Transforming Development and Disaster Risk

Abstract

This article focuses on the complex relationship between development and disaster risk. Development and disaster risk are closely linked as the people and assets exposed to risk, as well as their vulnerability and capacity, are largely determined by development processes. Transformation is key to moving from current development patterns that increase, create or unfairly distribute risks, to forms of development that are equitable, resilient and sustainable. Based on a review of existing literature, we present three opportunities that have the potential to lead to transformation in the development-disaster risk relationship: (i) exposing development-disaster risk trade-offs in development policy and decision-making; (ii) prioritizing equity and social justice in approaches to secure resilience; and (iii) enabling transformation through adaptive governance. This research aims to contribute to breaking down existing barriers in research, policy and practice between the disaster risk reduction, climate change adaptation, and development communities by providing cross-sectoral opportunities to operationalize theoretical knowledge on transformation. It also helps to clarify the connections between different global agendas by positioning transformation as a potential bridging concept to link disconnected policy processes. This paper argues for empirical research to test the opportunities presented here and further define transformative pathways at multiple scales.

Is Jakarta’s New Flood Risk Reduction Strategy Transformational?

“…Yet, apart from conceptual considerations, empirical observations on different types of risk management regimes and the transitions between them remain rather thin, especially with respect to questioning how changes to risk management regimes are contingent on changes in overall development policy [7]. The case study of Jakarta, one of the most flood prone cities globally with extreme adaptation pressure to change current development trajectories and major adaptation works on the way, is therefore a prime example for such a type of empirical analysis.…”

“…However, more recently, the need for fundamental system shifts are also seen in the realm of climate change adaptation and risk reduction. One of the main arguments of this debate is that current modes of risk management will increasingly reach their limits in view of future risk trends, which result from the intersecting drivers of climate change and risk-prone socio-economic developments (e.g., urbanization in coasts with high exposure to natural hazards) [1][2][3]7,26]. This question-whether existing modes of risk reduction will suffice in the future-is also of key relevance for the case of Jakarta and the analysis of whether and how trends towards transformational changes in risk reduction can be observed.…”

“…However, despite the recent surge in conceptual contributions to the debate around transformation, e.g., [1, [4][5][6][7], the literature remains still quite vague with respect to the question…”

A Typology Framework for Trade-Offs in Development and Disaster Risk Reduction: A Case Study of Typhoon Haiyan Recovery in Tacloban, Philippines

“…However, identifying trade-offs and exploring the potential consequences of different possible decisions gives a better understanding of how risk is created. Further, this can lead to appropriate solutions to be deliberated amongst stakeholders for more equitable, resilient, and sustainable outcomes, thus, transforming the relationship between development and DRR [89].…”

Towards Risk-Sensitive and Transformative Urban Development in Sub Saharan Africa

“…Transitioning towards such sustainable urban pathways will require the strengthening of capacities and accountability of city authorities and broader governance systems, both formal and informal [5]. Complex relationships between risk (likelihood of future loss and damage) and vulnerability (propensity or predisposition to be adversely affected) and other elements of development and human well-being require detailed analysis and advanced understandings [6]. This connects to SDG's which integrate risk management throughout, specifically in Goal 1: Eradicating Poverty, and Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities.…”