The number of people affected by climate-related disasters is on the rise, particularly in low- and middle-income countries where rapid urbanization is taking place. Poor households are severely affected by climate change impacts as they have less access to protective assets and face higher exposure to environmental risks. With expected shifts in rainfall patterns, melting snow-packs and glaciers, stronger tropical cyclones, and a rising sea level, climate change is becoming a risk multiplier for the poor and a core development challenge for developing and developed economies alike.
GFDRR’s commitment to building climate-resilience in developing countries
GFDRR approaches disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation, including their social dimension, as an integrated climate risk management continuum, as do our partner developing countries. Since its inception in 2006, GFDRR’s country work has consistently followed such integrated climate risk managed approach, strategically leveraging just-in-time seed funding, targeted investments, and global expertise.
Thus, about two-thirds of GFDRR’s assistance provided since its inception in 2006 has had a primary focus on climate change adaptation (CCA)—that’s more than US$ 27 million in nearly 90 countries across the world, initiating and/or co-funding a major portion of the World Bank’s CCA analytical and technical assistance work at both country and regional levels. GFDRR support has further leveraged an additional US$ 17 million of co-financing from development partners and has been significantly multiplied through related World Bank investments. Flagship research and innovative technology public private partnerships is providing provide a strong foundation for integrating climate risk in development planning as well as for making post-disaster recovery planning and reconstruction climate-resilient.
GFDRR remains committed to supporting adaptation efforts, complementing other CCA initiatives led by the World Bank and partners. As climate change is amplifying risks, the urgency of the climate change agenda is mobilizing action. We need to build capacity for better risk management at all levels—engaging governments, civil society, the private sector, communities, and individuals.
For more information, please see:
- Post-Cancun: GFDRR’s Response for Enhanced Adaptation Action
- GFDRR: An Integrated Climate Risk Management Platform
- GFDRR Programs: Disaster Risk Reduction Building Resilience in Changing Climate
- Stockholm Policy Forum on Climate Smart Disaster Risk Management
- GFDRR’s Support Related to Climate Change Adaptation
- Country Adaptation Profiles and Climate Knowledge Portal