Climate Change and Climate Change and Disaster PreparednessDisaster Preparedness

By Hospicio C. Conanan, Jr., DVM, By Hospicio C. Conanan, Jr., DVM, MBMMBM

Garden Oasis, Davao CityGarden Oasis, Davao CityOctober 21, 2011October 21, 2011

What is natural?What is natural? It is clear that humanity is becoming more It is clear that humanity is becoming more

vulnerable to natural disasters as a result of vulnerable to natural disasters as a result of its actions. its actions.

““Natural” can be a misleading description Natural” can be a misleading description for disasters such as the droughts, floods for disasters such as the droughts, floods and cyclones which afflict much of the and cyclones which afflict much of the developing world. developing world.

Identifying the human-induced root causes Identifying the human-induced root causes of disasters, and advocating structural and of disasters, and advocating structural and political changes to combat them, is political changes to combat them, is necessary to reduce the effects of disasters.necessary to reduce the effects of disasters.

What is a natural disaster?What is a natural disaster?A disaster is a serious disruption of the A disaster is a serious disruption of the

function of society, causing widespread function of society, causing widespread human, material or environment losses human, material or environment losses which exceed the ability of the affected which exceed the ability of the affected society to cope on its own resources.society to cope on its own resources.

Natural disasters are disruptions that emanate Natural disasters are disruptions that emanate from nature but which may be aggravated by from nature but which may be aggravated by human activity, hence the acronym, Human human activity, hence the acronym, Human Aggravated Natural Disasters (HAND).Aggravated Natural Disasters (HAND).

A Note on Climate ChangeA Note on Climate Change While there is overwhelming While there is overwhelming

evidence that concentrations of COevidence that concentrations of CO22 have changed drastically from the have changed drastically from the last 300 years, we should not last 300 years, we should not discount the roles of solar cycles in discount the roles of solar cycles in climate change.climate change.

Man-Made DisastersMan-Made Disasters WarsWars Atomic Bombs at Nagasaki & HiroshimaAtomic Bombs at Nagasaki & Hiroshima Union-Carbide Explosion in Bhopal, Union-Carbide Explosion in Bhopal,

IndiaIndia Intentional Burning of ForestsIntentional Burning of Forests Mine ExplosionsMine Explosions Terrorist BombingsTerrorist Bombings

Common Natural DisastersCommon Natural Disasters Tropical Cyclones or Typhoons (Hurricanes) Tropical Cyclones or Typhoons (Hurricanes) TsunamisTsunamis FloodsFloods DroughtsDroughts Landslides and RockslidesLandslides and Rockslides EarthquakesEarthquakes Volcanic EruptionsVolcanic Eruptions PestilencePestilence Forest FiresForest Fires

Less Common DisastersLess Common Disasters AvalancheAvalanche Limnic Eruptions (COLimnic Eruptions (CO22 eruptions) eruptions) BlizzardBlizzard Meteor Strike (Impact Events)Meteor Strike (Impact Events) Solar FlaresSolar Flares Heat wavesHeat waves Hail StormsHail Storms EpidemicsEpidemics

Alarming Increases of Natural Alarming Increases of Natural DisastersDisasters

The number of natural disasters – floods, The number of natural disasters – floods, major storms and earthquakes has major storms and earthquakes has increased dramatically since 1950, and in increased dramatically since 1950, and in particular during the last 20 years. particular during the last 20 years.

Increase in frequency and destructiveness Increase in frequency and destructiveness of natural hazardsof natural hazards

90% of these are related to extreme 90% of these are related to extreme weather conditions.weather conditions.

Victims of Natural DisastersVictims of Natural Disasters Alongside the growth in world Alongside the growth in world

population has been an increase in population has been an increase in people living in poverty. These people living in poverty. These people are among society’s most people are among society’s most vulnerable.vulnerable.

When disasters strike, it is invariably When disasters strike, it is invariably the poor who suffer most, through the poor who suffer most, through loss of life and hard-won livelihoods.loss of life and hard-won livelihoods.

Victims of Natural DisastersVictims of Natural Disasters Didier Cherpitel, Secretary-General of the Didier Cherpitel, Secretary-General of the

International Federation of Red Cross said: International Federation of Red Cross said: ““Disasters seek out the poor and Disasters seek out the poor and ensure they stay poor.ensure they stay poor.””

