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Synergizing Disaster Risk Reduction and Climate Action Learning Path
*NEW AND EXPANDED VERSION*
This updated and expanded learning path, developed in partnership with the UN Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR), builds on the success of the original course and responds to the growing demand for practical guidance on integrating disaster risk reduction (DRR) and climate action
The learning path is organized into two complementary modules. The first module introduces the fundamental concepts, frameworks, and approaches for promoting coherence between DRR and climate change adaptation through Climate Risk Management (CRM). The second module provides a deeper exploration of real-world applications, showcasing case studies and good practices from different regions and governance levels where DRR and climate action have been successfully integrated.
Through this combination of foundational knowledge and practical examples, participants will gain a comprehensive understanding of how synergizing DRR and climate action can strengthen resilience, optimize resources, and support coherent risk management strategies.
Spanish and French versions will be available soon!
Disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation are inherently complementary, sharing the common objectives of reducing risks, decreasing vulnerability, and strengthening resilience. Despite these synergies, the governance and implementation of DRR and CCA have often evolved in parallel at global, regional, national, and local levels. National DRR strategies and national adaptation plans are frequently developed independently, limiting opportunities to maximize resources, expertise, and impact.
Recognizing these challenges, this updated learning path explores how greater coherence between DRR and climate action can support more effective and sustainable risk management. Participants will first examine the foundations of integrated Climate Risk Management and the policy frameworks that encourage collaboration across sectors and institutions. They will then explore how these principles have been translated into practice through real-world examples and implementation pathways.
Global frameworks increasingly promote synergies between DRR and climate action. The Paris Agreement recognizes the importance of reducing risks and addressing loss and damage associated with climate change impacts. The Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction emphasizes understanding disaster risk, including climate-related risks, and encourages coherence across policies and strategies. Similarly, the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development highlights the importance of integrated approaches, particularly through Sustainable Development Goal 13 on Climate Action.
The alignment of national adaptation plans and disaster risk reduction strategies is therefore a key enabler for achieving the objectives of these international frameworks and advancing resilient, risk-informed development.
Upon successful completion of this learning path, participants should:
- Have a clear understanding of the synergies between DRR and CCA.
- Understand the Climate Risk Management (CRM) approach and its role in promoting coherence between DRR and climate action.
- Be able to define and explain integration between DRR and climate change adaptation.
- Identify good practices and implementation pathways for DRR and climate action integration.
- Analyze real-world examples of successful DRR and climate action synergies across different contexts.
- Facilitate further changes in attitudes and behaviours towards the integration of disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation.
- Apply lessons learned from case studies to support more coherent and effective risk management approaches.
UNSSC online courses are designed to deliver maximum learning outcomes through carefully chosen high-quality learning materials.
This online course combines a self-paced study module with applied learning components, such as case studies and interactive scenarios.
The course presents successful case stories about countries that have harnessed the synergies between disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation, optimizing scarce resources and strengthening resilience.
Module 1 – Promoting Coherence between Disaster Risk Reduction and Climate Change Adaptation
This module introduces the foundations of synergizing DRR and climate action. Participants will explore the rationale for integration, key concepts and frameworks, the Climate Risk Management approach, and the policy and institutional mechanisms that support coherent risk governance.
Module 2 – Implementation Pathways for Coherent Disaster Risk Reduction and Climate Action
This module offers a deep dive into practical implementation. Through case studies and examples from local, national, regional, and global contexts, participants will examine how DRR and climate action synergies have been applied in practice, the challenges encountered, lessons learned, and factors that contribute to successful integration.
The module is targeted at decision-makers and shapers, and disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation focal points, who are directly involved in developing national disaster risk reduction strategies and national adaptation plans at the local, subnational, national, regional, and international levels.
Other officials and stakeholders that can contribute to advancing disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation synergies can also make use of the course.
This course is free of charge.
