#Disaster Risk Reduction

[reasonsforhope]

AYESHA RASCOE, HOST:

With Spain and Portugal saying that hundreds of people have died from the heat waves sweeping through Europe this month, the longer-term view might come as a surprise. Over the past 50 years, the number of deaths attributed to weather-related disasters has actually fallen. Yes, you heard that right. The World Meteorological Organization says that the number of disasters has increased five times over the past 50 years, but the number of fatalities has fallen by two-thirds. Vox climate writer Umair Irfan has delved into this paradox and joins us now. Welcome to the program, Umair.

UMAIR IRFAN: Thanks for having me, Ayesha.

RASCOE: So how can this be? Like, how can the number of deaths be falling even though we hear the news, we see the disasters? You know, seas are rising, summers are hotter, hurricanes seem to be getting stronger. So how is it possible that deaths can be down?

IRFAN: Well, there are two main factors here. One is better forecasting - basically being able to get ahead of these disasters and then hopefully being able to get people out of harm's way. So that's really prominent with things like hurricanes and heat waves. We can actually see those things days in advance. The other side of the equation is how well we can cope with things like storms, fires and heat waves when they do occur. So we have better tools - things like sea walls. We have better building codes. We have firefighting teams that can get people out of fire zones. And so between those two aspects - you know, the better forecasting and the better tools - we've been able to avert a lot of deaths, even though the global population has grown about fourfold since the start of the 20th century.

RASCOE: Are the technological advances that you're talking about available even in less-developed areas?

IRFAN: It's not, unfortunately. And you're hitting on a very important point. You know, the WMO pointed out that about 90% of disaster-related fatalities that occur today are occurring in developing countries. And there's a huge gap in terms of being able to anticipate these disasters before they occur and being able to respond to them and being able to rebuild in their aftermath. And that really is a big shortfall that a lot of world leaders are starting to get concerned about...

You know, the World Meteorological Organization, they launched this initiative to basically say that they want the whole world covered by disaster early warning systems over the next five years. And they think that this is something that's going to be taking a big bite out of the fatalities and the casualties caused by these disasters. So I think it's worth highlighting the progress that's made, but also the progress that we still need to make.

-via NPR, July 17, 2022

Thanks so much to @gardening-tea-lesbian for the link!

[westvalleyfaultph]

New Disaster Preparedness Tool in Ilokano Empowers Local Communities

A groundbreaking disaster preparedness tool in Ilokano has been launched, transforming how local communities access and understand crucial geohazard information. The DANAS Project, or Disaster Narratives for Experiential Knowledge-based Science Communication, was unveiled on January 14 through a collaboration between the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs), Don Mariano…

[delicatelysublimeforester]

Empowering Societies Through Nature-Based Solutions

[kshemacropinsurance]

How Crop Protection Solutions and Crop Insurance Work Together

Farming is a constant balancing act—between hard work, nature, and the unpredictable. But with the right tools, farmers can manage risks and safeguard their livelihood. Here’s where the dynamic duo: Crop Protection and Crop Insurance work together and create a powerful strategy to protect your crops, income, and future.

Shield Your Crops First

Think of crop protection as your first line of defense. From managing pests and diseases to controlling weeds, crop protection ensures your crops stay healthy and strong. Using the right pesticides, herbicides, and treatments can keep the threats at bay and give your crops the best chance to thrive.

But let’s face it—nature doesn’t always play by the rules. Even the most carefully protected crops can face unexpected disasters, like hailstorms or floods. This is where crop insurance steps in to cover the financial losses, ensuring you're not left to face the damage alone.

The Power of Proactive Farming

Here’s the good news: by investing in crop protection, you may also reduce your crop insurance premiums. Insurance providers like Kshema consider your proactive risk management efforts too when determining premiums. That means farms with solid crop protection plans may enjoy lower premiums, making it more affordable to stay covered while keeping your crops safe.

With lower insurance costs, your crops are affordably protected. Your farm is more resilient, and you get rewarded for your smart farming practices.

