Addressing Climate Change and the Risks of Disaster to Human Security: The Role and Initiatives of Civil Societies in Asia

Abstract

AbstractNatural disasters and climate change affect human security as they undermine access to livelihood, clean water, food, property, homes, health care, and education. There are strong links among climate change adaptation (CCA), disaster risk reduction (DRR), and human security. Therefore, creating communities resilient to climate change and disasters enhances human security, and engagement by multiple stakeholders is crucial. In particular, involvement of civil society organizations (CSOs) is necessary to meet the present challenges to both CCA and DRR. Depending on the type of CSO, support and contributions vary. Nongovernment organizations (NGOs) customarily have knowledge, experience, and project funds. International NGOs (INGOs) are particularly significant in countries that cannot prioritize CCA and DRR because they confront other intractable issues. National and local NGOs understand the communities’ challenges, but they have smaller budgets and less experience than INGOs. Adequately funded national and local NGOs could be ideal partners for communities, but when resources are inadequate, CCA and DRR initiatives require support from INGOs and international organizations. CSO networks can assist national and local CSOs in developing capacity, strengthening knowledge, supplying tools and guidance, and providing opportunity to meet donors. This chapter review challenges to implementing CCA and DRR projects by CSOs and CSO networks and shares case studies of ongoing projects in Indonesia, Afghanistan, the Philippines. It discusses how CSOs have contributed to CCA and DRR, and their implementation.KeywordsCivil society organizationsClimate changeDisaster risk reductionAsia