Driving toward disaster

Measures must be taken if the auto sector were to meet climate goals and help mitigate the climate crisis

- BRIAN M. AFUANG

The Philippines in mid-October hosted the Asia-Pacific Ministerial Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction (APMCDRR) 2024, during which event more than 7,000 delegates from governments, the private sector, and various organizations reviewed and assessed actions necessary to accelerate—lest crucial timelines are missed—the progress of risk-reduction efforts in the region.

Three pillars underlined the numerous talks during the four-day meet (many of which I sat in as part of a group engaged to handle communication materials). One was that measures and programs for reducing risks must adapt and be relevant to local conditions—there is virtually no one-size-fits-all solution. Something meant for Dhaka may not work in Davao.

Another was that plans must always include every individual of whatever age, gender, capability, ethnicity, and educational background. Intending to leave no one behind, steps like early warnings and evacuation strategies must consider people who may not have an internet connection, could not understand the language, or might be incapable of quick movement, among a myriad of other concerns.

Third was the critical issue of funding the staggering cost needed for disaster risk-reduction initiatives. And, here, throwing money—assuming there is even a little to throw about—on programs is not the solution.

Rather, any allotment should come from risk-informed assessments. Data and modeling tools are crucial, their use allowing for better finance planning sustainable over a longer period.