Integrating Climate Change Adaptation in Disaster Risk Reduction Module

Integrating climate change adaptation in disaster risk reduction Module 4 Introduction to climate change adaptation

Welcome to e-Learning on integrating climate change adaptation in disaster risk reduction! This module is part of an e-Learning package on integrating climate change adaptation in disaster risk reduction. The package includes five modules: 1. Concepts in disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation 2. Understanding vulnerability 3. Introduction to disaster risk reduction 4. Introduction to climate change adaptation 5. Guiding principles for integrating adaptation in disaster risk reduction We recommend that you work through the modules in the specified order. To access the other e-Learning modules, please visit the: e-Learning Center - Integrating climate change adaptation in disaster risk reduction NOTE: You will need a user name and password to access the e-Learning Center. If you do not have an account, please contact: MinervaSupport@care.ca

Who are the e-Learning modules for? How were they developed? The e-Learning modules are designed for disaster risk reduction (DRR) practitioners. This includes practitioners within CARE, as well as our civil society and government partner organizations. They were developed by Raks Thai Foundation and CARE, with significant inputs from CARE experts on climate change adaptation and disaster risk reduction, and most importantly from practitioners engaged in DRR initiatives in Country Offices across the Asia Pacific Region, as well as in Raks Thai Foundation. Practitioner perspectives were gathered through two workshops. An initial workshop was conducted to develop the overall framework and brainstorm on key content. In the second workshop, the draft modules were tested and feedback was gathered. The current version reflects inputs from both workshops. The modules reflect CARE s current thinking on integrating adaptation in DRR initiatives. They should be considered as working versions. Our approach will be tested and refined as we develop more experience in this area. Please send any feedback on these modules to Bruce Ravesloot: ravesloot@careclimatechange.org

You can move through the module at your own pace. Introduction What is adaptation We estimate that this module will take you approximately 45 minutes to complete. Adaptation and development However, everyone learns at a different speed, so you should feel comfortable moving at your own pace. Adaptation approaches The map on the right helps you to track your progress through the module. Where you are will be highlighted in orange. CBA Framework Integrating adaptation We recommend that you go through the module in sequence, however you will have the option of jumping forwards or backwards by clicking on the map. Practical examples Knowledge Review At any point, you can go back to the previous slide by clicking the back arrow.

Throughout the module, youll find links to key definitions and documents. This e-Learning module is designed to be as clear and user-friendly as possible. So, as we introduce different concepts, we ll use simple language and examples to promote understanding. However, we will also provide links to official definitions for those who prefer this approach, as well as to documents that provide a more comprehensive overview. Any time you see underlined text in the module, you can click to access the official definition. Links to documents will be indicated by an orange box: Name of Document Clicking on the document boxes will take you to an external website, so you ll need to be online to access these documents. Are you ready? Then let s get started!

Module 4 Introduction to climate change adaptation

Learning Objective for Module 4 Introduction Introduction What is adaptation What is adaptation Adaptation and development The learning objective for this module is to introduce CARE s approach to climate change adaptation and link to disaster risk reduction (DRR). Adaptation and development Adaptation approaches Adaptation approaches This module will help to build understanding of why it is important to integrate adaptation into DRR, and what this looks like in practice. CBA Framework CBA Framework Integrating adaptation Integrating adaptation The main topics covered in this module are shown in the map. Practical examples Practical examples Knowledge Review Knowledge Review

In Module 3, we explored disaster risk reduction. Now we ll introduce adaptation to climate. Introduction Introduction What is adaptation What is adaptation To review: Adaptation and development Adaptation and development Adaptation to climate change is a process of reducing vulnerability to the current and future impacts of climate change. Adaptation approaches Adaptation approaches CBA Framework Adaptation is focused on climate-related hazards, such as droughts, floods and cyclones, which are expected to increase in frequency and intensity due to climate change. CBA Framework Integrating adaptation Integrating adaptation Adaptation also addresses the impacts of changing conditions, for example changes in temperature and rainfall patterns. These slower, smaller changes do not qualify as hazard events, but they do have significant implications for livelihoods. Practical examples Practical examples Knowledge Review Knowledge Review

Adaptation can involve reducing exposure, reducing sensitivity, or increasing adaptive capacity. Introduction Introduction What is adaptation What is adaptation Reducing exposure: Actions that minimize exposure to hazards Adaptation and development Adaptation and development Example: planting mangroves to protect homes from cyclones Adaptation approaches Adaptation approaches Reducing sensitivity: Actions that make people or livelihoods less sensitive to climate impacts CBA Framework CBA Framework Integrating adaptation Integrating adaptation Example: diversifying livelihoods to include strategies outside agriculture Practical examples Practical examples Increasing adaptive capacity: Actions that increase capacity to manage negative impacts of climate change (and, in some cases, to take advantage of opportunities) Knowledge Review Knowledge Review Example: increasing access to seasonal forecasts to facilitate livelihoods planning

