United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR)’s Post

Nice to be back with many familiar faces that were in Antigua and Barbuda here in New York for the SIDS4 debrief session at the 2024 High-level Political Forum. Just a month and a half after leaving SIDS4 with enthusiasm to address various solutions and problems in mind, we've seen the juxtaposition of two major but inversed, climate emergencies affecting island states. The first being Hurricane Beryl, the fastest growing early hurricane on record, a manifestation of collective anxiety of SIDS. Stakeholders have repeatedly sounded the alarm to the global community that we need to unlock financing to develop the infrastructures that will outlast and resist devastating weather to mixed success. The second being the severe drought in Mediterranean islands. The drought is forcing islands to reject tourists and quickly explore emergency measures. Overdemand for desalination plants is not being met by an adequate supply; leaving communities uncertain about their livelihoods, during what should be high season. In each case, whether torrential rain or unprecented drought, there are solutions and brilliant people across sectors who are ready to make a difference. Looking forward to keeping the momentum through the panrterships forged at SIDS4.

From THE FUTURES FORUM - As SIDS Futures Forum Chair and team Dr. Claire A. Nelson ( In Grenada Now) Amb. Denis G. Antoine Norland Cox Davon Baker ( In Carriacou -Local Gov) soon to bring expert discussions on #Climate Foreights and Workforce Futures: operational logistics and supply chains. #Resources Mobilization and Allocation. #Beryl #Carriacou, & Petite Martinique, Grenada and the Grenadines islands - The Grenadines Bank. The Front Liners Eastern Caribbean.#SIDS4. Our hearts go out to you during this difficult time in the aftermath of Hurricane Beryl to all. THE FUTURES FORUM We are deeply saddened by the devastation and challenges you are facing due to this catastrophic event. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. In an era where climate change acts as a destabilizing force towards their existence and sustainable development ambitions. Small Island Developing States face heightened national security concerns and daunting challenges in safeguarding their futures. Island Nations are at the forefront of a "climate war," requiring a comprehensive transformation in their naval forces, coast guard, safety at sea, maritime infrastructure, and open water rescue operational capabilities.  Demands are increasing for marine operations personnel to be equipped with hurricane-resilient communications and deployment capabilities. Recognizing the interconnectedness of the climate crisis across sectors and geographies, collaboration is imperative. By working together we can develop more impactful solutions and bolster collective security to protect and assist the Vulnerable Coastal, Fishing and Maritime Island Populations. Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030 Priority 1 Understanding disaster risk Priority 2 : Strengthening disaster risk governance to manage disaster risk Priority 3 : Investing in disaster risk reduction for resilience Priority 4 : Enhancing disaster preparedness for effective response and to “Build Back Better” in recovery, rehabilitation, and reconstruction #SIDS4 Outcome document: #The Antigua and Barbuda Agenda for Small Island Developing States: How do small island developing States get there? A Renewed Declaration for Resilient Prosperity. The small island developing States story "The Climate War" (xi) Urgently operationalizing and further capitalizing the new fund for responding to loss and damage, ensuring that priorities and needs of small island developing States are also considered in the context of access and resource allocation and the development of programmatic, nationally led approaches, with due regard for the governing instrument of the fund and special consideration for small island developing States. https://lnkd.in/gRwbyMBS.

As someone with deep Caribbean roots, the recent impact of Tropical Storm Beryl on the Caribbean islands hits close to home. Watching the communities affected by such devastating natural events underscores the urgent need for innovative solutions to help those in need. In the face of climate change and increasing storm frequency, We have the power to create products that offer critical support during and after disasters. I am currently exploring ways to leverage my skills and knowledge in product design to develop solutions that can aid disaster-stricken areas in the Caribbean. I continue to pray for those affected and In need. https://lnkd.in/e7bEcktU #ProductDesign #DisasterRelief #Innovation #ClimateChange #DesignForGood #SustainableDesign #TropicalStormBeryl #CaribbeanHeritage

Natural disasters can devastate you, your community, and your property. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the total costs of these damaging weather events since 1980 exceed $2.630 trillion. Catastrophic weather events can cause injury, displacement, and more, making it essential to draft an emergency disaster plan for your family and home. Click the link to read the full article https://lnkd.in/efiuyDig

