CGE TRAINING MATERIALS - VULNERABILITY AND ADAPTATION ASSESSMENT

CHAPTER 10Communication of V&A Analysis in the National Communications

Objectives and Expectations

• Having read this presentation, in conjunction with the related handbook, the reader should:

a) Have an overview the relevant provisions under the Convention on reporting information on vulnerability and adaptation (V&A) from non-Annex I Parties

b) Have a basic understanding on how to effectively present the results of the V&A assessment, taking into account the target audience of the report.

2

Outline

• Review COP decision on V&A reporting

• General guidance for reporting

• Address reporting on:

a) Methods

b) Vulnerability

c) Adaptation

• Final thoughts

UNFCCC Decision 17/CP.8 Reporting Guidelines

• 32. Non-Annex I Parties are encouraged to provide information on the scope of their vulnerability and adaptation assessment, including identification of vulnerable areas that are most critical

• 33. Non-Annex I Parties are encouraged to include a description of approaches, methodologies and tools used, including scenarios for the assessment of impacts of, and vulnerability and adaptation to, climate change, as well as any uncertainties inherent in these methodologies.

UNFCCC Decision 17/CP.8 Reporting Guidelines

• 34. Non-Annex I Parties are encouraged to provide information on their vulnerability to the impacts of, and their adaptation to, climate change in key vulnerable areas. Information should include key findings, and direct and indirect effects arising from climate change, allowing for an integrated analysis of the country’s vulnerability to climate change.

• 35. Non-Annex I Parties are encouraged to provide information on and, to the extent possible, an evaluation of, strategies and measures for adapting to climate change, in key areas, including those which are of the highest priority.

UNFCCC Decision 17/CP.8 Reporting Guidelines

• 36. Where relevant, Parties may report on the use of policy frameworks, such as national adaptation programmes, plans and policies for developing and implementing adaptation strategies and measures.

Communication

Definition:

•The exchange of thoughts, messages, or information, by speech, visuals, signals, writing or behaviour

•A two-way process of reaching mutual understanding, in which participants not only exchange information but also create and share meaning.

Communication

• Requires a sender, a message and a recipient, although the receiver need not be present or aware of the sender’s intent to communicate at the time of communication

• Can occur across vast distances in time and space

• Is complete once the receiver has understood the message of the sender

• The purpose could be to generate action, inform, create understanding or communicate certain ideas or points.

Communication

• The national communication needs to clearly communicate vulnerability and adaptation findings:

a) Describe methods and results of analyses

b) Synthesize and integrate results.

• The national communication needs to clearly communicate:

§ Who and what is vulnerable:

• How that may vary across time and geographic region

a) Who will be adapting to climate change

b) What is required to adapt:

• Where and when.

First Thing: Remember the Purpose

• Who is the audience for the national communication ?

• What kind of information do they need?

• How can it be presented to them, most effectively?

Create a Simple Communications Plan

• Use best-practice approaches from the communications industry

• Carefully consider:

a) Communication objectives

b) Audience analysis

c) Key messages

d) Communication tools

e) Action plan.

Reporting on Methods

• National communications should include a description of the methods used:

a) Remembering that the audience may be non-technical

b) The description should be concise

c) Details can be left to appendices or supporting documents.

Example: Jamaica’s Second National Communication

Reporting on Vulnerabilities

• Present details clearly

• Present who and what is most vulnerable

• The key is:

a) Organization

b) Clarity

c) Simplicity

d) No ambiguity.

Example: Mongolia, Second National Communication

Example: Bhutan’s Second National Communication

Example: Vietnam’s Second National Communication

Closed tropical moist semi-deciduous forests distribution changes, climate change scenario B2

Reporting Adaptation Results

• The same key principles apply:

a) Organization

b) Clarity

c) Simplicity.

• Present adaptation options clearly

• Evaluate or rank adaptations options:

a) Consider possible effectiveness within your country.

Example: Guinea-Bissau Second National Communication

Extract from Table 34: Strategies and adaptation measures envisaged

Example: Antigua and Barbuda Second National Communication

Helpful Resources

• Communication as a Reform Tool for the UN:

<www.unssc.org/web1/programmes/sc/documents/Booklet_FINAL_3.25.02.pdf>.

• European Association for the Promotion of Science and

Technology website

<www.euroscience.org/science-communication,33521,en.html>.

• Communicating climate change: A toolbox for local organizations

in the Caribbean:

<http://www.canari.org/documents/CommunicatingclimatechangeAtoolboxforlocalorgansationspdf.pdf>.

Conclusions

• All communications, whether intentionally or unintentionally, have some effect

• Communication that produces the desired effect or result is effective communication

• Effective communication generates and maintains the desired effect and serves the purpose for which it was planned or designed

• Effective communication also ensures that message distortion does not take place during the communication process.

Conclusions (continued)

• A clear synthesis and reporting of results is important

• Analytic methods exist for analysing and ranking adaptations

• National communications should report on:

a) Methods

b) Vulnerabilities

c) Adaptation measures

• Simple methods for reporting results can be most effective in clearly communicating them.