Climate Change and Disaster Management

Climate Change and Disaster Management
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Disaster Management and Climate Change
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Abstract
The world is suffering the effects of climate change-induced disasters, which have resulted in economic loss and loss of life. Some of the climate change-induced disasters include floods, tornadoes, earthquakes, heat waves, and many others. However, according to research, the effects of climate change will be felt a thousand years from now, In the instance that there are no more greenhouse gas emissions. Therefore, with the knowledge that climate change is here to stay, there is a need to mitigate its effects through disaster management preparedness. This project will look into the current gaps that disaster management teams experience, including using a reactive approach, lack of communication, and inadequate resource allocation. I also propose measures such as increased communication, training, and the use of technology. The research method will be qualitative and quantitative, and the results will be disseminated through a report.
Introduction
Climate change is the defining issue of our time and no longer an issue of doubt. News about disasters attributed to climate change has been hitting the headlines now and then, reporting several deaths and the financial impact of disasters. For instance, in February 2023, a 7.7 magnitude earthquake struck northwest Syria and southeastern Turkey, causing 4400 deaths and 7600 injuries, with the statistics expected to rise (Reliefweb, 2023). However, this is a small fraction of the effects of climate change. The World Meteorological Organization (2021) reported that from 1970 to 2019, the number of deaths has increased to close to threefold due to climate change-related disasters, and the number is expected to rise even further as time goes by. Human activities have resulted in an increased accumulation of greenhouse gas emissions to the extent that even if the world's carbon emissions were to stop, it would take thousands of years to cool down to the required rates (The Royal Society, 2020).
Developing countries are the most affected by climate change disasters, as they can significantly impact the country's GDP through the loss of productivity, resulting in a humanitarian crisis. For example, Hurricane Ivan struck Grenada and led to a loss of US$119 million, two times its GDP (World Bank Group, n.d.). Indeed, most countries are not well prepared for disasters, even though it is crystal clear that they will happen. Hence, there is an urgent need for governments and organizations to develop disaster management plans.
Accordingly, this study aims to address the current challenges and strategize how to improve emergency and disaster response regarding climate change. The project will utilize a case study design combined with systems thinking approach to analyze the interrelated factors that shape emergency and disaster responses due to climate change. Additionally, I will utilize the risk society theory as my theoretical framework, which argues that the emergence of global risks, such as climate change, has transformed how societies perceive, respond to, and manage risks. Data will be collected through qualitative research methods such as interviews, surveys, and document analysis. The expectation is that 60% of qualitative and 40% of quantitative data will be analyzed. The study will be necessary to the stakeholders and the government at large, as it will contribute to the growing research of the real-world needs and help in policy formulation that will mitigate the climate change ramifications.
Literature review
With climate change-related disasters increasing, proper disaster management responses must be implemented. Climate-related hazards, as well as the existing and future exposure and susceptibility of a wide variety of human, ecological, and socio-economic systems, all play a role in the effects of climate change on many sectors and locations around the world. As a result, reducing and managing climate change risks through a combination of adaptation- and mitigation-focused actions are important. However, with the ongoing trend, there is still a gap in the current practices of emergency responses based on the devastating impacts. These challenges will be addressed below.
Gaps in the Current Disaster Management Measures
A Reactive Approach to Disaster Management
Many disaster management measures tend to focus much on the reactive approaches after the disaster has already occurred (Khan et al., 2022). When the damage has already been done, it is impossible to reverse it, and the damage control even leads to more cost. Additionally, a reactive approach to disaster management is problematic in terms of the resources used. When there is no planning, there can be a shortage of resources and a delayed response.
Limited Community Engagement
Disaster managers ought to consider that their information needs are not homogeneous and need to engage various stakeholders, which has not been the case with the current practices. Rahman (2018) emphasizes that disaster management is a locally driven process that calls for participation from all stakeholders in creating risk profiles to support risk reduction actions. If disaster managers do not practice mutual information management and communication about disaster management efforts with the necessary stakeholders, stakeholder relationships and involvement may not be achievable. As a continuing component of disaster management, stakeholders must be aware of what is happening in and around the...