Disaster Preparedness
Environment in emergency response preparedness
Environment in emergency response preparedness
UPCOMING WEBINAR Join us for an exclusive webinar that will showcase this new online training resource library! Hear from top international environmental experts, distinguished academics, and national regulators to discover how UNEP’s open-access resources elevate environmental management knowledge and course delivery in the oil &…
Welcome to the online edition of the Disaster Waste Management (DWM) Guidelines. This section contains the relevant tools and general information for those who plan to deploy on disaster waste management missions and those dealing with disaster waste management. We recommend reading the Disaster Waste Management Guidelines…
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) together with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), theUnited Nations Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs (DPPA) have conducted a study on Gender, Climate and Security. The report looks at Climate Change as the ultimate "threat multiplier"'; as it threats peace and security-building in…
The impact of Climate Change has already increased the insecurity of vulnerable communities in serval regions across the globe, including exacerbating the loss of livelihoods, food insecurity, competition over scarce resources, human mobility and political and economic instability.
This factsheet provides an overview of the five different eLearning modules on the environmental dimensions of disaster prevention, preparedness and response, hosted by the Environmental Emergencies Learning Centre.The courses aim to minimize the human and environmental harm caused by environmental emergencies through strengthened skills and knowledge.
Browse through the COVID-19-Cluster's page to find the latest updates and relevant information about how the Novel Coronavirus, COVID-19 impacts clusters. Find links to the general global updates on COVID-19, guidelines linked to the clusters, protection guidelines, webinars, among others.
UN Environment Programme (UNEP) Latin America and Caribbean Office have developed a policy paper setting out the response services that UNEP can offer in the region. Both through continuing support to ongoing emergencies and response to new requests for support from governments and other UN agencies, UNEP will focus support…
This study, conducted for the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) by a consultancy team from the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE), examines these challenges, as well as key opportunities for change and development.
Energypedia is a wiki platform for collaborative knowledge exchange on renewable energy, energy access, and energy efficiency topics in developing countries. The wiki platform is working towards removing the knowledge barriers and expanding the diffusion of information addressing the topics renewable energy, energy efficiency and sustainable energy access for all.
This factsheet describes the emergency response services undertaken by the UN Environment/OCHA Joint Unit following assistance requests by Member States.
The Knowledge Platform on Gender, Natural Resources, Climate and Peace is provided by the Joint Programme of UN Environment, UN Women, the UN Development Programme and the UN Peacebuilding Support Office. The platform brings together practitioners, researchers, policymakers and other actors to share resources on programming and research.
A rapid environmental screening tool for humanitarian contexts, which allows humanitarian actors to quickly identify issues of environmental concern before designing longer term emergency or recovery interventions.
This document details the objectives of the Working Group on Remote Environmental Analysis for Humanitarian Action, which has been set up as part of the Joint Initiative project.
This scoping report provides a situational analysis, outlining the challenges and providing draft recommendations regarding the use of environmental assessment tools, with focus on the Rapid Environmental Impact Assessment in Disasters (REA)."…
Factsheet summarizing the work conducted by the UN Environment/OCHA Joint Unit in its role to coordinate expertise for environmental emergencies and integrating environment in humanitarian action.
The WWF Environment & Disaster Management (EMD) program's Green Guide to Disaster Risk Reduction module 9 can be used for disaster risk reduction specialists to increase their awareness of appropriate and useful integration of environmental considerations into risk assessment and risk reduction.
The 'Quick guides' contain key guidance on environmental issues relevant to six sectors of Food Security and Agriculture Sector, Basic Needs Sector, Health Sector, Education Sector, Protection Sector and Livelihood Sector of humanitarian response to population displacement. They underscore the opportunities to minimize negative environmental impacts during humanitarian action.
The UN Environment Guidance note on Integrated Strategic Environmental Assessments in Post-Crisis Countries provides information on how to integrate disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation in sustainable reconstruction and development planning. It provides practical guidance on how to manage the process of assembling data.
The Early Warning Systems Toolkit is an information resource for sector practitioners, policy and decision makers which can assist in developing and/or strengthening early warning systems for hydro-meteorological and coastal hazards within the Caribbean context. The Toolkit is a compilation of guidance and operational documents in an online platform.