The poor often the highest exposure to The poor often the highest exposure to disasters and the lowest capacity to cope.disasters and the lowest capacity to cope.

Moreover, poor people are more likely to Moreover, poor people are more likely to die when disasters strike.die when disasters strike.

Victims of Natural DisastersVictims of Natural Disasters Since 1991, half of all reported disasters Since 1991, half of all reported disasters

happened in countries with medium levels of happened in countries with medium levels of human development, but 98 per cent of human development, but 98 per cent of those killed were in countries with low levels those killed were in countries with low levels of human development.of human development.

In the 1970s, natural disasters claimed In the 1970s, natural disasters claimed nearly 2 million lives. During the 1990s the nearly 2 million lives. During the 1990s the number of casualties fell under 800,000. But number of casualties fell under 800,000. But those affected—by injury, homelessness or those affected—by injury, homelessness or hunger—tripled to 2 billionhunger—tripled to 2 billion

Cost of DisastersCost of Disasters Natural catastrophes, most of which were Natural catastrophes, most of which were

weather related, cost an estimated $56 weather related, cost an estimated $56 billion between January and September 2002 billion between January and September 2002 alone—a 93 per cent increase on 2001 alone—a 93 per cent increase on 2001 figures. figures.

Future scenarios envisage annual economic Future scenarios envisage annual economic losses from natural disasters reaching $150 losses from natural disasters reaching $150 billion. Insured losses in 2002 totalled $9 billion. Insured losses in 2002 totalled $9 billion, placing a serious burden in the billion, placing a serious burden in the insurance and finance sectors. insurance and finance sectors.

Economic Damage from Economic Damage from Natural DisastersNatural Disasters

1960-19691960-1969 $ 40 Billion$ 40 Billion 1970-19791970-1979 $ 70 Billion$ 70 Billion 1980-19891980-1989 $ 120 Billion$ 120 Billion 19911991 $ 44 Billion$ 44 Billion Yearly Damage to Phil PhP 15 BillionYearly Damage to Phil PhP 15 Billion

Effects of DisastersEffects of Disasters Disasters can wipe out years of Disasters can wipe out years of

development in hours.development in hours. Disasters can leave permanent Disasters can leave permanent

psychological scars on Victimspsychological scars on Victims Disasters can aggravate Disasters can aggravate

environmental problemsenvironmental problems.

Comparison of Average Comparison of Average Casualty RatesCasualty Rates

22.5 people die per reported disaster in highly developed countries

145 die per disaster in countries with medium human development

1,052 people die per disaster in countries with low level of development

Red Cross Data

Record HoldersRecord HoldersAccording to Swiss Red Cross, the top three According to Swiss Red Cross, the top three

casualty disasters since 1970 (to 2002) were: casualty disasters since 1970 (to 2002) were: 1970: Storm and floods in Bangladesh—1970: Storm and floods in Bangladesh—

300,000 victims.300,000 victims. 1976: Earthquake in China—250,000 victims.1976: Earthquake in China—250,000 victims. 1991 Tropical Cyclone in Bangladesh—1991 Tropical Cyclone in Bangladesh—

138,000 victims.138,000 victims. 2005: Tsunami in Indonesia, Malaysia & 2005: Tsunami in Indonesia, Malaysia &

Thailand- 200,000 victims.Thailand- 200,000 victims.

Highest Insurance LossesHighest Insurance LossesThe three most costly disasters (in terms of The three most costly disasters (in terms of

insured losses) since 1970 (to 2002) were :insured losses) since 1970 (to 2002) were : 1992: Hurricane Andrew in the USA—US $20 1992: Hurricane Andrew in the USA—US $20

billionbillion 1994: Northridge earthquake in the USA—US 1994: Northridge earthquake in the USA—US

$17 billion$17 billion 1991: Typhoon Mireille in Japan—US $7.5 1991: Typhoon Mireille in Japan—US $7.5

billionbillion 2005: Hurricane Katrina – US$ 15 Billion2005: Hurricane Katrina – US$ 15 Billion

Natural HazardsNatural Hazards

Majority of Asia & Pacific developing Majority of Asia & Pacific developing countries are in the world’s hazard countries are in the world’s hazard belts and are subject to storms, belts and are subject to storms, floods, droughts, earthquakes, etc.floods, droughts, earthquakes, etc.

