Environmental sustainability is a critical element of disaster risk reduction

RP23 has striven to minimize negative environmental impacts and inspire for change.

The Government of the Oriental Republic of Uruguay, with the support of UNDRR, have aspired to organize a sustainable eight session of the Regional Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction in the Americas and the Caribbean, that minimized negative environmental impacts and provided benefits to local hosts and communities. UNDRR recognizes the inherent linkages between the natural environment and disaster risk reduction. As a member of the United Nations family, we are committed to reduce our environmental footprint and to lead by example. This includes a commitment to organizing environmentally sustainable meetings. To this end, we draw on UN guidance for sustainable event management, aiming to minimize negative environmental impacts and leaving a beneficial legacy for the host community and all involved.

UN guidance for sustainable event management.

ENVIRONMENT AND DISASTER RISK REDUCTION

Nature is critical for building resilience to disasters

The world is rapidly reaching a point where we may no longer have the ability to mitigate or repair impacts from cascading and systemic risk, particularly in relation to the effects of global warming in a world currently on course for catastrophic temperature increase of 3˚C or more.

Ecosystems provide disaster risk reduction services as well as other services of productive and cultural value, which contribute to building local resilience to disasters and climate change. These services support basic needs before, during, and after disaster events. Degrading ecosystems represent a major driver of disaster risk, with the most vulnerable often forced to live in areas with high exposure to disaster risk, such as flood zones. Disaster risk reduction is nowadays seen as an integral part of international policy discussions on sustainable development and climate change.

Nature-based solutions are viable options to reduce disaster risk as they offer multiple benefits, are cost-effective and have a long-term perspective. They form a critical component of strengthening community resilience. Everyone can take climate action and do their part in strengthening the understanding of the links between disasters and ecosystems.

United Nations Environment Programme Disasters & Conflicts Sub-Programme Freetown - Aberdeen Creek - Sierra Leone

SUSTAINABILITY OF THE RP23

Minimizing negative impacts and creating a positive legacy

Sustainability The RP23 has striven to be a sustainable event, balancing environmental, economic and social responsibilities:

1. Minimize the amount of greenhouse gas emissions generated in connection with venue, travel and resource consumption. As the GP2022 has striven to be a carbon-neutral event, main emissions will be measured and offset.

2. Reduce the consumption of water, energy, and other resources before and during the conference.

3. Reduce the generation of waste and to encourage recycling and repurposing of unavoidable waste. Strive to avoid the use of single-use plastic.

4. Reduce indirect environmental impacts on air, water, and soil.

5. Ensure accessibility, inclusion, and well-being of all participants and staff.

6. Increase the social benefits for all involved, at the local, regional and global level.

7. Leave a positive sustainability legacy and inspire for change.

Sustainability - RP Americas 2023