A brief summary of events in the run-up to Doha 2012

Roughly two weeks before the COP, the political Berlin, Germany´s capital, had the opportunity to learn about the loss and damage experienced at the frontlines of climate change in vulnerable countries. Putting this in the context of the upcoming Doha COP allowed policymakers to better understand the concerns of those at risk from loss and damage associated with climate change impacts. >> more

The costs of adaptation in Punakha, Bhutan: Loss and damage associated with changing monsoon patterns

In Punakha District, late onset of monsoon rains and lower total amounts of monsoon rain decrease the availability of water for paddy rice irrigation. Farmers try to adapt by changing water-sharing arrangements, intensifying irrigation channel maintenance, and by shifting from rice to lower-yielding, rain-fed crops. A small minority can afford to buy gasoline pumps. For 87% of the survey respondents (N=273), the measures are not enough and/or entail extra costs. In addition, some adaptation measures are reported to cause conflicts between households and villages. >> more

by Linda Siegele, London

"...The stated aim of the regional expert meetings was to explore a range of approaches to address loss and damage associated with the adverse effects of climate change, including impacts related to extreme weather events and slow onset events. The regional flavour of these meetings allowed participants to drill down into the specific characteristics of climate change impacts in the unique socio-economic contexts of each of the regions. ..." >> more

This policy briefing sets out a number of the issues relating to the slow onset portion of the climate change loss and damage agenda. It is not meant to be an exhaustive analysis of this new and sometimes complex subject. Instead, it should serve to introduce... >> more