The On-Site Operations Coordination Centre (OSOCC) is a rapid response tool that provides a platform for the coordination of international response activities in a sudden onset emergency. The guidelines provide details on the set-up of an OSOCC and an associated environmental emergency cell.
The Flood Green Guide is an open-source resource that provides guidance on using natural and nature-based methods for flood risk management published by WWF and the US Agency for International Development Office of US Foreign Disaster Assistance.
Guidance on legal and policy framework from across the world along with special reference to the Indian legal framework and disaster management guidelines…
A collection of country environmental analyses by the World Bank…
The Index for Risk Management (InfoRM) published by the European Commission and the Interagency Standing Committee (IASC) is a composite indicator that identifies the countries at a high risk of humanitarian crisis that are more likely to require international assistance. Core indicators have been chosen to respond to changes in…
The Inter-Agency Standing Committee (IASC) Emergency Response Preparedness (ERP) approach enables the humanitarian community to proactively prepare for crises requiring a coordinated international response. The ERP approach supports the identification and prioritization of preparedness actions to ensure an effective humanitarian response in the first few weeks of an emergency.
This guidance note provides guidance in analyzing the disaster risk-related consequences of potential projects via their impact on the environment and also the potential threat to projects posed by natural hazard…
This fact sheet published by the secretariat of the Convention on Biodiversity (CBD) provides information on the services that healthy ecosystems provide for human well-being.
This discussion paper by UN Environment addresses the complexity of risk between environment and human societies.
This publication by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) outlines the role of ecosystems in the reduction of natural hazard and disaster risk.
This document published by Irish Aid provides a general overview of the links between environment and humanitarian assistance.
This summary is based on previous studies and work conducted by the UN Environment / OCHA Joint Unit and its partners related to integrating environment in humanitarian action. It outlines major humanitarian trends that will shape the future integration of environmental considerations in humanitarian action.
This study, published by Evidence on Demand provides an overview of the key reasons that environmental and climate change issues are relevant in the context of humanitarian action.
This study published by Evidence on Demand reviews a selection of materials on the environment and humanitarian interventions, including disasters and conflict. It considers various actors in the field of environment and humanitarian response, as well as existing knowledge development for managing environmental concerns during humanitarian interventions…
This paper published by UN Environment and UNISDR provides an initial introduction of gateways for disaster risk reduction into environmental management and to reviews the application of environmental management tools and approaches for reducing disaster risk.
The PREVIEW Global Risk Data Platform by UN Environment and UNISDR is a multiple agencies effort to share spatial data information on global risk from natural hazards. Users can visualise, download or extract data on past hazardous events, human & economical hazard exposure and risk from natural hazards.
The Humanitarian Data Exchange (HDX) is an open platform for sharing data across crises and organisations…
The Global Alliance for Disaster Risk Reduction and Resilience in the Education Sector (GADRRRES) published resources and guidance for implementing the three Comprehensive School Safety Framework pillars (Safe Learning Facilities, School Disaster Management, and Risk Reduction and Resilience Education)…
A USAID repository of resources on education for children and youth in crisis and conflict-affected environments.
Guidelines to provide an educational response in emergency and reconstruction settings. Chapter 4.4 focuses on environmental education in emergencies.
Guidelines for environmentally sound design and management of schools.
The INEE Minimum Standards Handbook is the only global tool that articulates the minimum level of educational quality and access in emergencies through to recovery. The environment is addressed throughout the publication.
This UN Environment Programme / Groupe URD training toolkit is designed to assist humanitarian actors with the integration of environmental considerations into their policy development, planning, programme design and operational activities.
This brief published by the European Commission examines how the differences in perception between the public and the experts should be accounted for in risk management practices.
The EEC is a one-stop-shop of information, tools, trainings and guidance to inform a more prepared and effective response to environmental emergencies…
Environment in Emergency Response Preparedness outlines the minimum and advanced environmental preparedness actions that can be taken as part of overall Emergency Response Preparedness (ERP), and follows the Inter-Agency Standing Committee guidance on ERP.
This guide examines natural resources management activities that can play a role in fortifying farming systems sustainability. Soil and water conservation or on a larger scale, watershed management can build local farming systems resilience to climatic variability and change and extreme events and add incrementally to their agricultural productivity.
