Climate Change and Disaster Risks in an Unsecured World

Pulhin, Juan M.; Inoue, Makoto; Shaw, Rajib; Pangilinan, Millicent Joyce Q.; Catudio, Ma Louiella Rose O.

For the past century, climate change impacts and disaster risks have resulted not only in millions of deaths but also in a long-term compromise on human security at various scales, from local to global. Theoretical and empirical bases both reveal how the intertwining relationship of climate change and disaster risk compromises the freedom of people for a decent and dignified life. Particularly imperiled are the livelihoods, health, food, safety, and even the culture of the vulnerable population. Asia, in particular, has been the world’s most vulnerable region in terms of quantity and magnitude of impacts from various forms of disasters, climate-induced or otherwise. Amid the escalating threats, the region continues to adapt and innovate building on the lessons it gained from its vast experiences in pursuit of resiliency and security. This chapter elaborates on the interrelationship of climate change, disaster risk, and human security gleaned through the experiences of Asia while also providing a grounded analysis of the key concepts to bridge the major gap in understanding their linkages, hence, embodying the unifying theme of the book.