Assessment of climate-related risks. A 6-step methodology

The 6-step climate risk assessment (CRA) methodology developed by the Global Programme on Risk Assessment and Management for Adaptation to Climate Change (Loss & Damage) (GP L&D) provides practitioners and decision-makers with a guidance on how to assess climate risks and how to translate the assessment into measures. CRA aims to identify risk, assess the magnitude of impacts on people, assets and ecosystems, and ascertain the possible options for action.

Main characteristics of the methodology include the participation of all stakeholders, the assessment of hazards along the entire spectrum from slow onset processes to extreme weather events, the consideration of non-economic losses and damages as well as the focus on risk tolerance levels. It aims at identifying a smart mix of climate risk management measures, combining proven instruments from climate change adaptation and disaster risk management with innovative measures to address residual risks which cannot be averted. As such, CRA can support evidence-based and risk-informed decision making and planning in the context of climate change.