Major disasters that occur Major disasters that occur periodically are due to climatic & periodically are due to climatic & seismic factors.seismic factors.

Region has suffered 50 per cent of Region has suffered 50 per cent of the world’s major natural disasters.the world’s major natural disasters.

Natural HazardsNatural Hazards Since 1990, the total number of deaths Since 1990, the total number of deaths

due to natural disasters in the region has due to natural disasters in the region has exceeded 200,000 and the estimated exceeded 200,000 and the estimated damage to property over this period has damage to property over this period has been estimated at US$ 100 billion been estimated at US$ 100 billion

Vulnerability to disasters has increased Vulnerability to disasters has increased due to the increased aggregation of due to the increased aggregation of people in urban centers, environmental people in urban centers, environmental degradation, and a lack of planning and degradation, and a lack of planning and preparedness. preparedness.

TyphoonsTyphoons Common in the Asia-Pacific region. Common in the Asia-Pacific region. Occur most frequently over the Occur most frequently over the

north-west Pacific, just east of the north-west Pacific, just east of the Philippines, during June and Philippines, during June and NovemberNovember

Average of 30 typhoons a year, i.e.Average of 30 typhoons a year, i.e. about 38 per cent of the world totalabout 38 per cent of the world total

FloodsFloods The most common climate-related disaster The most common climate-related disaster

in the Asia-Pacific region and include in the Asia-Pacific region and include seasonal floods, flash floods, urban floods. seasonal floods, flash floods, urban floods.

In Bangladesh, as many as 80 million In Bangladesh, as many as 80 million people are vulnerable to flooding each people are vulnerable to flooding each year. year.

In India, where a total of 40 million In India, where a total of 40 million hectares is at risk from flooding each year, hectares is at risk from flooding each year, the average annual direct damage has the average annual direct damage has been estimated at US$ 240 million, been estimated at US$ 240 million, although this figure can increase to over although this figure can increase to over US$ 1.5 billion with severe flood events US$ 1.5 billion with severe flood events

DroughtsDroughts The impact of droughts differs widely The impact of droughts differs widely

between developed and developing between developed and developing countries because of such factors as countries because of such factors as water supply and water-use efficiency. water supply and water-use efficiency.

Majority of the estimated 500 million Majority of the estimated 500 million rural poor in the Asia-Pacific region are rural poor in the Asia-Pacific region are subsistence farmers occupying mainly subsistence farmers occupying mainly rain-fed land.rain-fed land.

The drought-prone countries in this The drought-prone countries in this region are Afghanistan, Iran, Myanmar, region are Afghanistan, Iran, Myanmar, Pakistan, Nepal, India, Sri Lanka and Pakistan, Nepal, India, Sri Lanka and parts of Bangladesh. parts of Bangladesh.

DroughtsDroughts In India, about 33 per cent of the arable land In India, about 33 per cent of the arable land

is considered to be drought-prone (i.e. about is considered to be drought-prone (i.e. about 14 per cent of the total land area of the 14 per cent of the total land area of the country) and a further 35 per cent can also be country) and a further 35 per cent can also be affected if rainfall is exceptionally low for affected if rainfall is exceptionally low for extended periods.extended periods.

Nepal has been subjected to severe droughts Nepal has been subjected to severe droughts in the past. The Philippines, Thailand, in the past. The Philippines, Thailand, Australia and the Pacific islands of Fiji, Australia and the Pacific islands of Fiji, Vanuatu and Samoa also contain drought-Vanuatu and Samoa also contain drought-prone areas. prone areas.

LandslidesLandslides Very common in the hills and mountainous Very common in the hills and mountainous

parts of the Asia-Pacific regionparts of the Asia-Pacific region Occur frequently in India, China, Nepal, Occur frequently in India, China, Nepal,

Thailand and the Philippines. Thailand and the Philippines. In addition to the influence of topography, In addition to the influence of topography,

landslides are aggravated by human landslides are aggravated by human activities, such as deforestation, cultivation activities, such as deforestation, cultivation and construction, which destabilize the and construction, which destabilize the already fragile slopes. already fragile slopes.

