Natural catastrophe losses in 2013 were dominated by floods. Detailed analyses have shown that protective measures can drastically reduce losses. For example, the June 2013 floods in Germany and neighbouring countries proved to be considerably less damaging than the flooding in the summer of 2002. In 2013, some 37% of overall losses worldwide from natural […]
Natural catastrophes 2013: Analyses, assessments, positions Read More »
Poor people living in slums are at particularly high risk from the impacts of climate change and natural hazards. They live on the most vulnerable land within cities, typically areas deemed undesirable by others and thus affordable. This study analyzes the key challenges facing the urban poor, given the risks associated with climate change and
The African continent is currently in the midst of simultaneously unfolding and highly significant demographic, economic, technological, environmental, urban and socio-political transitions. Africa’s economic performance is promising, with booming cities supporting growing middle classes and creating sizable consumer markets. But despite significant overall growth, not all of Africa performs well. The continent continues to suffer
The State of African Cities 2014, UNHABITAT Read More »
Communication is a key element in emergency response. Having access to communication before, during and after a disaster is the first element a vulnerable community should have access to in order to prepare and respond in the face of any disaster. The consequences of climate change, combined with the marginalization of the rural communities, generate
Communicating and Preparing Rural Communities- The Case of Enlaza Mexico Read More »
This leaflet provides a review of the accomplishments and remaining tasks of the Pledge Project, which was born in 2007 when the Netherlands government and Red Cross jointly pledged to help a pilot group of National Societies adapt their efforts to reduce disaster-risk to the ever-rising hazards of climate change. Published in 2009.
Climate-informed reduction of disaster risk Read More »
In Nicaragua, a pilot climate change and disaster risk reduction initiative, supported by the Netherlands Red Cross through the Red Cross Red Crescent Climate Centre, aims at strengthening the Nicaraguan Red Cross’s capacity to carry out local-level activities related to risk reduction and to respond to extreme weather events. The pilot project was carried out
Disaster Preparedness for Climate change in Nicaragua Read More »
In mid-September 2001, the International Federation launched an appeal which emphasised the need to develop short, medium and long-term strategies to reverse the effects of drought in El Salvador. The Spanish Red Cross, the Salvadorean Red Cross Society and the Regional Delegation discussed various forms of action, resulting in a single Drought Response and Mitigation
Drought in El Salvador: response and mitigation Read More »
Tuvalu is a remote island nation often associated with the rising impacts of climate change. If, as predicted, sea levels continue to rise, this string of low-lying islands in the south-west Pacific could gradually disappear. However, life must go on in Tuvalu, and efforts are being made through risk reduction and disaster preparedness to lessen
Tuvalu: Joining forces to tackle climate change Read More »
Defined as the biggest challenge of our century, climate change is and will increasingly affect the work of National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies and other humanitarian organizations. Amongst others, some of its most direct impact are reflected in increased climate variability (already experienced in several parts of the world) and in the rising
Accessing climate finance: an overview Read More »
Bangladesh is not only vulnerable to rising sea levels, but is also one of the most flood and cyclone prone countries in the world with 25 percent of its geographical area vulnerable. The floods and cyclones not only disrupt and take lives, but also isolate communities, severely affecting the livelihoods and education of the people