Question Period Note: Helping developing countries on disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation

How Canada is helping developing countries on disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation

• In light of the increasing severity, occurrence, and cost of climate change-induced natural disasters and of the fact that the poorest and most vulnerable are most affected, Canada integrates Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) as part of its international climate change programming.

• Canada's $2.65 billion climate finance commitment supports a wide range of programs and initiatives that help developing countries, and particularly women, to build resilience to the impacts of climate change, in line with our Feminist International Assistance Policy
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• The Feminist International Aid Policy echoes the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction' focus on gender equality and the empowerment of women. Sendai recognizes the importance of gender-dimensions and calls for inclusiveness and engagement of all society in DRR efforts

• Canada made global economic resilience to disasters a priority of its G7 Presidency in 2018 and announced $100 million for Climate Risk Insurance coverage in vulnerable countries, including Small Island Developing States (SIDS).

Natural disasters, many of which are exacerbated by climate change and which are increasing in frequency and intensity, significantly impede progress towards sustainable development and even threaten development gains. Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) aims to reduce the damage caused by natural hazards, which disproportionately affect developing countries, especially small island developing states (SIDS). DRR supports an ethic of prevention through laws, policies, and practices to prepare for and reduce disaster risk. It includes responding to natural hazards and how to rebuild in their aftermath.The current global consensus on DRR is set out in the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030, a non-binding agreement that aims to work toward achieving seven global DRR targets. It is one of several key global frameworks concluded in 2015, including the 2030 Agenda, the Addis Ababa Action Agenda, and the Paris Climate Change Agreement. Some Sendai indicators were integrated into the SDG indicators framework. Canada's Feminist International Assistance Policy supports action to reduce the risk of natural disasters, which are more likely to lead to asset and livelihood losses for women. Canada promotes the leadership of women in developing local practices and technologies to prepare and respond to disasters. This approach recognizes that they are well placed to identify the risks their communities face and ensure that their families, communities and businesses survive and recover faster.
Canada's 2018 G7 Presidency focused the world's attention on global economic resilience to disasters, and led to the development of the G7 Charlevoix Blueprint for Healthy Oceans and Resilient Coastal Communities, which focuses on SIDS and other vulnerable countries. Canada committed $100 million to support the expansion of Climate Risk Insurance coverage in these countries. In 2019, Canada and the Global Facility for Disaster Reduction and Recovery launched the Canada-Caribbean Resilience Facility, a single-donor trust fund ($20M) aiming for more effective and coordinated gender-informed climate-resilient preparedness, recovery and public financial management practices.

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