Extreme weather, climate change & the community sector

Results from the research

The NCCARF Project Background: ACOSS & Climate Risk

Research questions: vulnerability and resilience/adaptive capacity

Research methods: literature review, workshops, national survey

Outputs: Systems analysis, failure and adaptation modes, risk and adaptation registers

The literature: GAPS in the knowledge

THERE ARE KEY GAPS IN THE KNOWLEDGE ABOUT THE SECTOR’S ROLE IN SUPPORTING DISASTER RESILIENCE AND ADAPTATION

Research question Type of evidence A gap in the literature?

1. Are people experiencing poverty and social disadvantage in developed countries more susceptible than the general community to climate change, particularly extreme weather events?

Peer-reviewed literature SOME GAPS related to specific groups (eg. homeless people)

2. Is there evidence that CWOs increase the resilience of people experiencing poverty and social disadvantage?

ACOSS sector survey, AIHW and PC data

Clear evidence

3. Has the potential role and importance of the community welfare sector in climate change adaptation been recognised in the literature?

Sector analysis KEY GAP

4. Are community welfare sector organisations at risk of failure or strain from climate change, particularly impacts to infrastructure?

Proxy evidence from SME and health sectors

KEY GAP

5. Do specific adaptation strategies exist for CWOs in order for them to continue carrying out their role in supporting people experiencing poverty and social disadvantage under climate change?

Sector research and analysis (UK and Australia).

KEY GAP

Filling the knowledge gaps• Through the project we worked to fill the gaps –

• Using proxies from the SME, health and

emergency management sectors in the literature and

• Using data from the workshops and the survey

• We now have the evidence base needed to answer the research questions presented

National survey – summary of key findings1. The sector and its client base is highly

vulnerable and not well prepared respond to climate change and extreme weather impacts – particularly to infrastructure

2. Resilience indicators based on responses to risk identified: size, knowledge and past experience of extreme events

3. Being located in NSW and WA was found to be negatively correlated with robust organisational responses to risk

National survey – summary of key findings (cont.)1. There is a clear willingness to respond

to CC and EW risks within the sector2. However, community service

organisations feel unable to act at present

3. The survey has identified specialist resources, skills and facilities within the sector which would enable it to contribute to community resilience and disaster preparedness

Vulnerability to direct impacts

A day

A wee

k

A fort

night

A mon

th

Not po

ssible

Don't k

now

0%5%

10%15%20%25%30%

Length of time to make alternative arrangements for service provision if buildings/premises inaccessible?

Preparedness is

Volunteers

Local staff absence

Business continuity

Income

Contracts

Assets (buildings, contents, cars)

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70%

NoPartlyYes

Insurance against losses caused by extreme events

A clear willingness to act

Climate change risk assessment

Disaster management plan

Upgrade organisational infrastructure

Relocate offices or centres

Change method of service delivery

Reduce utility bills

Plan for collaborative service provision during extreme events

Climate change adaptation plan

Extend organisation's insurance cover

Help clients prepare for climate change impacts

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%

Already done Want to do Don't want to do N/A

What adaptation actions would organisations like to take if resources available?

Barriers to adaptation

Other (please specify)Lack of organisational belief in climate change

Concern about negative client response if funds diverted from services to adaptation

Lack of clear mandate or internal consensusHigh cost of adaptation actions

Concern about impact on service provision of diverting fundsNo time to spare

Lack of necessary skills base

Lack of awareness about the impacts of climate change in the local area

Lack of information about relevant adaptation actionsLack of staff

Lack of clear government policies and guidelinesBeyond the scope of the organisation

Lack of funds to implement adaptation actions

0% 20% 40% 60% 80%

2744

87100

157163

175178180188191192

208293

Barriers to adaptation for organisations

Supporting resilience - we have a lot to offer

Contact and locate clients

Financial assistance/emergency relief

Crisis accommodation

Health care

General/trauma counselling

Legal assistance

Financial counselling

Volunteer management

Specialist services related to your main areas of service provision

Specialist assets/facilities (eg. disabled transport)

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

YesNo

Assistance organisations could provide to clients after an extreme weather events

Resilience indicators Knowledge about climate change

Past experience of an extreme event

Organisational size

The challenge: communicating climate change risks to clients and service delivery in a way that spurs the sector to action without organisations having to experience directly the devastation of an extreme event

Priorities for the sector

Preparedness

Resilience/adaptive capacity

Collaboration & networks

What do we need to achieve these priorities?The evidence base

Multi-directional advocacy

Funding and resources

Tools, metrics and benchmarks