Joint policy brief for Pacific Island nations on COP 15 Copenhagen, 7–18 December 2009

Pacific regional presences of IFRC, UNISDR, and UNOCHA:

This policy brief highlights the importance of reducing disaster risk in all economic sectors and at all levels as a practical approach to adapt to climate change, reduce poverty and achieve sustainable development targets. It also recommends Pacific island countries to scale up disaster response and preparedness at all levels since climate change is already resulting in an increase in the number and severity of disasters which over time will overwhelm the limited capacities of national and local disaster management systems.

This briefing note is intended for policy makers and climate change negotiators from Pacific island countries.