Mission: Advance the forefront of climate change, hazards and natural resources research to provide the nation with the scientific knowledge it needs about disaster prevention practice, and intensify the foundation of disaster prevention and reduction technology.

Climate change is a real and undeniable threat to our entire civilization. The effects are already visible and will be catastrophic unless we act now. Climate change persists for decades or longer, arising from either natural causes or human activity. The climate change phenomenon is a global concern, which typically threatens the sustainability of the livelihoods of the majority of the population living in the developing countries. Africa, particularly the sub-Saharan region, is likely to be negatively impacted by climate variability and change.

Climate change is already modifying the frequency and intensity of many weather-related hazards as well as steadily increasing the vulnerability and eroding the resilience of exposed populations that depend arable land, access to water, and stable mean temperatures and rainfall. Climate change could also lead to changes in the geographic distribution of weather-related hazards, which may lead to new patterns of risk.

Climate change is our planet’s greatest existential threat. If we don’t limit greenhouse gas emissions from the burning of fossil fuels, the consequences of rising global temperatures include massive crop and fishery collapse, the disappearance of hundreds of thousands of species, and entire communities becoming uninhabitable. While these outcomes may still be avoidable, climate change is already causing suffering and death. From raging wildfires and supercharged storms, its compounding effects can be felt today, outside our own windows.

Responding to climate change is one of the most urgent challenges facing humankind. The most severe impacts are likely to be suffered by the poorest and most vulnerable in society who live in more fragile environments and have the least resources to adapt and recover. The majority of the world’s poor continue to live in rural areas and their livelihoods are heavily dependent upon agriculture and natural resources, which will be severely affected by climate change.

In low-income countries, in particular, populations rely on these resources for half of all wealth. The changing climate increases the importance of sustainable natural resource management, which often bolsters resilience. At the same time, natural resources both experience additional stress from the extreme weather conditions associated with climate change, and need to decrease emissions in order to achieve lasting and feasible net-zero and climate-resilient pathways. Under the potential impact of the global climate change, more harsh environments and threats of nature disasters can be anticipated in the near future

The role of technology in disaster can be predictable in such a way that it minimizes the hazard and helps in reduction of vulnerability. Progress in the science and technology of natural hazards and related coping mechanisms has made it possible over the past years to introduce significant changes in the integrated approach to the problematic of natural disasters. Science and technology help us to understand the mechanism of natural hazards of atmospherically, geological, hydrological, and biological origins and to analyze the transformation of these hazards into disasters. The scientific and technological disciplines, which are involved, include basic and engineering sciences, natural, social and human sciences.

Natural resources of water, air and land underpin our environmental and societal health. Earth minerals are vital for technology and for the energy transition to a zero-carbon future. Environmental hazards of extreme weather, bushfires, earthquakes and land-use impact our food, ecosystem and infrastructure security. Controlling pollution and waste is a major challenge for sustainability, environmental and human health.

Climate risk management for natural resource management can help mitigate the impacts of climate change and build local capacity for resilience. Securing rights to land and resources can foster stewardship and provide individuals and communities with incentives to conserve the natural capital that generates livelihoods. Improving water resources management can reduce water scarcity and unpredictability. Restoring lands and the ecological conditions they require can buffer ecosystems and protect the services they provide.

Through research, innovation and adherence to our climate commitments, we can make the necessary changes to protect the planet. These changes also provide huge opportunities to modernize our infrastructure which will create new jobs and promote greater prosperity across the globe.

RESEARCH FOCUS AREAS

  • Focus Area 1: Climate Change Effects Research Understanding the Ecological Implications of Climate Change
  • Focus Area 2: Research on assessment of climate change impacts on water resources and adaptation measures
  • Focus Area 3: Carbon Sequestration Research Exploring the Promise of Carbon Sequestration in Terrestrial Ecosystems
  • Focus Area 4: Quantitative assessment of impacts of climate change on reduction of deforestation and promote afforestation in Nigeria including Africa
  • Focus Area 5: Climate Change Process Research Resolving the most critical uncertainties underlying projections of climate change
  • Focus Area 6: Climate Change Modeling Advancing the Computer Models Needed to Understand Climate Change and Its Consequences
  • Focus Area 7: Education Providing human capital needed to address emerging climate change research issues