The GRRT is a toolkit and training program designed to increase awareness and knowledge of environmentally responsible disaster response approaches. It explores the links b/n livelihoods, disaster vulnerability, and ecosystems and targets environmental issues related to the implementation of post-disaster livelihoods recovery in multy sector projects.
Quick identification of serious environmental concerns in small-scale sanitation activities.
The Sphere Minimum Standards for Healthcare are a practical expression of the right to healthcare in humanitarian contexts. The standards are grounded in the beliefs, principles, duties and rights declared in the Humanitarian Charter, including the right to life with dignity, protection, security, and the right to receive humanitarian assistance…
This training module is concerned with construction materials and procurement. It describes how to use fewer materials, how to use local sources of materials in a sustainable way, and the use of disaster debris and recycled items as building material.
The Sphere Minimum Standards for food security and nutrition are a practical expression of the right to adequate food in humanitarian contexts. The standards are grounded in the beliefs, principles, duties and rights declared in the Humanitarian Charter, including the rights to life with dignity, protection, security, and the right…
The Sphere Minimum Standards for shelter and settlements are a practical expression of the right to shelter in humanitarian contexts. The standards are grounded in the beliefs, principles, duties and rights declared in the Humanitarian Charter. These include the right to life with dignity, the right to protection and security,…
This publication draws attention to the importance of multilateral cooperation in preparing for and responding to environmental emergencies. It raises awareness of the devastation that environmental emergencies can cause and highlights the strong need to integrate humanitarian and environmental action.
The Awareness and Preparedness for Emergencies at Local Level (APELL) Programme aims to reduce industrial risks at local level, raise awareness and build local capacity to respond to emergencies.
The Capacity for Disaster Reduction Initiative (CADRI) is a global partnership composed of 15 UN and non-UN organizations that works towards strengthening countries' capacities to prevent, manage and recover from the impact of disasters.
Coastal Resilience is an approach and online decision support tool to help address the devastating effects of climate change and natural disasters published by the Nature Conservancy.
The GRRT is a toolkit and training program designed to increase awareness and knowledge of environmentally responsible disaster response approaches.
The course, available in Arabic, English, French, Spanish and Russian, provides an overview of the international environmental emergency response mechanisms and introduces the main actors and tools available for preparing for, and responding to, environmental emergencies.
The course, available in English and Russian, equips environmental experts and international first responders with the necessary knowledge to rapidly identify, prioritize, and mitigate the impacts of industrial chemical releases to human health and the environment.
The course, available in English, French, Spanish and Russian, provides humanitarian actors with information on how to effectively integrate environmental issues into humanitarian response and early recovery strategies.
The course, available in English, French, Spanish and Russian, seeks to provide humanitarian response staff as well as local, national, and regional government authorities with increased awareness and enhanced knowledge on disaster waste and management strategies to mitigate their environmental impact.
The course published by UN Environment and UNOCHA is available in English, French, Mandarin, Spanish and Russian, and raises awareness about industrial accidents in order to strengthen the capacity of government, industry and civil society representatives.
This guidance note informs those wishing to integrate environmental data and information into humanitarian action. It focuses specifically on how both humanitarian and environmental actors can access, share and utilize humanitarian or environmental data in the context of humanitarian preparedness, response and recovery.
This resource provides multi-layered satellite imagery with open-access data including roads, type of built-up areas etc that can help identify potential environmental hotspots.
A platform with free access to ESA and NASA low resolution (10m) satellite imagery that is updated weekly and can help identify environmental changes published by Sinergise.
A study about the integration of environmental considerations in humanitarian action and recommended action to improve its effectiveness, accountability, and sustainability.
Earth-i provides very high resolution satellite data and processing services to organizations and agencies managing disaster response in natural and urban environments; identifying, preparing and planning for potential threats and emergencies; and responding rapidly to events as they occur.
An easily accessible reference guide for members of an UNDAC team to use before and during a mission to a disaster or emergency.
The Flash Environmental Assessment Tool (FEAT) is a tool which helps identify existing or potential acute environmental impacts that pose risks for humans, human life-support functions and ecosystems, following sudden-onset natural disasters.
Report by the UN Environment/OCHA Joint Unit which explores how the expansion of cash-based humanitarian responses introduces new opportunities and issues in the interaction between humanitarianism and environment.
