Climate Adaptation Strategies

Multilateral and Institutional Adaptation Strategies 

The World Bank Strategic Framework for Development and Climate Change (SFDCC) notes that while traditional development programs generally enhance adaptive capacity, some can actually exacerbate problems, especially in the case of large-scale, carbon-dependent industrialization. Adaptation therefore cannot be treated as an isolated issue. The SFDCC aims to integrate adaptation throughout World Bank country strategies and national, sectoral, regional, and local planning. Specific adaptation strategies outlined in the SFDCC to minimize adverse impacts on the most vulnerable groups include:

• Improving weather data collection and forecasts
• Providing technical assistance (such as extension services on new crop varieties, help for health systems addressing new diseases)
• Supporting the development of drought- and saline-resistant crops
• Improving land security and social protection
• Improving integrated river-basin and ecosystems-based planning
• Strengthening institutions in key sectors (including water, agriculture, infrastructure)
• Increasing coordination among sectors for disaster risk management
• Strengthening disaster preparedness and safety nets for disaster-hit households
• Providing key public services (hydro-meteorological services, early warning systems)

Oxfam International is helping vulnerable communities across the globe adapt to climate change impacts.  In Bangladesh, Oxfam's adaptation strategies include: 

•  Raised houses: One of the most straightfoward ways to protect a home against flooding caused by changing climate patterns is to raise it above flood level.  Oxfam also encourages communities in Bangladesh to plant grasses and trees around their raised houses in order to prevent erosion and to grow vegetables on the roof of their houses. 
• Flood shelters:  A flood shelter is an area of raised ground (usually around 3-5 square acres) where flood victims can bring their livestock and possessions to the safety of a flood shelter.   Oxfam's flood shelters can typically accommodate 100-300 families.  Shelter facilities even include areas for fish ponds and vegetable cultivation in addition to spaces for those without shelter and latrines.