Climate Risk Assessment

Risk management cycle (2.1)

This microlearning module offers a comprehensive framework for managing climate-related risks through the disaster risk management cycle, a continuous, four stage process. Preparedness involves building capacities and early warning systems to anticipate hazards. Response addresses immediate threats post-disaster, focusing on public safety and essential needs. Recovery aims to restore stability and functionality in affected communities. Mitigation focuses on reducing future vulnerabilities through structural and policy measures. Moreover, this section underscores the importance of integrating these stages into urban planning to enhance resilience.

Climate risk assessment (2.2)

This microlearning focuses on Climate Risk Assessment (CRA) and provides a structured approach for cities to identify and evaluate climate-related risks. It guides users through assessing current and future climate hazards, analyzing their impacts on populations, infrastructure, and ecosystems, and prioritizing adaptation strategies. The module outlines both quantitative and qualitative methodologies, emphasizing the importance of understanding exposure and vulnerability factors. It also introduces a six-step process for conducting a CRA, from setting objectives to identifying feasible adaptation options. By integrating these assessments into urban planning, cities can make informed decisions to enhance resilience against climate change.

Risk management capabilities (2.3)

The section emphasizes the importance of robust institutional capacities in effectively managing climate risks. While climate risk assessments identify potential threats, their successful mitigation depends on a city’s technical, financial, and administrative abilities. The module introduces a structured framework to evaluate these capacities across seven key areas: governance, risk assessment, planning, prevention, preparedness, emergency response, and recovery. By regularly assessing and enhancing these areas, municipalities can ensure they are well-equipped to implement adaptation measures and build climate-resilient communities.

References

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Climate-ADAPT (2021). Crisis and disaster management systems and plans. Available at: https://climate-adapt.eea.europa.eu/en/metadata/adaptation-options/crises-and-disaster-management-systems-and-plans (Accessed: January 2024)

Climate-ADAPT. European early warning systems. Available at: https://climate-adapt.eea.europa.eu/en/observatory/evidence/health-early-systems (Accessed: January 2025)

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C40 Cities (2018). Climate Change Risk Assessment Guidance. Available at: https://www.c40knowledgehub.org/s/article/Climate-Change-Risk-Assessment-Guidance?language=en_US (Accessed: January 2025)

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IPCC, 2022: Annex II: Glossary [Möller, V., R. van Diemen, J.B.R. Matthews, C. Méndez, S. Semenov, J.S. Fuglestvedt, A. Reisinger (eds.)]. In: Climate Change 2022: Impacts, Adaptation and Vulnerability. Contribution of Working Group II to the Sixth Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change [H.-O. Pörtner, D.C. Roberts, M. Tignor, E.S. Poloczanska, K. Mintenbeck, A. Alegría, M. Craig, S. Langsdorf, S. Löschke, V. Möller, A. Okem, B. Rama (eds.)]. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, UK and New York, NY, USA, pp. 2897–2930, doi:10.1017/9781009325844.029.

Mysiak J, Casartelli V and Torresan S (2021). Union Civil Protection Mechanism – Peer Review Programme for disaster risk management: Assessment Framework. https://doi.org/10.25424/CMCC-CHC1-TF40

REACHOUT (2023), Online Training Module I. Learning Program for the City Hubs. Available at: https://reachout-cities.eu/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Online-Training-Modules-I-gecomprimeerd.pdf (Accessed: January 2025)

REACHOUT (2024), Online Training Module III. Learning Program for the City Hubs. Available at: https://reachout-cities.eu/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/5.4-Online-Training-Module-III-1.pdf (Accessed: January 2025)

Reisinger, Andy, Mark Howden, Carolina Vera, et al. (2020) The Concept of Risk in the IPCC Sixth Assessment Report: A Summary of Cross-Working Group Discussions. Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, Geneva, Switzerland. Pp15

Spano D., Mereu V., Bacciu V., Barbato G., Buonocore M., Casartelli V., Ellena M., Lamesso E., Ledda A., Marras S., Mercogliano P., Monteleone L., Mysiak J., Padulano R., Raffa M., Ruiu M.G.G., Serra V., Villani V., 2021. “Analisi del rischio. I cambiamenti climatici in sei città italiane”. DOI: 10.25424/cmcc/analisi_del_rischio_2021

UNDRR, 2019. Global Assessment Report on Disaster Risk Reduction. Available at: https://www.undrr.org/publication/global-assessment-report-disaster-risk-reduction-2019 (Accessed: January 2025)

UNDRR. Definition: Early warning system. Available at: https://www.undrr.org/terminology/early-warning-system (Accessed: January 2025)

UNDRR, The disaster risk reduction (DRR) glossary. Available at: https://www.undrr.org/drr-glossary/terminology (Accessed: January 2025)