Disasters Avoided links to the Sendai Framework
There are many challenges to dealing with disasters around the world. Given the assessments on the status of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030 released in 2022 and 2023 by UNDRR (see a summary below), we believe there is a need to focus more on action to avoid disasters, investing in disaster avoidance and prevention, and monitoring progress towards quantifiable targets.
The midterm review of the implementation of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030 was completed in mid-2023. It emphasised the following:
- There has been an increase in the number of people affected by disasters since 2015.
- Disasters are expensive to respond to.
- Funding for disaster risk reduction has stalled.
The Global Assessment Report on Disaster Risk Reduction (GAR) 2022 Summary [1] states that:
- Commitments have been made to build resilience, tackle climate change and create sustainable development, but current societal, political and economic choices are doing the reverse.
- The goals of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015–2030 may not be achieved and progress towards the Paris Agreement and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) insufficient.
- New approaches are required to change course, which will require transformation in what governance systems value and how systemic risk is understood and addressed. Doing more of the same will not be enough.
Having a mindset to avoid disasters with good governance, good data, societal cohesion, concrete targets, and the right funding can help tackle the problems identified in the assessments of progress towards achieving the Sendai Framework, achieving immense payback.
