FAVAIA - Formal Approaches to Vulnerability Assessment that Informs Adaptation
Background and Goals
FAVAIA is made up of three related activities that aim to improve and apply methods of estimating vulnerability and information about adaptation. Initially, a formal vulnerability framework has been developed, which uses mathematical concepts that are independent of specific areas of knowledge and can be applied to different systems.
This activity is intended to make it easier to obtain a systematic assessment of vulnerability across different sectors and geographical scales, increase the clarity of communication on vulnerability and provide a basis for computer-based modelling. For example, DIVA is a model that can be used to assess the vulnerability of coastal regions throughout the world to rising sea levels (see DINAS-COAST).
As a subsequent activity in the project, DIVA is being enhanced, applied and converted into an appropriate form to become one component of a distributed integrated model. In addition, empirical policy analyses are being performed to evaluate the extent to which it is desirable and feasible to integrate adaptation needs due to climate change into development aid and planning and into ongoing local and sectoral decision making processes as an interdisciplinary issue. This activity involves both analysis of the institutions that shape the international political landscape on adaptation issues and evaluation of local and regional studies on barriers and opportunities for this kind of integration. The PIK contribution is based on research from the EVA (Environmental Vulnerability Assessment) project.
Content time
Research area/region
Country
- Germany
- Europe
- global
Spatial resolution
coastal regions
Steps in the process of adaptation to climate change
Step 2a: Identify and assess risks - climate effects and impact
Approach and results
For example, the climate effects of rising sea levels will be analysed (see DINAS-COAST).
Step 2b: Identify and assess risks - Vulnerability, risks and chances
Approach and results
The central focus of the project is to develop methods to assess vulnerability. The following three activities are carried out:
- Formalisation: Recent research has identified a need to formalise the concept of "vulnerability" so as to support accurate communication and eliminate misunderstandings that result from the use of ambiguous terminology. In addition, a formal framework of vulnerability is a prerequisite for assessment using computer-based modelling methods. This activity aims to develop and apply this kind of formal framework. The knowledge obtained here will contribute to improving analytical methods for assessing vulnerability and to the development of appropriate methods for communicating findings.
- Tools: The project aims to implement the concepts from the formal framework in computer-based tools that can be used to assess vulnerability. One such tool is DIVA, a dynamic and interactive tool for assessing coastal vulnerability, which was developed as part of the EU DINAS-COAST project. The aim of this activity is to further develop and apply the DIVA method and the DIVA tool, including enhanced functionality featuring additional scenarios and modules and the implementation of regional versions.
- Policy: Recent research and policy statements create the impression that mainstreaming climate adaptation is an appropriate way of reducing vulnerability to climate change However, there is a concern that scarce financial resources for adaptation in developing countries could be diverted into more general development activities and projects, which would provide little benefit in terms of climate adaptation. At the same time, there is a fear that financial resources from development air could be diverted for climate policy, which would mean that the other urgent problems of access to food and water, hygiene, education and healthcare would be neglected. As a response to these fears, the project is attempting to answer questions relating to the capabilities and effectiveness of mainstreaming climate adaptation, to identify limits and opportunities, to highlight the responsibilities of industrialised nations in terms of their obligations under the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, and finally to improve practical implementation in development work.
Step 3: Develop and compare measures
Measures and/or strategies
Assessment of vulnerability aims to improve and support adaptation.
Participants
Funding / Financing
Directorate-General for Research of the European Commission, German Research Foundation, World Bank, Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation (Norad), International Institute for Environment and Development (IIED) and the Secretariat of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC)
Project management
Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK: field of research IV - transdisciplinary concepts and methods) and Stockholm Environment Institute (SEI: Risk and Vulnerability Programme)
Cooperation/Partners
Politehnica University of Bucharest, Romania;
Freie Universität Berlin;
Mekong River Commission (MRC), Laos;
Madras School of Economics, India;
University of Oslo, Norway;
Boston University, USA;
Alterra, The Netherlands.
The FAVAIA project is a joint project run by the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research and the Stockholm Environment Institute. It is a partner in the VulnerabilityNet.org Internet initiative.
Contact
PIK – Potsdam-Institut für Klimafolgenforschung
Telegraphenberg A 31
D-14473 Potsdam