The combined actions of natural (mostly The combined actions of natural (mostly heavy rainfall) and human-induced factors, heavy rainfall) and human-induced factors, as many as 12,000 landslides occur in Nepal as many as 12,000 landslides occur in Nepal each year each year

EarthquakesEarthquakes The Asia-Pacific region alone has recorded 70 The Asia-Pacific region alone has recorded 70

per cent of the world’s earthquakes per cent of the world’s earthquakes measuring 7 or more on the Richter scale, at measuring 7 or more on the Richter scale, at an average rate of 15 events per year. an average rate of 15 events per year.

Countries of the region which are badly Countries of the region which are badly affected by earthquakes include Japan, the affected by earthquakes include Japan, the Philippines, India, Nepal, Afghanistan, the Philippines, India, Nepal, Afghanistan, the Islamic Republic of Iran and the Pacific Islamic Republic of Iran and the Pacific Islands. Islands.

Many of the countries in the region are Many of the countries in the region are located in the Pacific Ocean Seismic Zone or located in the Pacific Ocean Seismic Zone or the Indian Ocean Seismic Zone. For example, the Indian Ocean Seismic Zone. For example, 50–60 per cent of India is vulnerable to 50–60 per cent of India is vulnerable to seismic activities of varying intensity.seismic activities of varying intensity.

EarthquakesEarthquakes The earthquake in Maharashtra State The earthquake in Maharashtra State

in Western India in September 1993 in Western India in September 1993 claimed over 12,000 lives.  claimed over 12,000 lives. 

Worst earthquake was in Tangshan, Worst earthquake was in Tangshan, China (240,000 lives, 28 July 1976)China (240,000 lives, 28 July 1976)

About 80 per cent of China’s About 80 per cent of China’s territorial area, 60 per cent of its territorial area, 60 per cent of its large cities and 70 per cent of its large cities and 70 per cent of its urban areas with populations over 1 urban areas with populations over 1 million, are located in seismic zones.million, are located in seismic zones.

TsunamisTsunamis Tsunamis, tidal waves generated by Tsunamis, tidal waves generated by

earthquakes, affect many of the coastal areas of earthquakes, affect many of the coastal areas of the region, including those of Japan, Indonesia the region, including those of Japan, Indonesia and the Philippines. The infamous Krakatau and the Philippines. The infamous Krakatau volcanic eruption during 1883 in Sunda Straits, volcanic eruption during 1883 in Sunda Straits, Indonesia, generated a 35 metre high tsunami Indonesia, generated a 35 metre high tsunami which caused 36,000 deaths and the tsunami of which caused 36,000 deaths and the tsunami of 17 August 1976 in the Moro Gulf area of the 17 August 1976 in the Moro Gulf area of the Philippines claimed another 8,000 lives Philippines claimed another 8,000 lives

Deadly Tsunami of Japan is worst in recent Deadly Tsunami of Japan is worst in recent history and videoed on real time.history and videoed on real time.

VolcanoesVolcanoes Volcanoes, like earthquakes, are located Volcanoes, like earthquakes, are located

mainly along the Pacific Rim. The mainly along the Pacific Rim. The countries at risk from volcanic eruptions countries at risk from volcanic eruptions include the Philippines, Indonesia, Japan, include the Philippines, Indonesia, Japan, Papua New Guinea, New Zealand, Solomon Papua New Guinea, New Zealand, Solomon Islands, Tonga and Vanuatu. Islands, Tonga and Vanuatu.

Those most frequently affected are Those most frequently affected are Indonesia (129 active volcanoes), Japan Indonesia (129 active volcanoes), Japan (77) and the Philippines (21).(77) and the Philippines (21).

The eruptions of Mount Pinatubo in Central The eruptions of Mount Pinatubo in Central Luzon during the period 12–15 June 1991 Luzon during the period 12–15 June 1991 affected about 1–2 million people, affected about 1–2 million people, demolished the surrounding forests, demolished the surrounding forests, caused massive siltation of rivers and caused massive siltation of rivers and coastal areas and deposited ash in coastal areas and deposited ash in surrounding areas and across continents. surrounding areas and across continents.

