Climate, Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) and Environment

The SDC's Climate, Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) and Environment Section aims to systematically incorporate the principles of climate conservation, environmental protection and disaster risk reduction into development cooperation and humanitarian aid. In doing so, it endeavours to improve the overall resilience of states and societies.

Half of the world's population now lives under the threat of natural disasters, with one fifth of the earth's surface regularly struck by earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, flooding, drought, landslides or storms. Natural catastrophes can occur in high, medium, or low income countries, but their effects are more acute in countries with higher levels of poverty. Earthquakes, hurricanes, flooding and drought can wipe out decades of development work and make people and infrastructure more vulnerable. The impact of climate change can also worsen existing threats.

In future, climate change will continue to increase the frequency and intensity of such events. The SDC's Climate, DRR and Environment Section adopts a comprehensive approach in order to prevent, mitigate, manage and adapt to these risks.

Preparedness for, mitigation and management of natural and environmental risks must be addressed in all areas of the SDC and taken into account in all its activities. These shared challenges have also been recognised by the international communities for risk reduction and climate protection, and efforts have been made to collaborate more closely: the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction (SFDRR) have acknowledged the strength of existing synergies and are working together to mitigate climate change and the impact of weather- and climate-related natural disasters. The objectives set by these two frameworks are an essential part of achieving the 2030 Agenda's Sustainable Development Goals and fulfilling the Paris Agreement.