8 August 2017: Climate change-related hazards, risks and vulnerabilities took center stage in recent publications on adaptation in South Asia, Europe and Central America. In addition, the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) issued a brief exploring linkages among climate change and human health, and associated implications for the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

In the wake of the forest fires that have engulfed parts of Europe during the Northern summer, the Global Fire Monitoring Center (GFMC) called for more integrated fire management policies to reduce exposure to fire risk in light of the soaring temperatures. GFMC Director Johann Georg Goldammer, highlighted rapid urbanization and climate change as “major drivers” of the many forest fires sweeping across parts of southern Europe. [UNISDR Press Release] [GFMC Website]

The International Water Management Institute (IWMI) issued its research report 170 titled, ‘Mapping Multiple Climate-related Hazards in South Asia,’ outlining the multiple climate hazard risks, along with related key issues and challenges facing the region. The publication proposes methods for mapping climate risks and estimating their impacts on people and agriculture in South Asia. [Mapping Multiple Climate-related Hazards in South Asia] [Publication Landing Page] [UN-Water Press Release]

The CGIAR Research Program on Climate Change, Agriculture and Food Security (CCAFS) issued its working paper No. 210 titled, ‘Pragmatic economic valuation of adaptation risk and responses across scales in Nicaragua.’ The publication provides a vulnerability assessment for exposure, sensitivity and adaptive capacity in the country’s three municipalities. It reveals opportunities, economic trade-offs and barriers associated with the adoption of climate-smart agriculture (CSA) practices for climate change adaptation. [Pragmatic Economic Valuation of Adaptation Risk and Responses across Scales in Nicaragua] [Publication Landing Page]

The SDC report calls for appropriate policy responses to address a number of key issues, including the “emerging threat” climate change presents to public health, with implications for the SDGs.

The SDC Climate Change and Environment Network published a third nexus brief in its Climate Change & Environment series titled ‘Health.’ The report explores the interaction between climate change and health outcomes, discusses policy responses in the context of sustainable development, and identifies the environmental determinants that mediate climate impacts on human health. It calls for appropriate policy responses to address a number of key issues, including the “emerging threat” climate change presents to public health, with implications for sustainable development, particularly SDGs 1 (no poverty), 2 (zero hunger), 3 (good health and well-being), 6 (clean water and sanitation), 7 (affordable and clean energy), 13 (climate action) and 16 (peace, justice and strong institutions). [Climate Change & Environment: Health] [WeADAPT Press Release]