VolcanoesVolcanoes In New Zealand, Mount Tarawera In New Zealand, Mount Tarawera

had a severe eruption in 1886, had a severe eruption in 1886, and the Ngauruhoe, which and the Ngauruhoe, which erupted in 1974, emits steam and erupted in 1974, emits steam and vapor constantly. vapor constantly.

In Papua New Guinea, the In Papua New Guinea, the volcanic eruption in 1994 near the volcanic eruption in 1994 near the city of Rabaul damaged about 40 city of Rabaul damaged about 40 per cent of the houses in the area per cent of the houses in the area

UN Disaster Risk IndexUN Disaster Risk Index Introduced by United Nations Introduced by United Nations

Development Program in 2004 and Development Program in 2004 and demonstrates that populations in demonstrates that populations in wealthy countries represent 15 wealthy countries represent 15 percent of those exposed to natural percent of those exposed to natural disasters, but only 1.8 percent of disasters, but only 1.8 percent of those who are killed.those who are killed.

i.e., disasters are more deadly in i.e., disasters are more deadly in poorer countriespoorer countries

UN Disaster Risk IndexUN Disaster Risk Index This index measures and compares physical This index measures and compares physical

exposure to hazard, vulnerability and risk between exposure to hazard, vulnerability and risk between countries and demonstrates a clear link between countries and demonstrates a clear link between human development and death rates following human development and death rates following natural disasters. natural disasters.

The index provides the The index provides the physical exposure levels physical exposure levels and and relative vulnerability relative vulnerability for more than 200 for more than 200 countries and territories. These figures were countries and territories. These figures were determined by comparing the number of people determined by comparing the number of people exposed in relation to population and then exposed in relation to population and then mapping it in a geographical information system. mapping it in a geographical information system.

By evaluating the number of people killed annually By evaluating the number of people killed annually from 1980 to 2000 with the number of exposed from 1980 to 2000 with the number of exposed people, UNDP has been able to people, UNDP has been able to compare countries compare countries vulnerabilities to different natural hazards vulnerabilities to different natural hazards

UN Risk IndexUN Risk Index In Iran, for example (excluding the In Iran, for example (excluding the

earthquake in December 2004) an average earthquake in December 2004) an average of 1,074 people were killed each year in of 1,074 people were killed each year in earthquakes between 1980 and 2000, for earthquakes between 1980 and 2000, for every 1 million inhabitants exposed. every 1 million inhabitants exposed.

By comparison, 0.97 were killed each year By comparison, 0.97 were killed each year per 1 million exposed in the United States. per 1 million exposed in the United States. In other words, the relative vulnerability of In other words, the relative vulnerability of Iranians to earthquake is Iranians to earthquake is over 1000 timesover 1000 times greater that the relative vulnerability of greater that the relative vulnerability of Americans and over 100 times greater than Americans and over 100 times greater than the relative vulnerability of the Japanese.the relative vulnerability of the Japanese.

EarthquakeEarthquake Approximately 130 million are exposed per Approximately 130 million are exposed per

year.year. High vulnerability to earthquakes was found in High vulnerability to earthquakes was found in

countries such as Iran, Afghanistan and India. countries such as Iran, Afghanistan and India. Other medium development countries with Other medium development countries with

sizeable urban populations such as Turkey and sizeable urban populations such as Turkey and the Russian Federation were also found to have the Russian Federation were also found to have high levels of vulnerability, as well as Armenia high levels of vulnerability, as well as Armenia (highest on the relative vulnerability list). (highest on the relative vulnerability list).

TyphoonsTyphoons Up to 119 million people are exposed periodically, Up to 119 million people are exposed periodically,

and some exposed more than four times a year. and some exposed more than four times a year. High levels of vulnerability were found in High levels of vulnerability were found in

Honduras and Nicaragua (top two on the list), Honduras and Nicaragua (top two on the list), both of which had experienced a catastrophic both of which had experienced a catastrophic disaster during the period 1980-2000. disaster during the period 1980-2000.

