Twelve months of smart solutions to reduce disaster risks
As our climate becomes increasingly extreme, communities and cities worldwide are grappling with the need to adapt and build resilience against severe and frequent hazards. From transforming flood-prone zones into green havens to harnessing ancient techniques for water conservation, innovative disaster risk reduction (DRR) strategies are paving the way for a safer, more sustainable future.
The Ä¢¹½´«Ã½ editors have picked this selection of solutions from 2024 that embody evidence-based success stories from around the world. They offer practical insights into how diverse approaches -from cutting-edge technology to traditional knowledge- are empowering societies to thrive despite climate challenges.
January - Can the airports of tomorrow cope with the climate of the future?
Airports are vital for global connectivity and trade but face increasing threats from extreme weather and climate change. Forward-thinking airports like Dubai, Sofia, and New York are already adapting by assessing risks, strengthening infrastructure, and improving operations to mitigate disruptions. From using heat-resistant materials on runways to collaborating with industry partners, airports must integrate climate resilience into their strategies. Proactively addressing vulnerabilities ensures smoother operations, protects assets, and aligns with global sustainability goals. By taking these five steps, airports can secure their role in a more climate-resilient future.
February - The resilience secrets of the one village untouched by Chile's wildfires
Despite the deadly wildfires that claimed at least 131 lives in Chile, the village of Villa Botania remained largely untouched. Through strong preparedness plans and effective response strategies, this village avoided devastation. As climate change increases the likelihood of wildfires in Chile, Villa Botania offers critical lessons in disaster preparedness that can mitigate health risks and safeguard communities from future hazards.
March - Ancient West African architecture keeps homes cool
In drought-prone regions of West Africa, homeowners are benefiting from the ancient Nubian Vault technique, which provides better thermal comfort than traditional metal roofing. This climate-friendly building method, promoted by the Association la Voûte Nubienne (AVN), has already resulted in over 7,000 climate-resilient homes. With Nubian Vaults providing an average temperature reduction of 7°C, this solution demonstrates how traditional techniques can help communities adapt to extreme heat.
April - Chalkboard weather alerts warn of floods in Dar es Salaam
In Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, the (Developing Risk Awareness through Joint Action) project uses low-tech solutions to improve community access to flood warnings. By displaying weather data on chalkboards and sending SMS updates, the project empowers local residents to make informed decisions, protecting lives and property during flood events. This simple yet effective approach demonstrates how inclusive and accessible disaster risk communication can bolster community resilience.
May - Cool paint coatings offer city residents relief from the heat
A study by NTU Singapore has shown that cool paint coatings can reduce surface temperatures by up to 1.5°C, helping urban dwellers cope with extreme heat. By reflecting sunlight and reducing heat absorption, cool paints provide a simple, low-cost solution to counteract the Urban Heat Island (UHI) effect. This innovative strategy promotes climate adaptation and enhances urban resilience to rising temperatures.
June - Traditional water conservation methods offer drought resilience in Mexico
Indigenous women in Oaxaca, Mexico, are using ancient water-preservation techniques to combat drought. Through the construction of community water tanks, rainwater is collected, filtered, and used for irrigation, cleaning, and cooking. This traditional practice helps safeguard public health by preventing gastrointestinal diseases and improving water access for vulnerable communities.
July - From flood zones to green zones
In Charlotte, North Carolina, former flood-prone apartments were converted into wetland habitats to mitigate future flooding. By restoring the natural ecosystem along Briar Creek, this project reduces the risk of flooding and provides valuable environmental benefits. The transformation from flood zones to green zones offers a successful example of nature-based solutions for urban resilience.
August - Beaver dams prevent megafires and restore wildlands
Beavers are being deployed as natural fire-fighting agents by creating ponds that increase soil moisture and protect land from wildfires. The hydrological changes caused by beaver dams help reduce fire severity by creating fire refugia for wildlife, demonstrating the power of nature-based solutions to mitigate disaster risks and restore ecosystems.
September - Saving sinking cities from subsidence
In cities like Tokyo and Bangkok, subsidence caused by human intervention has led to significant sinking. However, both cities have successfully halted this process through strict water management policies and innovative solutions. Tokyo, for instance, implemented a water policy that reversed the city's subsidence, offering a blueprint for other sinking cities to address this challenge.
October - Smarter cameras keep rivers flowing
Cardiff, Wales has adopted AI-driven CCTV systems to monitor rivers and detect blockages with impressive accuracy. This technology helps prevent flooding by allowing local authorities to identify and address potential issues swiftly. By integrating AI with traditional flood management, cities can enhance their disaster preparedness and response capabilities.
November - Emergency loans boost climate adaptation and support farmers in Bangladesh
An emergency loan programme in Bangladesh has proven to be a successful model for promoting climate resilience. Farmers who accessed the loan saw a significant increase in crop production, even in the face of flooding. The program helped mitigate the negative effects of climate-related disasters, demonstrating how microfinance can promote adaptive strategies in vulnerable communities.
December - Early warnings saved lives during Cyclone Freddy
Mozambique's investment in an upgraded early warning system played a critical role in saving lives during Cyclone Freddy in 2023. With improved forecasting technology, community training, and timely evacuations, Mozambique's proactive approach significantly reduced the loss of life compared to previous storms. This example highlights the life-saving potential of robust early warning systems in disaster preparedness.
These twelve examples of disaster risk reduction solutions underscore the importance of innovation, collaboration and community engagement in building resilience to climate-related threats. Whether through advanced technologies like AI or nature-based solutions such as beaver ponds and wetlands, these strategies demonstrate that proactive measures can save lives, protect livelihoods, and sustain ecosystems.
By sharing these lessons and applying them in new contexts, we can collectively advance global efforts to mitigate risks and adapt to a changing climate. For more solutions, explore our dedicated page on evidence-based DRR approaches.