From Science to Science-based: Using State-of-the-Art Climate Information to Strengthen DRR in Small Island States

Abstract

While weather and climate-related hazards have historically taken a toll on Caribbean small islands, the impacts of recent storms have prompted urgent dialogue on updating and improving the way the region understands, prepares for and responds to disasters. As the region convenes on issues related to boosting environmental governance, developing key technology systems and building resilient infrastructure, it is imperative that consideration be offered to the potential of using climate information, most of which is freely available, for the effective strengthening of disaster risk reduction (DRR). Enhanced awareness and use of a wide range of weather-and climate-related information can empower small states with data to make appropriate and impactful decisions towards advanced disaster preparedness, disaster risk reduction and future resilience.In attempting to understand the divide between science/research and policy/use in disaster risk reduction in small states, this chapter aims to underscore the potential value and utility of climate information. We define climate information, review its nature and utility globally, and discuss the variability in verified climate information for highly climate-vulnerable but data-poor countries. Such a chapter has the potential to engage the science-policy dialogue of encouraging the development and use of climate information, especially at this time when governments and various agencies are interested in building and fostering resilience following recent disasters and impacts, and within the context of a region whose vulnerability will increase with climate change.

Precipitation responses to ENSO and IOD in the Maldives: Implications of large-scale modes of climate variability in weather-related preparedness

“…Applying vulnerability-related knowledge from island experiences (e.g. Lewis 2009) would further assist decision-makers in better connecting hazard-related material to wider DRR policies and actions, as illustrated for Caribbean islands (Dookie, Enenkel, and Spence 2019).…”

The timing of storm awareness in the Caribbean: the utility of climate information for improved disaster preparedness

“…The findings of this research could also be a spur to improve awareness, availability, and utility of broader climate information sources and datasets within the region (Dookie, Enenkel, and Spence, 2019). Since the timely communication of information can result in a more proactive rather than reactive approach, enriched climate information could assist the design and use of enhanced information‐related protocols, including early warning systems.…”

“…These data can be used in numerous ways in multiple sectors, as shown on the horizontal axis. While Figure 1 illustrates the wide array of options, the verification and effective utility of such products in the Caribbean region is an ongoing topic of research (Dookie, Enenkel, and Spence, 2019). Nevertheless, the value of such weather and climate information is regarded as essential for disaster preparedness and risk management and adaptation to climate variability and change.…”

“…In this context, efforts to improve technology and data, including climate information, can be a necessary source of relevant insights contributing to disaster preparedness and an organised transition from response to recovery (Vermeiren and Watson, Jr., 1994; Dookie, Enenkel, and Spence, 2019; Dookie and Osgood, 2021). Climate information can be defined broadly as data on historical, current, and future weather and climatic conditions in a specific locale along different timescales for decision‐making, combining scientific and traditional knowledge (Dinku et al, 2011; Singh et al, 2018).…”

“…However, ‘[e]arly warning and early action also require high‐quality, accurate data to be collected and analysed for risk‐informed impact forecasts and targeted‐response action plans’ (Skorzus and Chan, 2021). Since we note that only a sample of Caribbean stakeholders felt that storm early warning systems and risk assessments were effective (Lumbroso, Brown, and Ranger, 2016), and that verification of available and relevant climate information for the region is incomplete (Dookie, Enenkel, and Spence, 2019), we suggest that further attention and research is required in this regard to ensure the requisite inputs to trigger‐based actions.…”