Governance

Abstract

Steps should be taken to reduce people’s vulnerability now and in the future. Governments are the main bodies with resources and oversight to do this. There are countless reports that clearly show where the most vulnerable people live exposed to floods, droughts and heat waves. The risks associated with these extremes align with increasing areas of the world that are densely populated. We need a portfolio of defensive options to address a range of hazards. We need to invest in infrastructure to reduce impact extreme weather though look beyond traditional engineering and use options based on natural ecosystems or processes. Governments need to develop resilient strategies and incorporate resilience building into all policies, which are evaluated and updated in real time, in the light of new evidence.