This UN Environment graphic overview highlights the links between gender-based violence and environment…
The document provides guidance on maximizing the safety of pesticide use when such use is unavoidable. Before analyzing the risks and benefits of pesticide use all reasonable Integrated Pest Management alternatives must be analyzed.
The document provides guidance on integrated pest management, an approach which encourages natural and cultural control of pest populations by anticipating and managing pest problems, while permitting safer pesticide uses where justified and permitted.
This occasional policy paper aims to improve the humanitarian sector’s understanding of the nexus between climate change and violent conflict.
Chatham House report on the assessment of energy use by humanitarian organizations and aid operations.
The Environment and Humanitarian Action (EHA) Connect is a tool bringing the humanitarian and environmental communities together to support environmentally sustainable disaster management.
The Rapid Environmental Assessment Guidelines are a tool which allow for defining and prioritizing potential environmental impacts during disaster situations.
Living under a black sky۪ reveals how the conflict in Iraq has left a toxic trail of destruction which could have severe health consequences for communities and reconstruction efforts.
Background documentation from the Environment and Humanitarian Action Network to the Nexus Dialogue. It outlines major humanitarian trends that will shape the future integration of environmental considerations in humanitarian action.
A collaborative study on the true cost of using traditional fuels in a humanitarian setting, using a case study of the Nyarugusu refugee camp in Tanzania.
Mission report by the Ministry of Environment and Forest of Bangladesh on the environmental impacts of the refugee influx in Bangladesh.
A mission report covering the aftermath and disaster waste management of the two devastating hurricanes that struck the Caribbean islands in September 2017.
The Chair's Summary from the 2017 Environment and Emergencies Forum (EEF) global event, where actors connect and act to minimize human impacts from disasters and conflicts, while strengthening resilience to environmental shocks.
A technical note from a rapid scoping mission assessing the environmental issues in areas retaken from ISIL in Iraq.
A Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) on Environmental Security and Sustaining Peace, which provides an in-depth introduction to the multiple roles that natural resources and the environment play in the onset, escalation, resolution and recovery from violent conflicts.
The work of the UN's Food and Agriculture organization in partnership with SAFE to provide clean energy in refugee settings.
The Terms of Reference for Environmental Field Advisors describe the main tasks of a deployed Environmental Field Advisor.
A masters thesis examining the the current state of environmental mainstreaming in humanitarian assistance with the aim to identify the main barriers hindering the systematic integration of environmental concerns.
Guidelines developed by the UN Environment/OCHA Joint Unit to help countries receive and provide international assistance in the event of environmental emergencies.
A case study providing analysis and assessment of the extent to which environmental concerns have been mainstreamed in humanitarian action in Afghanistan.
A case study providing analysis and assessment of the extent to which environmental concerns have been mainstreamed in humanitarian action in Nepal.
Chatham House Report for the Moving Energy Initiative.
This fact sheet presents the Environmental Emergency Risk Index (EERI) created by the UN Environment/OCHA Joint Unit.
Guidelines for the development of a national environmental contingency plan provided by UN Environment/OCHA Joint Unit (JEU).
These guidelines were developed with the aim of supporting the full cycle of disaster waste management, from risk reduction and contingency planning through to emergency planning response following a disaster or conflict.
This joint mission report formulates a strategy and framework to operationalize the environment as a cross-cutting issue.
The Environmental Emergencies Book by the UN Environment/OCHA Joint Unit compiles the lessons learnt from fifteen years of multilateral disaster responses.
These reports detail the previous meetings of the Strategic Advisory Group on Environmental Emergencies (SAGEE) since 1995.
There is an inextricable link between the protection of the environment and the protection of civilians across in the armed conflict-affected areas. This publication explains the breadth and complexity of conflict-linked environmental harm. The case studies presented outline why attention to the environment in relation to armed conflicts is necessary.
The research paper, "Faecal Sludge Management in Africa: Socio-economic aspects, human and environmental health implications", aims to explore how current trends in faecal sludge management are impacting human and environmental health in Africa (both sub-Saharan and Northern Africa).
Cash and voucher Assistance (CVA) has been used widely in humanitarian programs. Like all types of humanitarian operations, CVA can have environmental impacts. This includes but not limited to soil pollutions, an increase in CO2 emission, etc.