Effective adaptation responds to the different dimensions of vulnerability to climate change. Introduction Introduction What is adaptation What is adaptation Vulnerability to climate change is determined by human, social, physical, natural, political and financial factors. Adaptation and development Adaptation and development Effective adaptation responds to these different dimensions of vulnerability. Adaptation approaches Adaptation approaches This means that adaptation is not limited to actions that directly address climate hazards. CBA Framework CBA Framework Integrating adaptation To be sustainable, adaptation must also address the underlying causes of vulnerability, including gender inequality, inequitable access to resources and services and weak governance. Integrating adaptation Practical examples Practical examples Knowledge Review Knowledge Review CARE Climate Change Working Brief: What is adaptation CARE Climate Change Working Brief: What is adaptation

But this sounds a lot like our regular development work. What is different about adaptation? Introduction Introduction What is adaptation What is adaptation It is true that there are a lot of synergies between adaptation to climate change and sustainable development. Adaptation and development Adaptation and development However, there are a few key ways that adaptation differs from regular development. Adaptation approaches Adaptation approaches Adaptation is: CBA Framework Focused explicitly on reducing vulnerability to the impacts of climate change. A long term process that addresses current vulnerability while preparing for future climatic changes. Planned based on both current and projected climate risks. Planned using scientific climate information as well as local knowledge. Flexible to manage a dynamic context, as well as changing needs and priorities. CBA Framework Integrating adaptation Integrating adaptation Practical examples Practical examples Knowledge Review Knowledge Review

Introduction There are two key ways to approach adaptation in practice. Introduction What is adaptation What is adaptation To address adaptation to climate change within a poverty reduction agenda, we can: Adaptation and development Adaptation and development Undertake targeted community-based adaptation (CBA) initiatives. These are projects and programs that are specifically designed to reduce vulnerability to climate change. Integrate adaptation into development initiatives in climate-sensitive sectors. These include agriculture, water, livelihoods and health. Adaptation approaches Adaptation approaches CBA Framework CBA Framework Integrating adaptation Integrating adaptation Practical examples Practical examples We consider disaster risk reduction to be a climate-sensitive approach. Knowledge Review Knowledge Review

Introduction What is community-based adaptation (CBA)? Introduction What is adaptation What is adaptation Adaptation and development Adaptation and development Local capacity development Local capacity development Adaptation approaches Adaptation approaches CBA Framework Climate-resilient livelihoods Climate- resilient livelihoods CBA Framework Disaster risk reduction Disaster risk reduction Community- based adaptation Integrating adaptation Integrating adaptation Practical examples Practical examples Addressing underlying causes of vulnerability Addressing underlying causes of vulnerability Knowledge Review Knowledge Review Enabling environment Enabling environment Click on the different elements of the diagram to access descriptions and examples.

Integrating adaptation can make our development work more effective and more sustainable. Introduction Introduction What is adaptation What is adaptation Integrating adaptation into development achieves three important things. Adaptation and development Adaptation and development 1 - it can reduce the risks that climate change poses to development activities, stakeholders and results. This increases the sustainability of development initiatives. Adaptation approaches Adaptation approaches CBA Framework CBA Framework 2 - it can help us to ensure that we are maximizing the contribution our development activities make to people s adaptive capacity. This increases the effectiveness of development initiatives. Integrating adaptation Integrating adaptation Practical examples Practical examples 3 - it minimizes the risk that development initiatives inadvertently increase vulnerability to climate change. We call this maladaptation. Avoiding maladaptation is important for both sustainability and effectiveness. Knowledge Review Knowledge Review .

We can approach the relationship between adaptation and DRR in different ways. Introduction Introduction What is adaptation What is adaptation How you approach the relationship between adaptation and disaster risk reduction depends on your perspective. Adaptation and development Adaptation and development As we ve just discussed, from an adaptation perspective, DRR is a critical element of community-based adaptation. DRR is also considered to be a climate-sensitive sector. Adaptation approaches Adaptation approaches CBA Framework CBA Framework From a DRR perspective, climate change represents a major challenge, and adaptation is one means of reducing vulnerability to climate-related hazards. Integrating adaptation Integrating adaptation Integrating adaptation in DRR can increase the effectiveness and sustainability of DRR initiatives in the context of a changing climate. Practical examples Practical examples Knowledge Review Knowledge Review

Introduction What does it mean to integrate adaptation in DRR? Introduction What is adaptation What is adaptation Integrating adaptation in DRR is basically about taking climate change into account. This is important in all of the stages of the DRR project cycle: assessment/analysis, participatory action planning, implementation and evaluation. At each of these stages, consideration of climate change and how the impacts will affect project stakeholders and activities may result in adjustments in the approach. It may lead to changes in planned activities or, in some cases, to completely new activities. Adaptation and development Adaptation and development Adaptation approaches Adaptation approaches CBA Framework CBA Framework Integrating adaptation Integrating adaptation Practical examples Practical examples Knowledge Review Knowledge Review

