World Resources Report: Adaptation in a Changing Climate
2010-2011 WRR: Case Studies
Case study research from the developing world is a key component of the WRR 2010. We commissioned in-depth analyses of national level decision making processes that have sought to integrate climate risks into policies and planning within critical sectors such as water resources, agriculture and electricity production. Each case study is co-authored by a practitioner or expert who was involved in the project. Collectively, they inform the WRR Synthesis Report, which will provide guidance to national government officials on how to make effective decisions for climate adaptation.
Explore the case studies below.
China: Controlling Yangtze River Floods
A ‘soft path’ approach to combating flooding risk involving restoring floodplains and resettling farmers has increased flood retention capacity, generation of ecosystem services, and improved the livelihoods of local people.
Brazil: Fire and Flood Responses in the Amazon
A situation room was set up in the Brazilian state of Acre to process satellite data and coordinate response to devastating forest fires in 2005.
Vietnam: Mangrove Restoration and Rehabilitation for Climate Change Adaptation
Mangroves have been planted along coastal areas as a disaster risk reduction mechanism under a collective management arrangement.
South Africa: Ecosystem-Based Planning for Climate Change
Biodiversity information is incorporated into spatial and development planning in South Africa, and a national strategy for expanding protected areas has been developed.
Rwanda: Ecosystem Restoration and Sustainable Hydropower Production
Rwanda acted swiftly and implemented decisive actions in order to restore the ecological services provided by the Rugezi wetlands and prevent disruption to its electricity supply.
Bangladesh: Comprehensive Approach to Disaster Management
The Comprehensive Disaster Management Programme was set up to increase the nation's capacity to respond proactively to disasters.
Mongolia: Index-Based Livestock Insurance
The Index-Based Livestock Insurance Project aims to help herders cope with significant herd losses and transfer some of the risks involved in livestock herding.
Nepal: Responding Proactively to Glacial Hazards
Nepal acted proactively to prevent glacial lake outburst floods by installing an early warning system and lowering the lake level by 3 meters.
Indonesia: Managing Peatland Fire Risk in Central Kalimantan Province
A 2008 regulation in Central Kalimantan province integrated the use of ENSO information to assess future fire risk, for the purpose of decision-making on whether or not to allow fire use by farmers.
Mali: Mali's National Meteorological Service Helps Farmers Manage Climate Risk
Mali's national meteorological service initiated a project designed to provide farmers with seasonal climate information.
Namibia: Combating Land Degradation with Tools for Local-Level Decision-Making
Namibia has created community-based institutions and local level monitoring tools to better support farmers living in communal areas prone to land degradation amidst changing climatic patterns.
China's Agricultural Development: Adaptation in Action
The Comprehensive Agricultural Development program has helped farmers in China’s 3H Basin incorporate adaptation measures such as water-saving irrigation techniques and climate-resilient wheat varieties.
Brazil: Fire and Flood Responses in the Amazon
A situation room was set up in the Brazilian state of Acre to process satellite data and coordinate response to devastating forest fires in 2005.