Investigating the relationship between climate change adaptation and disaster risk reduction: the Asia-Pacific region’s path towards SFDRR targets

Purpose This paper aims to characterise the suggestions for and implement disaster risk reduction (DRR) and National Climate Change Adaptation (CCA) initiatives, as well as to revisit and evaluate a range of disaster risks tackled in regional programs. Studying the theoretical background of DRR and CCA, as well as the possible impact of project consequences on the Sendai Framework on Disaster Risk Reduction (SFDRR) and its relationship with the sustainable development goals (SDGs), this research was driven by the project execution experiences of 24 expert professionals. Design/methodology/approach Local governments ought to establish DRR as a top priority, and researchers should do their part to raise awareness of the scientific methods that decision-makers can use in the lead-up to disasters. By doing its CCA Framework and the primary field of risk reduction and resilience, which includes CCA and DRR, the Asia-Pacific Network for Global Change Research has been promoting research and capacity-building activities, in line with its strategic objectives of generating scientific proof data and encouraging research efforts that contribute to currently available comprehension on climate, risks and disasters. Findings The findings outline the risks in different regions, the methods and strategies for DRR and community capacity building, and the lessons learnt in relation to the SFDRR Target 5, which is to increase disaster risk mitigation efforts at the national and regional levels by 2022. Originality/value Several factors, such as poverty, diverse geological and topographical characteristics, a rapidly expanding population and heavy reliance on natural resources for financial development, make the Asia-Pacific region particularly vulnerable to the worst effects of climate change and associated disasters.