Introduction What does this look like in practice? Introduction What is adaptation What is adaptation The table below provides an overview of key steps that need to be taken during the different stages of the DRR project cycle in order to integrate climate change adaptation. Adaptation and development Adaptation and development Adaptation approaches Adaptation approaches Assessment/analysis Using future climate projections in vulnerability and capacity analysis CBA Framework CBA Framework Participatory action planning Screening activities to ensure that they are resilient to climate change impacts and that they build capacity to adapt to climate change Integrating adaptation Integrating adaptation Practical examples Practical examples Implementation Monitoring changes in climate and vulnerability over time Knowledge Review Knowledge Review Evaluation Evaluating impact of project on stakeholder adaptive capacity

Lets look at some examples to get a better sense of what this looks like in practice. Introduction Introduction What is adaptation What is adaptation The assessment/analysis phase identified drought as the hazard posing the greatest disaster risk in a community targeted by a DRR project. They planned a number of activities to reduce the risks associated with drought. Adaptation and development Adaptation and development Adaptation approaches Adaptation approaches However, when the team reviewed the climate projections for the area, it became clear that flood events are projected to happen more often than ever before. CBA Framework CBA Framework Based on this information, the team revised their assessment to reflect the fact that community members will face significant risks from floods. They also realized that some of the planned activities to address drought could be adversely affected by flooding. To respond to this, they adjusted the planned activities to make them more resilient to flooding. They also added some new activities to reduce flood risks. Integrating adaptation Integrating adaptation Practical examples Practical examples Knowledge Review Knowledge Review

Lets look at some examples to get a better sense of what this looks like in practice. Introduction Introduction What is adaptation What is adaptation In DRR project in a flood-prone area, raising wells and embankments was identified as key activities to reduce the risk of disaster caused by flooding. Adaptation and development Adaptation and development Adaptation approaches Initially, the project team and stakeholders planned to raise the wells and embankments to just above the historical high point for flooding. Adaptation approaches CBA Framework CBA Framework However, the climate change projections for the area suggest that heavy rain events will be more frequent and potentially more severe than in the past. This means that flood events may reach higher points than ever before. Integrating adaptation Integrating adaptation Practical examples Practical examples Based on this information, the project team and stakeholders decided to raise the wells and embankments to a higher level, which they calculated based on the climate projections. Knowledge Review Knowledge Review

Introduction Let s review the key learning points for this module. Introduction What is adaptation What is adaptation Adaptation to climate change is a process of reducing vulnerability to the current and future impacts of climate change. Adaptation and development Adaptation and development We can approach adaptation in two key ways: by implementing targeted community-based adaptation initiatives and by integrating adaptation into climate-sensitive sectors and approaches. Adaptation approaches Adaptation approaches CBA Framework CBA Framework DRR is a climate-sensitive approach. Therefore, it makes sense to integrate adaptation in DRR projects. Integrating adaptation Integrating adaptation Practical examples Integrating adaptation in DRR is basically about taking climate change into account. Practical examples Knowledge Review This is important in all of the stages of the DRR project cycle: assessment/analysis, participatory action planning, implementation and evaluation. Knowledge Review

Introduction Ready to review your knowledge? Introduction What is adaptation What is adaptation In this module, we ve introduced an approach to adaptation and have explored what it means to integrate adaptation into DRR. Adaptation and development Adaptation and development Adaptation approaches Adaptation approaches Next, you ll have a chance to review your knowledge before moving on to the next module. CBA Framework CBA Framework Ready? Integrating adaptation Integrating adaptation If you feel you re ready for the knowledge review, click on the forward arrow. Practical examples Practical examples Not quite there yet? Knowledge Review If you d like to go through any of the concepts again before moving on to the knowledge review, click on the appropriate box in the map. Knowledge Review

Knowledge Review Question 1 Introduction Introduction What is adaptation What is adaptation What does integrating adaptation into development achieve? Adaptation and development Adaptation and development Adaptation approaches Adaptation approaches Increases sustainability Increases effectiveness Increases both sustainability and effectiveness Increases both sustainability and effectiveness CBA Framework CBA Framework Increases effectiveness Increases sustainability Integrating adaptation Integrating adaptation Practical examples Practical examples Knowledge Review Knowledge Review Click on the appropriate box to indicate your answer.

Knowledge Review Question 2 Introduction Introduction What is adaptation What is adaptation Which of the following is an example of a strategy to build climate-resilient livelihoods? Adaptation and development Adaptation and development Adaptation approaches Adaptation approaches Early warning systems Diversification of livelihoods strategies Secure shelter CBA Framework CBA Framework Diversification of livelihoods strategies Early warning systems Secure shelter Integrating adaptation Integrating adaptation Practical examples Practical examples Knowledge Review Knowledge Review Click on the appropriate box to indicate your answer.

Congratulations! Youve completed Module 4. We hope that you have found this to be a useful learning experience. To access the other e-Learning modules, please visit the: e-Learning Center - Integrating climate change adaptation in disaster risk reduction NOTE: You will need a user name and password to access the modules. If you do not have an account, please contact: MinervaSupport@care.ca Thank you for your participation! You can exit the module by pressing the Esc key.