Disaster Resilience & The NDCs

by Sophia Wodcke, Climate Advocacy and Accountability in Policy Program

Climate Change has many far-reaching effects at home and across seas. As countries continually improve their climate action pledges under the Paris Agreement, or Nationally Determined Contributions, high-income countries should include financial support. Specifically, to low-income countries, for not only loss and damage, but also for disaster resilience programmes. A warming world has devastating consequences for humankind. Natural Disasters across the globe will and are already increasing. As a result, disaster resilience programmes will become even more vital for the future. 

Local community involvement and increased education for communities in poorer regions, especially those without internet access will be vital in preventing loss and destruction. Increased natural hazards result in the loss of potentially thousands of lives, economic ruin, loss of homes and so much more. An increase in natural disasters is happening right now, it is not always in the news, but it is happening, and we need to act. We understand the causes of natural hazards, but it is extremely difficult to predict when and how they will occur. Many therefore have no warning at all. 

Photo courtesy of Mr Swazi

Many Natural Hazards lead to others. An example of this is in Sierra Leone. On July 16 there were huge floods and, as a result, landslides which lead to loss of life and property. The National Skill Pool has teamed up with the local community to provide aid during the coronavirus to those in need. They have also built an excellent resilience programme involving the local community. Executive Director Mr Swazi has worked diligently and has proven the effectiveness of targeting schools to provide education on natural disasters and how to protect communities against their effects. Mr Swazi discussed the organisation,

‘As a humanitarian organisation working within vulnerable communities that are exposed to disasters due to human activities. It's important to have more funds for natural disaster preparedness because of the lack the knowledge people have about disaster mitigation. In line with that, we need to embark on building resilience community project by involving Community stakeholders in any stage of implementation of project and they must take ownership of the project for sustainability.’ They work with the community and many other hard-working volunteers to introduce a resilience programme into the community.

This community is not alone. Hurricanes have blasted through the Caribbean more regularly and with increasing velocities. Education and mitigation programmes are absolutely vital to help residents deal with the devastation. We need to help to build a resilient community for those most at risk and often in the poorest areas of the world. Mr Swazi at the National Skill Pool and many others like him can’t fight this battle alone. It is our global responsibility to prepare and protect. With more emphasis on Natural Disasters within NDC’s we can give low-income countries a fighting chance and the Paris agreement can have a greater impact across the globe.

Learn more about National Skill Pool Sierra Leone at https://nspsl.com/