Financial Safety Net When You Need It Most

Even the best crop protection practices cannot control everything. Natural disasters, like storms, floods, or landslides can still strike. And when they do, crop insurance acts as your safety net. If your crops are damaged, crop insurance provides financial security, helping you recover quickly and get back on your feet.

Imagine this: A hailstorm damages your crop, but you’re not left with the financial burden. Thanks to crop insurance, you can cover the costs, replant, and keep farming for the next season as well.

Incentives for Sustainable Farming

Sustainability is the future of farming, and we’re here to support that journey. At Kshema, we recognise and reward farmers who adopt eco-friendly practices like sustainable or organic farming, integrated pest management, or reduced pesticide use. These methods not only protect the environment but can also lower your insurance premiums. It's a chance to help the planet while growing our profits.

The Bottom Line

When you combine crop protection and crop insurance, you’re creating a fortress around your farm—protecting both your crops and your financial well-being. No matter what challenges come your way, you’ll have the right tools to manage risks, recover from setbacks, and keep growing for years to come.

So, are you ready to secure your farm’s future? With Kshema, you can protect your crops, reduce your costs, and enjoy peace of mind, knowing you’ve got a solid plan in place.

Read More: https://kshema.co/crop-protection-solutions-and-insurance-work-together/

[carlocarrasco]

Las Piñas City Mayor April Aguilar Leads Emergency Briefing on Habagat Response

In the City of Las Piñas, the new Mayor April Aguilar led the emergency operations briefing as the local authorities responded to the needs of the constituents who were affected by the heavy torrential rain that lasted for days affecting Metro Manila, the City Government confirmed via social media. The City Government remains on high alert and has been monitoring the situation as of this…

[crop-insurance]

Understanding the importance of crop Insurance | Kshema General Insurance

Farming in India is not just an occupation; it is a way of life for millions of small and marginal farmers. However, the unpredictable nature of agriculture—driven by erratic weather and market fluctuations — makes it one of the riskiest livelihoods. For a small farmer, a single failed crop can lead to catastrophic financial consequences, trapping them in a cycle of debt and poverty. 

This is where crop insurance becomes a game-changer. Despite its affordability, many farmers fail to understand the importance of crop insurance.

Why Farmers Avoid Crop Insurance 

Despite its numerous benefits, many farmers in India fail to understand the Importance of Crop Insurance and remain uninsured. The reasons include: 

Lack of Awareness: Many farmers are unaware of crop insurance schemes or how they work. 

Perceived Cost: Farmers assume that the insurance premiums are expensive, without realising how affordable they can be. 

Complex Processes: Farmers often feel intimidated by the documentation and procedures involved in insurance enrollment. 

These misconceptions prevent farmers from taking advantage of a safety net that can save them from financial ruin. 

Kshema Sukriti Crop Insurance: Affordable Protection 

At Kshema General Insurance, we understand the importance of crop insurance and the challenges faced by small and marginal farmers. Our Sukriti Crop Insurance policy is specifically designed to offer comprehensive protection at an affordable cost. 

Key Features of Kshema Sukriti: 

Affordable Premium: Starting at just Rs 499, it is one of the most affordable crop insurance options available to the farmers in more than 20 states and union territories in India.  

Wide Coverage: Mitigates loss of crops due to natural disasters and animal attacks (elephants, wild boars, monkeys, and rabbits).  

Easy Enrollment: Hassle-free, mobile app-based processes to make crop insurance accessible to all farmers.   

Timely Compensation: Quick claim settlements to help farmers recover and restart their operations.  

Customisation: Choice of 2 perils among a list of 8 predefined perils so that the farmers pay for only what they perceive as a danger to their crops.  

By enrolling in Kshema Sukriti, farmers can avoid the crippling financial burden of crop failures and secure their livelihoods. 

Read More: https://kshema.co/understanding-the-importance-of-crop-insurance/

[sonalikrishnan]

Crop Insurance in India | Kshema General Insurance

Crop insurance plays a critical role in protecting India’s small and marginal farmers, who face severe risks due to unpredictable weather, pests, and market fluctuations. By offering financial stability, crop insurance provides a safety net that empowers farmers to recover and continue their work.

