SOAS Research Online

Abstract

In recent years, there has been growing awareness of the experience of greater integration in the spheres of social protection (SP), climate change adaptation (CCA) and disaster risk reduction (DRR). This has come about partly against a background of greater attention to shocks – that is, from climate change impacts, increased frequency of disasters, sudden yet enduring food price spikes – all of which have generated concern about the implications for the vulnerability of poor people and the need to strengthen people’s resilience. It has also come about partly as a result of the greater recognition of the contributions that SP, CCA and DRR can make to sustainable development. To date, however, there remain few examples of such integration in practice. This matters because of increasing concerns that SP, CCA and DRR interventions will not work in the long run if they continue to be applied in isolation from each other. Moreover, there is much to gain from deepening integration between these three areas, in terms of reducing vulnerability and poverty even in the face of worsening climate impacts and/or natural hazards.