Natural disasters and climate hazards: Congress calls on its members to be better prepared – Portal – www.coe.int

Council of Europe member states and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

Council of Europe member states are increasingly confronted with natural disasters and climate hazards, and local and regional authorities are in the first line to respond. To do this in the most effective, yet democratic manner, it will be crucial for local and regional authorities to develop a risk management culture, promote territorial solidarity and induce economic, ecological, and social transitions leading to more resilience, finds a report by Jean-Paul Bastin (Belgium, EPP/CCE) and Christian Debève (France, ILDG) presented at the Congress 46^th Session on 28 March 2024.

Case Studies and Recommendations

1. Based on case studies carried out in Belgium, Spain, and Türkiye, the report concludes that a concerted effort will be needed, combining short-term and long-term action in a systemic and comprehensive approach to solve both the most urgent problems and get ready for facing upcoming challenges.

Key Factors for Effective Crisis Management

• The co-rapporteurs emphasised the importance of citizen participation and transparent communication at all times during the crisis management cycle.
• Setting up adequate funding mechanisms.
• Holding regular exchanges of good practice and data.
• Providing training programmes to professionals and volunteers.
• Involving young people at all stages of the process – prevention, relief, training, academic studies, etc.

European Cross-Border Solidarity and Cooperation

Supporting the debate and giving an account of the serious floods that hit her territory only last December and January, Minister for Interior and Sports of the State of Lower Saxony in Germany Daniela Behrens emphasised the importance of European cross-border solidarity and cooperation in matters of disaster protection, both supporting each other with materials and expertise.

Exhibition on Local and Regional Resilience

The debate was backed up by a photo exposition entitled “Local and regional resilience to natural disasters and climate hazards – a thought-provoking exhibition for local and regional decision-makers“, presenting the images taken in the context of the case studies.

Related Documents

•  Resolution
•  Recommendation

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

The article discusses the need for local and regional authorities to develop a risk management culture and promote territorial solidarity to respond effectively to natural disasters and climate hazards. This aligns with SDG 11, which aims to make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable.

SDG 13: Climate Action

The article emphasizes the importance of strengthening resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and integrating climate change measures into policies and planning. These objectives are in line with SDG 13, which focuses on taking urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts.

SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

The article highlights the importance of European cross-border solidarity and cooperation in disaster protection. This relates to SDG 17, which aims to strengthen global partnerships for sustainable development.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

Under SDG 11, the specific target that can be identified is:
– Target 11.5: By 2030, significantly reduce the number of deaths and the number of people affected and substantially decrease the direct economic losses relative to global gross domestic product caused by disasters, including water-related disasters, with a focus on protecting the poor and people in vulnerable situations.

Under SDG 13, the specific targets that can be identified are:
– Target 13.1: Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters in all countries.
– Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning.

Under SDG 17, the specific target that can be identified is:
– Target 17.6: Enhance North-South, South-South, and triangular regional and international cooperation on and access to science, technology, and innovation and enhance knowledge sharing on mutually agreed terms.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

The article does not explicitly mention any indicators. However, based on the identified targets, the following indicators can be used to measure progress:

For Target 11.5:
– Indicator 11.5.1: Number of deaths, missing persons, and directly affected persons attributed to disasters per 100,000 population.
– Indicator 11.5.2: Direct economic loss attributed to disasters in relation to global GDP.

For Target 13.1:
– Indicator 13.1.1: Number of deaths, missing persons, and directly affected persons attributed to disasters per 100,000 population.

For Target 13.2:
– Indicator 13.2.1: Number of countries that have integrated mitigation, adaptation, impact reduction, and early warning measures into national policies, strategies, and planning.

For Target 17.6:
– Indicator 17.6.1: Number of science and/or technology cooperation agreements and partnerships between countries.

These indicators can be used to track progress in reducing the impact of disasters, integrating climate change measures, and enhancing cooperation in disaster protection.

4. Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators