Risk assessments are a practical tool for helping governments, sectors, cities or communities prepare for climate change. They involve identifying climate hazards—such as hurricanes, sea-level rise, or extreme rainfall—then evaluating how exposed people, infrastructure, and ecosystems are to these threats, and estimating the potential consequences. For example, the Curaçao Ports Authority has developed a climate-risk roadmap to protect its assets from future climate impacts.
This approach helps decision-makers understand which areas or systems are most at risk and where adaptation efforts should be focused. In combination with vulnerability assessments, which look at how sensitive or unprepared a system is, risk assessments combine hazard, exposure, and impact to give a fuller picture of potential damage. This makes them especially useful for prioritizing actions and allocating limited resources efficiently.
Feasibility & Local Applicability
Risk assessments can be scaled to fit local capacities and data availability. Furthermore, they can be tailored to address specific local concerns, such as coastal erosion, water scarcity, or infrastructure vulnerability. Tools and guidance are available to support local governments and agencies in conducting these assessments, even with limited resources
Co-benefits
Beyond identifying climate risks, these assessments can support broader planning goals. They help improve disaster preparedness, guide sustainable land use, and protect tourism and economic assets. By highlighting areas of high risk, they can also encourage investment in resilient infrastructure and nature-based solutions, such as restoring mangroves or improving drainage systems.
Equity & Vulnerability Considerations
Risk assessments can highlight which communities are most exposed and least equipped to cope with climate impacts. This is crucial for promoting climate justice. For instance, low-income neighborhoods or informal settlements may be more vulnerable due to poor infrastructure or limited access to services. Including social data in risk assessments ensures that adaptation measures are inclusive and equitable.
Costs
Medium | The cost of conducting a risk assessment varies depending on its scope and depth. Basic assessments can be done using existing data and local expertise, while more detailed studies may require external consultants or advanced modeling. However, the upfront investment often leads to long-term savings by avoiding costly damage and enabling smarter use of adaptation funds
Case-studies & Examples
- Climate Risk Assessment & Management explainer
- Adaptation Community Climate Risk Assessment Sourcebook
- Climate Change Risk Assessment Guidance
- Climate Risk Assessment Curacao Ports Authority
Literature
- GIZ, EURAC & UNU-EHS (2018): Climate Risk Assessment for Ecosystem-based Adaptation – A guidebook for planners and practitioners. Bonn: GIZ.
- Inter American Development Bank, Herron, H., Bohn, B., Roy, S., & Evans, W. (2014). Climate Change Data and Risk Assessment Methodologies for the Caribbean.