Access to reliable energy is a pre-requisite to enable growth and progress for any individual, community or nation. This report, co-authored by Boston Consulting Group, highlights the immediate need to address the widening energy access gap impacting vulnerable populations in Sub-Saharan Africa.
This preliminary scoping study, led by USAID's BHA in collaboration with a technical advisory group of humanitarian assistance stakeholders, is based on consultations with forty-seven organizations across the humanitarian, environmental, academic, and private sectors and provides a preliminary analysis of the environmental risks and challenges related to humanitarian packaging,…
These two documents from the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)Â provides guidance for governments seeking to develop, review or strengthen their national chemical accidents prevention and preparedness programme. UNEP is leading an international initiative to promote chemical accident prevention and preparedness. The initiative focuses on the development and implementation…
WHO has conducted a Glossary that aims to enable all actors, sectors and communities to work together more efficiently. The glossary is developed to remedy the lack of standardized terminology in the field of Health Emergency and Disaster Risk Management (Health EDRM).
This factsheet provides an overview of the UNEP/OCHA Joint Environment Unit's IKI Project, an inter-agency project which aims to strengthen climate change adaptation in target humanitarian hotspots. The project supports vulnerable communities, internally displaced people, refugees and host communities that face climate-related risks. The projects involves three implementing…
This study, conducted in 2019, focuses on the definition of climate vulnerability with operational and political perspectives and delivers guidelines for assessing climate vulnerability in long-term crises, such as in conflict-affected countries and recurrent disaster-prone areas. The research draws on an extensive academic literature review in the fields of biology,…
This study, conducted in 2020, sheds light on a variety of potentials and pitfalls of remote sensing for disaster risk analyses in fragile contexts. This topic gains importance in light of the need to formulate more systemic and better-integrated approaches to risk-informed development. Evidence-based policy recommendations encourage organizational learning and…
Download the two page annex here. Integrating environmental considerations…
Groupe URD conducted a study on the environmental practices of the international organisation,with funding from the Humanitarian Environment Network in 2019. Despite the environmental and climate emergency, which predominantly affects countries where humanitarian operations take place, these issues are still not taken into account properly in aid organisations practices and…
The thesis of this report, is that refugees inevitably place strain on natural resources and ecosystems. The core humanitarian sectors of water and health depend upon healthy, functioning ecosystems, they argue. And taking measures, such as catchment-based planning for water, as early as possible can make a vast difference to…
Northwest Uganda, examines the quantity and composition of biomass in the two refugee settlements and the buffer zone around them. It is based on an inventory that counted and identified every seedling and sapling and all standing trees on 234 circular plots and recorded their diameter at breast height (DBH),…
This factsheet describes the supporting role the UN Environment/OCHA Joint Unit (JEU) undertakes during disaster waste management activities.
This factsheet describes the Flash Environmental Assessment Tool (FEAT), a tool developed by the UN Environment/OCHA Joint Unit (JEU) to help humanitarians assess the impacts of chemical accidents.
A policy briefing provided by the international research collaboration The Lancet Countdown, offering an updated analysis of the intersection of climate change and global health. The briefing integrates the findings of the 2018 Lancet Countdown on Climate Change’s International Report with MSF’s documented on-the-ground experiences.
This publication by International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) provides a briefing on transforming disaster risk reduction with ecosystem management.
A technical report on the rapid diagnostic assessment of land and natural resources degradation in Uganda undertaken by the FAO in collaboration with the Ugandan Ministry of Water and Environment (MWE) in 2018.
A research study looking at the impacts of forests on diet. The results indicates that forests could help reduce vitamin A and iron deficiencies and the study establishes the causal relationship between forests and diet, thus strengthening the incentives for integrating forest conservation and management into nutrition interventions.
The WHO UNFCCC Climate and Health Country Profile Project provides country-specific estimates of current and future climate hazards. It also identifies the effects of climate change on human health and identifies mitigation and policy change actions. The data is collected via biennial surveys and was completed in 2017.
PrepareCenter.org is an initiative established by the Red Cross which provides reports, case studies and training materials to encourage better preparedness for emergencies. It also provides insights and tools to integrate themes such as climate change, environment and urban resilience in disaster preparedness.