Other countries with substantial populations on Other countries with substantial populations on coastal plains were found to be highly vulnerable coastal plains were found to be highly vulnerable (Bangladesh and Vietnam). (Bangladesh and Vietnam).

Countries with similar exposure to cyclones were Countries with similar exposure to cyclones were found to have different levels of relative found to have different levels of relative vulnerability. vulnerability.

In Haiti, 13 people per million inhabitants In Haiti, 13 people per million inhabitants exposed were killed each year compared with exposed were killed each year compared with 0.16 in Cuba from 1980-2000.0.16 in Cuba from 1980-2000.

FloodsFloods 196 million people in more than 90 countries are 196 million people in more than 90 countries are

annually exposed. High vulnerability was identified in annually exposed. High vulnerability was identified in a wide range of countries and is likely to be a wide range of countries and is likely to be aggravated by global climate change. aggravated by global climate change.

In Venezuela (topping the list for floods), high In Venezuela (topping the list for floods), high vulnerability was due to a single catastrophic event. vulnerability was due to a single catastrophic event. Other countries with high vulnerability to floods Other countries with high vulnerability to floods included Somalia, Morocco, and Bhutan. Low GDP per included Somalia, Morocco, and Bhutan. Low GDP per capita, low local density of population and high capita, low local density of population and high physical exposure were associated with high risk to physical exposure were associated with high risk to floods. floods.

Although capturing widespread attention in recent Although capturing widespread attention in recent years, Germany has very low relative human years, Germany has very low relative human vulnerability to floods. For example vulnerability to floods. For example 0.25 people were 0.25 people were killed each year per 1 million exposed in Germany, killed each year per 1 million exposed in Germany, compared with 67 in Mozambique from 1980-2000compared with 67 in Mozambique from 1980-2000..

DroughtDrought Over 220 million people are annually exposed. Over 220 million people are annually exposed. African states were shown to have the highest African states were shown to have the highest

vulnerability to drought. 796.77 per 1 million vulnerability to drought. 796.77 per 1 million lives were claimed by drought in Africa, while lives were claimed by drought in Africa, while only 0.04 per 1 million died in Europe, almost only 0.04 per 1 million died in Europe, almost a ratio of 20,000:1a ratio of 20,000:1

The study found that drought would lead to The study found that drought would lead to famine more quickly in connection with armed famine more quickly in connection with armed conflict, internal population displacement, conflict, internal population displacement, HIV/AIDS, poor governance and economic HIV/AIDS, poor governance and economic crisis.crisis.

Desertification is increasing worldwide, Desertification is increasing worldwide, especially in Africa.especially in Africa.

Earthquake RiskEarthquake Risk There is a strong correlation between There is a strong correlation between

earthquake risk and rapid urban earthquake risk and rapid urban growth, typified by rapidly urbanizing growth, typified by rapidly urbanizing medium development countries. medium development countries.

Rapid urban growth is often associated Rapid urban growth is often associated with a lack of application of appropriate with a lack of application of appropriate building standards or land use building standards or land use planning, and the deterioration of older planning, and the deterioration of older densely packed inner city areas – all densely packed inner city areas – all factors that increase earthquake risk factors that increase earthquake risk

Typhoon RiskTyphoon Risk This risk is strongly identified with This risk is strongly identified with

countries of large predominantly rural countries of large predominantly rural populations and with low ranking on populations and with low ranking on the Human Development Index. the Human Development Index.

Rural housing is less resistant to high Rural housing is less resistant to high winds than urban housing, and winds than urban housing, and emergency services, disaster emergency services, disaster preparedness and early warning are preparedness and early warning are usually weaker or non-existent in rural usually weaker or non-existent in rural areas of poorer countries.areas of poorer countries.

Flood RiskFlood Risk Countries with low GDP per capita, low Countries with low GDP per capita, low

densities of population (in flood prone densities of population (in flood prone areas) and high numbers of exposed areas) and high numbers of exposed people are most at risk from floods. people are most at risk from floods.

Mortality was higher in countries with Mortality was higher in countries with sparsely populated, poor rural areas where sparsely populated, poor rural areas where disaster preparedness and early warning is disaster preparedness and early warning is non-existent and where health coverage is non-existent and where health coverage is usually weak or not easily accessible. usually weak or not easily accessible.

