4 December: Climate researchers at the UN University (UNU) in Bonn, Germany, have urged negotiators at the 18th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP 18) to the UNFCCC in Doha, Qatar, to tackle issues of loss and damage through addressing social vulnerability.

In a press release, UNU highlights policy work carried out by its researchers, which is feeding into COP 18 discussions. The researchers’ recommendations aim to provide a basis for a COP decision on the Subsidiary Body on Implementation (SBI) work programme on loss and damage.

The recommendations emanate from a UNU policy brief titled “Addressing Loss and Damage in the Context of Social Vulnerability and Resilience.” The brief outlines seven recommendations, including steps towards adopting a social vulnerability perspective and focusing on resilience-building social processes and equity.

Thomas Loster, Chair of the Munich Re Foundation hosted at UNU, called on policymakers to address social vulnerability and social resilience in loss and damage policy discussions. Koko Warner, Head of Environment Migration, Social Vulnerability and Adaptation, UNU, emphasized that loss and damage has social roots, as well as social solutions. Saleemul Huq, Director of the International Centre for Climate Change and Development, mentioned research indicating a link between reproductive health problems and over-salinization of soil in Bangladesh, noting the importance of addressing resilience. [UNU Press Release] [Publication: Addressing Loss and Damage in the Context of Social Vulnerability and Resilience]