The Flood Resilience Portal is a tool which provides open access to resources to build resiliency to floods. It issues reviews of past responses and provides community-specific flood resilience measurements.
The Knowledge Hub on Health and Migration is a joint effort committed to building expertise on the public health aspects of migration and making information in this area widely available. The Hub provides tool kits, training materials, reports and schooling to better prepare for the health needs which arise during…
The new Environmental Peacebuilding Association brings together researchers, practitioners and decision-makers to share experiences and lessons learned from managing natural resources in conflict-affected settings.
Knowledge Point is an online Q&A forum providing fast and accessible technical expertise for humanitarian and development workers worldwide. By providing organized groups KnowledgePoint gives users with common interests - such as working for the same organisations or project - a private, customization space to share knowledge.
This report published by the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) highlights the results of its environmental impact scoping. The report was prepared as a scoping exercise for DEC members in order to highlight possible areas for further research among the membership. It summarizes the key tools, mechanisms and initiatives aimed at…
The Toxic Remnants of War Network is a civil society network working to reduce the humanitarian and environmental impact of pollution from conflict and military activities.
PAX works to document the environmental impact of new and ongoing conflicts, and to build better responses in order to reduce threats to public health and environmental risks for civilians.
UN Development Group Guidance on the roles that natural resources can play in peace consolidation. It provides practical guidance to assist in thinking through how natural resource management principles and practices can feed into transitional analysis and planning frameworks.
The IASC Operational Guidance on Coordinated Assessments in Humanitarian Crises (IASC-CA) promotes a shared vision of how to plan and carry out coordinated assessments. Outputs from coordinated assessments support humanitarian decision-making by focusing on how to enhance preparedness and coordinate assessments.
Copernicus is the European Commission's Earth Observation Programme with vast amounts of global data from satellites and from ground-based, airborne and seaborne measurement systems.
The Environmental Performance Index (EPI) published by the Yale Center for Environmental Law and Policy ranks 180 countries on 24 performance indicators across ten issue categories covering environmental health and ecosystem vitality.
The Environmental Vulnerability Index (EVI) uses multiple smart indicators to estimate the vulnerability of the environment of a country to future shocks.
A collection of OECD's environmental country reviews…
A collection of publications on environment and culture published by UNESCO.
A collection of UNECE's environmental performance reviews…
IFRC's Public Awareness and Public Education for Disaster Risk Reduction "PAPE" provides guidance on risk communication.
This study done by the UN Environment/OCHA Joint Unit identifies areas for improving linkages between environmental emergency response, contingency planning and preparedness and how to best integrate these within the overall disaster risk reduction agenda…
IFRC Green Response Project that aims at developing country profiles with a summary of the main environmental issues of concern for shelter and settlements practitioners, that can be used for preparedness or contextualised for informing sustainable response.
Builds on experiences with the implementation of Safe Access to Fuel and Energy (SAFE) and SAFE-related projects to guide the Cluster Coordination team and partners on how to integrate energy in all phases of the Humanitarian Programme Cycle. Steps are outlined for each of the HPC.
Key facts on the links between food security and the environment by FAO.
This guideline will help identify potential adverse environmental impacts of use of cattle, sheep, goats, pigs, poultry, and other livestock and suggest mitigation and monitoring options, as well as “best management practices,†to address them.
The Health and Environment Linkages Initiative (HELI) is a global effort by WHO and UN Environment to promote and facilitate action in developing countries to reduce environmental threats to human health, in support of sustainable development objectives.
USAID investments in wild-caught fisheries and aquaculture are made in the context of international, national, and agency guidelines, agreements, and policies. These policies represent the governance framework within which USAID projects in the fisheries and aquaculture sector are designed, implemented, and evaluated for responsible environmental stewardship.
This guidance explains how to deal with batteries in operations (reduce, reuse, recycle, dispose)…
This guidance explains how to deal with light bulbs and lamps in operations (reduce, reuse, recycle, dispose)…
This document links key environmental considerations to WASH projects and provides guidance for good environmental management throughout the project cycle.
An explanation of the links between WASH and Environment by UNICEF…
A collection of environmental sustainability tools by the WASH Alliance…
A collection of different resources on WASH and environment…
A cloud solution for mapping and monitoring the sustainable use of natural resources.