In such areas, people have less possibility In such areas, people have less possibility to evacuate from flood prone areas and to evacuate from flood prone areas and are more vulnerable to death through are more vulnerable to death through flood related diseases. flood related diseases.

Natural Disasters & Climate Natural Disasters & Climate ChangeChange

Changes in Hydrologic cycles, e.g., Changes in Hydrologic cycles, e.g., droughts and excessive rain droughts and excessive rain

Increase in intensity of storms and Increase in intensity of storms and cyclonescyclones

Effects of Increase in global Effects of Increase in global temperaturetemperature

Government Agencies for Government Agencies for DisastersDisasters

India - Cabinet Committee on Natural India - Cabinet Committee on Natural Calamities (CCNC) Calamities (CCNC)

Bangladesh - Natural Disaster Prevention Bangladesh - Natural Disaster Prevention CouncilCouncil

Sri-Lanka - Cabinet Sub-Committee to examine Sri-Lanka - Cabinet Sub-Committee to examine floods, cyclones, landslides and soil erosion; floods, cyclones, landslides and soil erosion;

Myanmar - Relief and Resettlement Department Myanmar - Relief and Resettlement Department under the Ministry of Social Welfareunder the Ministry of Social Welfare

Indonesia - National Coordination Board for Indonesia - National Coordination Board for Natural Disaster Preparedness and ReliefNatural Disaster Preparedness and Relief

China - Inter-ministerial co-ordination China - Inter-ministerial co-ordination committee in the People’s Republic committee in the People’s Republic

Papua New Guinea - National Disaster and Papua New Guinea - National Disaster and Emergency Services DepartmentEmergency Services Department

Phil. - National Disaster Coordination CouncilPhil. - National Disaster Coordination Council

Disaster PreparednessDisaster Preparedness Corrective Measures Corrective Measures

Adaptive MeasuresAdaptive Measures

Corrective MeasuresCorrective Measures Main goal is reduction of carbon Main goal is reduction of carbon

emission and greenhouse gasesemission and greenhouse gases International Agreements such as the International Agreements such as the

Kyoto Protocol and the Montreal Kyoto Protocol and the Montreal Protocol aim to address thisProtocol aim to address this

Alternative Technologies to fossil-fuel Alternative Technologies to fossil-fuel economyeconomy

Carbon SequestrationCarbon Sequestration

Adaptive MeasuresAdaptive Measures Involves changes in policies, lifestylesInvolves changes in policies, lifestyles

Changes in House DesignsChanges in House Designs

Changes in Consumption patternsChanges in Consumption patterns

Measures will be specific to sectorsMeasures will be specific to sectors

Examples of Adaptive Examples of Adaptive Measures in AgricultureMeasures in Agriculture

Use of Heat- & Drought-Resistant Use of Heat- & Drought-Resistant Varieties, i.e., use of new breedsVarieties, i.e., use of new breeds

Use of Late-Maturing varietiesUse of Late-Maturing varieties Soil-Conservation TechniquesSoil-Conservation Techniques Switching cropping sequences and Switching cropping sequences and

sowing schedulessowing schedules

Adaptive and Corrective Adaptive and Corrective MeasuresMeasures

World and Government Policies and World and Government Policies and InitiativesInitiatives

Individual InitiativesIndividual Initiatives Lifestyle ChangesLifestyle Changes Driving ChangesDriving Changes Consumption PatternsConsumption Patterns

Winners & LosersWinners & Losers Countries in Higher latitudes will Countries in Higher latitudes will

most likely benefit in Agriculture, most likely benefit in Agriculture, while lower latitudes will lose.while lower latitudes will lose.

Heating of Arctic will benefit some Heating of Arctic will benefit some and negatively impact mostand negatively impact most

Most of the world will however, be Most of the world will however, be losers.losers.

Other IssuesOther Issues Global CooperationGlobal Cooperation Climate Change & AdaptationClimate Change & Adaptation Issues of SustainabilityIssues of Sustainability

With Global Warming…With Global Warming… We manage the inevitableWe manage the inevitable

The inevitable manages our livesThe inevitable manages our lives

Thank You!Thank You!