The changing nature of extreme weather and climate events: risks to sustainable development

Abstract

This paper discusses climate-development linkages, with a focus on developing countries but also drawing lessons from the experiences of developed countries. Increases in weather and climate extremes leading to natural disasters have been observed in recent decades. Such events are impeding economic and social development in developing countries, as are socio-economic changes that increase their exposure and as well as the likelihood of mal-adaptation. For the Pacific Islands region, the most recent decade has been somewhat anomalous, with the marked absence of El Niño conditions resulting in fewer people being affected by natural disasters. Further increases in these extreme events are anticipated as a result of global warming, imposing still further barriers to sustainable development. However, integrating appropriate adaptation measures, including disaster risk-reduction measures, into development policies and plans provides developing countries with the opportunity to reduce socio-economic risks associated with extreme weather and climate events. This will help ensure the longer-term viability of development, despite a changing climate. Emphasis should be on no-regrets interventions.