Redouble efforts to reduce disaster risks

Source: The post is based on the article “Redouble efforts to reduce disaster risks” published in “The Hindu” on 11th September 2023.

Syllabus: GS3- Disaster and disaster management

News: The world faces increased disasters like floods, wildfires, and extreme weather due to climate change. Vulnerable countries suffer most, yet they contribute least to the problem. Solutions like the SDGs, Paris Agreement, and Sendai Framework exist but need more action. India shows progress in disaster preparedness and is leading global efforts through G20 initiatives.

Why is the world at risk?

Persistent Challenges: The aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic is combined with issues like war, debt, and food insecurity.

Climate Crisis: This is leading to frequent and intense extreme weather events.

Rising Disaster Trend: Increase in disasters, such as flooding in China, wildfires in Europe and Hawaii, and the hottest month ever in July.

Vulnerable Countries Affected: Countries that contributed least to climate issues are facing the worst impacts. The 50 most climate-vulnerable countries also have major debt problems.

India’s Experience: India, one of the world’s most disaster-prone countries, had weather-related disasters almost daily in 2022.

How is India addressing the issue?

Disaster Management Plans: All 28 States in India have prepared their own disaster management plans.

Reduction in Mortality:

India’s early warning system for cyclones covers the entire coastline, leading to a 90% decrease in cyclone-related deaths over 15 years.

Local heat wave action plans have resulted in over 90% reduction in heat wave deaths.

Effective Preparedness: The recent Cyclone Biparjoy in Gujarat saw no casualties. Women were moved to safe places before the cyclone for safe childbirth.

Financial Support: India’s 15th Finance Commission allocated $28.6 billion for disaster readiness and capacity development over five years.

Global Initiatives:

India promotes the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure globally.

During its G20 presidency, India introduced the first-ever work stream on disaster risk reduction.

What global efforts are being made?

Frameworks and Agreements: The SDGs, Paris Agreement, and Sendai Framework serve as global guidelines. However, eight years into the Sendai Framework, efforts need to accelerate.

Learnings from COVID-19: The pandemic emphasized the importance of system-wide disaster risk reduction and resilience. Innovations like India’s CoWIN digital vaccine system emerged.

Early Warning Systems: UN-led initiative, with India’s backing, is pushing for a global multi-risk warning system. Currently, over a third of the global population lacks access to early warning systems.

Data and Knowledge Sharing: India’s G20 presidency has been recognized for advancements in knowledge sharing, joint data infrastructure, and risk analysis.

What more needs to be done?

Integration of Disaster Risk: Incorporate risk assessment in construction, investment, and lifestyle choices.

Early Warning Systems for All: Spearheaded by the UN and supported by India, the goal is a global warning system for diverse hazards. Right now, over a third of the global population, especially in least developed countries and Small Island Developing States, lacks access.

Enhanced Data Capabilities: Boost global data resources to better predict and respond to arising risks.

No One Left Behind: Strengthen international cooperation in disaster prevention, response, and recovery, focusing on countries of the Global South.

Leverage G20 Outcomes: Use results from the Disaster Risk Reduction Working Group to craft a future equipped to handle disaster risks.