At Kshema General Insurance, we understand the critical role that small and marginal farmers play in India's agricultural sector. Our crop insurance solutions are specifically designed to address the unique challenges these farmers face, providing them with the financial protection they need to secure their livelihoods.

Our Key Offerings Include:

Comprehensive and customizable coverage against losses caused by eight different perils.

Protection for damage inflicted by wild animals such as elephants, wild boars, monkeys, and rabbits.

A user-friendly Kshema app that simplifies the enrollment and claims process, ensuring seamless access for farmers.

Read More: https://kshema.co/why-crop-insurance-in-india-is-essential/

[qhsetools2022]

Disaster Risk Reduction Delegate - 6 months - On a rolling Basis

Job title: Disaster Risk Reduction Delegate – 6 months – On a rolling Basis Company: Job description: technical quality of CBDRR activities in Taroudant Support MRCS in planning and implementing CBDRR and Community Resilience… and operations planning. Provide logistical and technical support to conduct eVCA facilitator training and ensure meeting quality… Expected salary: Location: Taroudant Job…

[rightnewshindi]

जलवायु परिवर्तन के कारण अत्यधिक जोखिम में है एक अरब बच्चे, अंतर्राष्ट्रीय आपदा जोखिम न्यूनीकरण दिवस पर पढ़ें विशेष लेख

#ClimateChange #Children #RanjanKumarSharma जलवायु परिवर्तन के कारण अत्यधिक जोखिम में है एक अरब बच्चे, अंतर्राष्ट्रीय आपदा जोखिम न्यूनीकरण दिवस पर पढ़ें विशेष लेख

Himachal News: हर साल बढ़ती आपदाएं, जिनमें से कई जलवायु परिवर्तन से प्रेरित और तीव्र होती हैं, बच्चों और युवाओं की भलाई के लिए खतरा हैं। यूनिसेफ के अनुसार, जलवायु संबंधी आपदाओं सहित जलवायु प्रभावों के कारण दुनिया भर में लगभग एक अरब बच्चे अत्यधिक जोखिम में हैं। 2022 में, चाड, गाम्बिया, पाकिस्तान और बांग्लादेश में बाढ़ से प्रभावित बच्चों की संख्या 30 वर्��ों में सबसे अधिक थी। मृत्यु और चोट के जोखिम…

[reasonsforhope]

No paywall version here.

"Two and a half years ago, when I was asked to help write the most authoritative report on climate change in the United States, I hesitated...

In the end, I said yes, but reluctantly. Frankly, I was sick of admonishing people about how bad things could get. Scientists have raised the alarm over and over again, and still the temperature rises. Extreme events like heat waves, floods and droughts are becoming more severe and frequent, exactly as we predicted they would. We were proved right. It didn’t seem to matter.

Our report, which was released on Tuesday, contains more dire warnings. There are plenty of new reasons for despair. Thanks to recent scientific advances, we can now link climate change to specific extreme weather disasters, and we have a better understanding of how the feedback loops in the climate system can make warming even worse. We can also now more confidently forecast catastrophic outcomes if global emissions continue on their current trajectory.

But to me, the most surprising new finding in the Fifth National Climate Assessment is this: There has been genuine progress, too.

I’m used to mind-boggling numbers, and there are many of them in this report. Human beings have put about 1.6 trillion tons of carbon in the atmosphere since the Industrial Revolution — more than the weight of every living thing on Earth combined. But as we wrote the report, I learned other, even more mind-boggling numbers. In the last decade, the cost of wind energy has declined by 70 percent and solar has declined 90 percent. Renewables now make up 80 percent of new electricity generation capacity. Our country’s greenhouse gas emissions are falling, even as our G.D.P. and population grow.

