Stakeholder solutions for building interdisciplinary and international synergies between Climate Change Adaptation and Disaster Risk Reduction

Abstract

The existing implementation gap currently dividing the policy domains of Climate Change Adaptation (CCA) and Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR), can be attributed to institutional barriers; diverging political priorities; inter-sectoral misperceptions and miscommunication; unequal funding sources and varying operational timescales at national, European and international levels. A recurring question raised amongst strategic policy makers tackling climate-related risks in both sectors asks: Can reducing these divergences and seeking new streamlining synergies assist in closing the implementation gap and deliver better integrated Disaster Risk Management (DRM) policies? Specifically, can such synergising action extend to strengthening of trans-border and trans-disciplinary resilience? The ESPREssO Project explores these questions through a two-year stakeholder engagement process-collecting opinion from European CCA and DRR stakeholders, using novel methods such as crisis simulation exercises (serious games), questionnaires, interviews and international Think Tanks to identify mutual barriers and recommend ways both sectors can overcome them. We prioritise the various solutions with stakeholders, drawing on international and intersectoral CCA and DRR perspectives to refine a set of key recommendations for synergising action. Results prioritise the importance of clear communication, maintaining political support and inclusion of the currently under-utilised private sector in positively establishing closer cooperation between CCA and DRR. The benefits of strengthening CCA-DRR inter-sectoral links are explored as essential pathways for better-informing hazard mitigation planning under a changing global climate and in aligning localised and strategic efforts. The emphasis is on working in support of each other, avoiding unnecessary duplication of effort and harmonising competing activities.