Resilience through evidence and action on loss and damage (REAL)

 

Loss and damage (L&D) is an urgent concern, driven by the increasingly harmful effects of climate change. These challenges are intensifying vulnerabilities within communities that are increasingly unable to cope with or adapt to the devastating impacts of climate change, ranging from severe weather events to gradual environmental shifts. Further, beyond the direct loss of livelihoods, assets and infrastructure, climate change L&D has other consequences, which are often referred to as non-economic loss and damage (NELD). These intangible losses and damages, often overshadowed by their economic counterparts, include but are not limited to migration, trafficking, health issues and loss of cultural heritage – each a testament to the multifaceted impact of climate change on communities.

The main goal of this project is to address the escalating challenges of L&D due to climate change, focusing on the inadequacy of current methodologies and research approaches to fully capture and address the range of economic and non-economic loss and damage. The project will produce a suite of innovative methodologies, comprehensive peer-reviewed research articles, policy briefs and capacity-building activities. A digital observatory and archive will be developed, providing accessible platforms for research dissemination and stakeholder engagement.

By bridging research with actionable strategies, the project anticipates a significant influence on climate resilience policies and practices. Engagements with international platforms alongside presentations at key forums are expected to elevate the discourse around L&D, driving global efforts towards a more resilient and equitable future for vulnerable communities.