Solutions for the Climate Vulnerable
Targeted adaptation, early warnings, food system reform & climate finance are key to protect vulnerable communities from Arctic-driven climate risks.
Preparing for extreme weather
Early Warning Systems for Glacial Hazards
In the Himalayas, melting glaciers have led to the formation of unstable glacial lakes, increasing the risk of glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs). Nepal has implemented early warning systems (EWS) for high-risk lakes such as Imja and Tsho Rolpa. These systems integrate hydrological monitoring, automated alerts, and community-based evacuation protocols to reduce disaster risk. Download Nepal's EWS.
Despite these efforts, many communities remain unprotected. For instance, in October 2023, Lhonak Lake in Sikkim, India, burst its banks, causing catastrophic flooding that resulted in the loss of homes, infrastructure, and lives. The disaster highlighted the urgent need for more robust mitigation strategies, including effective early warning systems, improved structural resilience, and comprehensive education for at-risk communities.
Coastal Flood Forecasting in Pacific Island Nations
National Adaptation Planning in New Zealand
Adapting systems to boost food and water security
The IPCC recommends several solutions:
Diversification in the food system
Sustainable Consumption
Paying for loss and damage
The world’s richest nations must follow through on their climate finance promise, as part of the updated finance pledge made in November 2024 at COP29 to fund $US 250 billion per year to developing countries.
This should also be accompanied by support like technology transfer and in-country capacity building. Additionally, monies to climate vulnerable countries should be in the form of grants rather than loans.