Wildfires, floods and other climate-driven disaster events can be devastating. Catastrophe strikes and upends communities in an instant. Our attention is often focused on the short-term response to disasters, but long-term community resilience is built in the recovery phase. Canada needs a more comprehensive approach to disaster recovery. Our latest publication from the Canadian Resilient Recovery Initiative, examines disaster recovery frameworks in peer countries to inform our path forward. Find out more here: https://lnkd.in/gVF6pqSQ #climateresilence #climateadaptation

🌪️ 2023 witnessed the intensification of natural catastrophes around the world, reflecting the climate emergency and its impact on our planet and our societies: - Canada: Major forest fires, €606 M of estimated insured losses. - Mexico: Hurricane Otis, devastation in Acapulco, €4.5 Bn of estimated insured losses. - Italy: Historic floods and hailstorms, more than €5.5 Bn of estimated losses. - Turkey: Devastating earthquakes, €5.5 Bn of estimated insured losses. Hong Kong: Record floods, €366 M of estimated losses. 👉 At CCR Re, we support and guide our clients by handling these large-scale events in line with our commitments. 🔗 Find out more: https://lnkd.in/ei7SYukq #CCRRe #ClimateRisk #Resilience

#LossandDamage covers a wide range of #climatechange consequences stemming from extreme weather events like hurricane, droughts and heatwaves, as well as from slower onset changes like sea level rise, coastal erosion, land degradation, and ocean acidification. These consequences can be catastrophic, disrupting livelihoods, destroying homes and costing lives, in the event of a disaster. Far too often, loss and damage permanently alters countries on the frontlines of climate change, as many do not have access to the financing needed to repair the damage, and in the end, can leave behind millions of fractured communities and peoples in its wake. Small #island developing states are counting on a #cop28uae outcome that will provide adequate and direct access to the funds that are urgently needed.

🌍🛡️ Today, we observe International Day for Disaster Reduction. It's a global call to action, reminding us to take steps to reduce the impact of natural disasters. From wildfires to floods, we face various challenges here in Canada. But through education, preparedness, and resilience, we can protect our communities. 🇨🇦 #DisasterReductionDay #fanshawesops

Back-to-back climate-related disasters have dropped blood supply in the US to critically low levels and caused an estimated $57.9 billion in damages in 2023. The American red cross recently stated [We don't have a break anymore. The country is now on pace for a billion-dollar disaster nearly every week]. The US has already seen 23 weather disasters this year, more than any other year on record. And the figures are expected to rise since hurricane season is continuing.. And while we're talking about extreme weather events, it's important to address the saddening news resulting from Medicane "Daniel" which harnessed an unprecedented amount of energy from the exceptionally warm Mediterranean waters. This resulted in the deluge of torrential rain upon Greece and its neighboring regions, before ultimately affecting Libya. The dams surrounding Libya's eastern city of Derna succumbed to the overwhelming force of heavy rain, triggering flash floods of catastrophic proportions. According to humanitarian organizations, this calamity has exacted a grim toll, with thousands of lives lost and countless individuals still unaccounted for. It serves as a stark and poignant reminder of the far-reaching ramifications of climate change on the very fabric of our lives and societies. Extreme weather events are increasing, causing cascading impacts on vulnerable communities. More on that :  https://lnkd.in/eSg3YcqW https://lnkd.in/e4ZeXKDG

Hurricane Beryl swept through the Caribbean, damaging coastal communities across the region. The impacts of the storm underscore the vulnerabilities identified in #CORVI assessments in Jamaica, Barbados, and Saint Lucia and emphasizes the need for urgent action to build climate resilience before their futures are literally washed away. Leaders in these countries have repeatedly called for international support to avoid a stark choice between investing in their futures and rebuilding from a crisis they did not create. Check out the new commentary by Natalie Fiertz and Sally Yozell below ⬇ https://lnkd.in/eNBNFX-F #FrontlineCommunities #ClimateAdaptation #HurricaneBeryl #Beryl #Barbados #Jamaica #StLucia #Caribbean #ClimateResilience #ClimateFinance #ClimateChange #Oceans