15 October 2008

Raising the Bar steering committee member publishes article on humanitarian responses to natural disasters

Raising the Bar steering committee member Jenty Kirch-Wood published an article in the latest issue of the Forced Migration Review, which focused on climate change and displacement. In the article entitled “What humanitarians need to do”, Ms. Kirch-Wood and her colleague’s examined what humanitarians should do in the face of extreme weather events. The article examines the trends in climate change’s effects and human adaptation that concern humanitarians most.

Given that humanitarians focus on preparing and responding to disasters, conflict and forcible displacement problems Kirch-Wood et al argue that climate change will be a ‘force multiplier’ which exacerbates humanitarian need in the core areas of humanitarian aid. Climate change will affect the ability of vulnerable populations to meet their basic needs, and in tandem with other issues contribute to increased displacement. The increased vulnerability and competition for basic resources may also exacerbate and potentially create conflict.

Kirch-Wood et al believe that the humanitarian system must prepare for the reality that disasters will occur in conflict settings and vice versa. In order to respond to these new realities policy makers must recognise the need for increased funding to prepare for and respond to disasters. The current disaster preparedness and response mechanisms will also need to be adapted to work in conflict settings. Given the challenges in funding these initiatives as well as modelling the potential impacts and costs of climate change, the authors conclude by calling improved multi-disciplinary analysis of the issue and for the international community to act now, using the Hyogo Framework as a starting point, in order to prevent increased suffering in the future.

To view the article please click here.

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