to examine types of extreme events, vulnerable regions, and methodological approaches.For the extreme event examples, the first two case studies pertain to events of extreme temperature with moisturedeficiencies in Europe and Australia and their impacts including on health. These are followed by case studies on droughtin Syria and dzud, cold-dry conditions in Mongolia. Tropical cyclones in Bangladesh, Myanmar, and Mesoamerica, andthen floods in Mozambique are discussed in the context of community actions. The last of the extreme events casestudies is about disastrous epidemic disease, using the case of cholera in Zimbabwe, as the example.The case studies chosen to reflect vulnerable regions demonstrate how a changing climate provides significant concernsfor people, societies, and their infrastructure. These are: Mumbai as an example of a coastal megacity; the Republic ofthe Marshall Islands, as an example of small island developing states with special challenges for adaptation; andCanada’s northern regions as an example of cold climate vulnerabilities focusing on infrastructures.Four types of methodologies or approaches to disaster risk reduction (DRR) and climate change adaptation (CCA) arepresented. Early warning systems; effective legislation; risk transfer in developing countries; and education, training,and public awareness initiatives are the approaches demonstrated. The case studies demonstrate that current disasterrisk management (DRM) and CCA policies and measures have not been sufficient to avoid, fully prepare for, andrespond to extreme weather and climate events, but these examples demonstrate progress.A common factor was the need for greater information on risks before the events occur, that is, early warnings. Theimplementation of early warning systems does reduce loss of lives and, to a lesser extent, damage to property andwas identified by all the extreme event case studies (heat waves, wildfires, drought, dzud, cyclones, floods, andepidemic disease) as key to reducing impacts from extreme events. A need for improving international cooperationand investments in forecasting was recognized in some of the case studies but equally the need for regional and localearly warning systems was heavily emphasized, particularly in developing countries.A further common factor identified overall was that it is better to invest in preventative-based DRR plans, strategies,and tools for adaptation than in response to extreme events. Greater investments in proactive hazard and vulnerabilityreduction measures, as well as development of capacities to respond and recover from the events were demonstrated tohave benefits. Specific examples for planning for extreme events included increased emphasis on drought preparedness;planning for urban heat waves; and tropical cyclone DRM strategies and plans in coastal regions that anticipate theseevents. However, as illustrated by the small island developing states case study, it was also identified that DRR planningapproaches continue to receive less emphasis than disaster relief and recovery.One recurring theme is the value of investments in knowledge and information, including observational and monitoringsystems, for cyclones, floods, droughts, heat waves, and other events from early warnings to clearer understanding ofhealth and livelihood impacts. In all cases, the point is made that with greater information available it would bepossible to know the risks better and ensure that response strategies were adequate to face the coming threat.Research improves our knowledge, especially when it integrates the natural, social, health, and engineering sciencesand their applications. The case studies have reviewed past events and identified lessons which could be consideredfor the future. Preparedness through DDR and DRM can help to adapt to climate change and these case studies offerexamples of measures that could be taken to reduce the damage that is inflicted as a result of extreme events.Investment in increasing knowledge and warning systems, adaptation techniques, and tools and preventive measureswill cost money now but will save money and lives in the future.489