In the report, we were tasked with projecting future climate change. We showed what the United States would look like if the world warms by 2 degrees Celsius. It wasn’t a pretty picture: more heat waves, more uncomfortably hot nights, more downpours, more droughts. If greenhouse emissions continue to rise, we could reach that point in the next couple of decades. If they fall a little, maybe we can stave it off until the middle of the century. But our findings also offered a glimmer of hope: If emissions fall dramatically, as the report suggested they could, we may never reach 2 degrees Celsius at all.

For the first time in my career, I felt something strange: optimism.

And that simple realization was enough to convince me that releasing yet another climate report was worthwhile.

Something has changed in the United States, and not just the climate. State, local and tribal governments all around the country have begun to take action. Some politicians now actually campaign on climate change, instead of ignoring or lying about it. Congress passed federal climate legislation — something I’d long regarded as impossible — in 2022 as we turned in the first draft.

[Note: She's talking about the Inflation Reduction Act and the Infrastructure Act, which despite the names were the two biggest climate packages passed in US history. And their passage in mid 2022 was a big turning point: that's when, for the first time in decades, a lot of scientists started looking at the numbers - esp the ones that would come from the IRA's funding - and said "Wait, holy shit, we have an actual chance."]

And while the report stresses the urgency of limiting warming to prevent terrible risks, it has a new message, too: We can do this. We now know how to make the dramatic emissions cuts we’d need to limit warming, and it’s very possible to do this in a way that’s sustainable, healthy and fair.

The conversation has moved on, and the role of scientists has changed. We’re not just warning of danger anymore. We’re showing the way to safety.

I was wrong about those previous reports: They did matter, after all. While climate scientists were warning the world of disaster, a small army of scientists, engineers, policymakers and others were getting to work. These first responders have helped move us toward our climate goals. Our warnings did their job.

To limit global warming, we need many more people to get on board... We need to reach those who haven’t yet been moved by our warnings. I’m not talking about the fossil fuel industry here; nor do I particularly care about winning over the small but noisy group of committed climate deniers. But I believe we can reach the many people whose eyes glaze over when they hear yet another dire warning or see another report like the one we just published.

The reason is that now, we have a better story to tell. The evidence is clear: Responding to climate change will not only create a better world for our children and grandchildren, but it will also make the world better for us right now.

Eliminating the sources of greenhouse gas emissions will make our air and water cleaner, our economy stronger and our quality of life better. It could save hundreds of thousands or even millions of lives across the country through air quality benefits alone. Using land more wisely can both limit climate change and protect biodiversity. Climate change most strongly affects communities that get a raw deal in our society: people with low incomes, people of color, children and the elderly. And climate action can be an opportunity to redress legacies of racism, neglect and injustice.

I could still tell you scary stories about a future ravaged by climate change, and they’d be true, at least on the trajectory we’re currently on. But it’s also true that we have a once-in-human-history chance not only to prevent the worst effects but also to make the world better right now. It would be a shame to squander this opportunity. So I don’t just want to talk about the problems anymore. I want to talk about the solutions. Consider this your last warning from me."

-via New York Times. Opinion essay by leading climate scientist Kate Marvel. November 18, 2023.

[westvalleyfaultph]

Recent Earthquakes Prompt Urgent Call for Tsunami Preparedness in Northern Philippines

The Philippines is bracing for potential tsunamis after a series of earthquakes struck off the coast of Ilocos Sur in recent days. The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) has issued a stark warning to local government units (LGUs) in Ilocos Region, Cagayan Valley, and Central Luzon to immediately review and strengthen their earthquake and tsunami evacuation plans.   A Call to Action: OCD Chief…

[nepalenergyforum]

Nepal's Hydropower Faces Major Setback After Floods Expose Lack of Disaster Planning

Experts suggest building structures that are resilient to natural disasters and climate change  KATHMANDU, Jan 27: On June 14, 2023, the employees working in the under-construction Super Hewakhola hydropower project at Chainpur, Sankhuwasabha, went to sleep after having dinner. The heavy flood in Hewakhola at around 9:30 PM not only washed away 18 workers along with their tents built on the river…