Environmental Field Advisors (EFA) are technical experts, with varying environmental backgrounds, which may be deployed to assist project implementers with the integration of environmental considerations.
World Wildlife Fund (WWF) Environment and Disaster Management (EDM) program collaborates with humanitarian and development agencies, the United Nations (UN), academic institutions and others to integrate environmental considerations into disaster recovery, reconstruction, and risk reduction programs and policies, and to learn and develop new approaches.
UN Environments website on Disasters and Conflict…
A collection of resources on mainstreaming the environment into humanitarian action…
IFRC’s Green Response seeks to save lives and reduce suffering without risking damage to the livelihoods, health and survival of affected people and improving the environmental outcomes of life-saving operations.
The Climate Centre is a specialist reference centre of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC).
A collection of resources and guidance on early warning systems provided by the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA).
PEDRR is a global partnership comprised of UN agencies, international and regional NGOs as well as specialist institutes that collectively aim to influence policy, enhance implementation and better coordinate efforts in environmental management for disaster risk reduction, climate change adaptation and sustainable livelihoods.
Groupe URD is an independent institute which specializes in the analysis of practices and the development of policy for the humanitarian and post-crisis sectors. Their work includes guidance on cross-cutting issues such as aid quality, the environment, disaster risk reduction and more.
A collection of resources and guidance on ecosystems, livelihoods, and dissater risk reduction by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)…
United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) website on environment, disasters and climate change, including the 2015 report on UNHCR, the Environment & Climate Change.
Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) website on climate change and disasters…
UN Convention on Biodiversity comprehensive guidelines for the design and effective implementation of ecosystem-based approaches to climate change adaptation and disaster risk reduction, including opportunities for the humanitarian sector…
A collection of resources on disaster and climate risk reduction by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)…
UNESCO Guidance on using Education for Sustainable Development to promote achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs’). The environment is especially addressed under SDG 15, from p. 40.
A UNESCO compilation of good practices on integrating biodiversity in Education for Sustainable Development (ESD)…
A UNESCO compilation of good practices on integrating climate change in Education for Sustainable Development (ESD)…
This project aims to develop agroforestry models for tree products to meet the growing energy, construction and food needs of Ugandan refugees and locals.
An online repository on fire management information run by the Global Fire Monitoring Centre. It provides policy advising & formulation services and offers information for high-level political activities.
16 regional networks which allow actors to share knowledge, expertise and resources regarding wildfire management.
Global Fire Monitoring Center provides an Early Warning System to identify critical time periods of extreme fire danger. This warning system enables communities to prevent and mitigate the dangers of wildland fires before they occur.
Regional centers run by the Global Fire Monitoring Center, which provides capacity building services and advisory support to hosting countries.
Planning instrument for fire management at national level offered by the Global Fire Monitoring Center and the Regional Wildland Fire Networks.
Guidelines and a portal by the Global Fire Monitoring Center which aims to integrate community-level action into wildfire preparedness, prevention & response.
Tools provided by the Global Fire Monitoring Center which aim to build the capacity of actors to conserve biodiversity and protected areas during wildfires.
International and regional advisory services provided by the Global Fire Monitoring Centre and the Global Wildland Fire Network, which offer thematic support for international bodies to devise, design and implement fire management programmes.
The preparedness and response tools for wildland fires made available by the Global Fire Monitoring Center.
The guidance advises on the implementation of specific aspects of the Code of Conduct concerning pesticides. Specific guidelines on pesticide use, application, prevention and disposal are available.
The Fumigation PEA establishes a clear approach to manage health and environmental risks for actors that plan to undertake phosphine fumigation in a warehouse setting.
Women's Environment and Development Organization study on the relationship between Gender and Biodiversity, also relevant for protection cluster…
This background paper published by the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNISDR) highlights the need for integrating disaster risk reduction (DRR) in environmental initiatives and policies. It promotes the synergies between DRR, land use planning, natural resource management and climate change adaptation.
Climate risk profiles summarize key climate stressors and risks most relevant to a mission's objectives. Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions fact sheets provide information that may be useful in identifying climate change mitigation opportunities.
Resouces and guidance on USAID's Climate Risk Management (CRM) approach…
CRiSTAL is a project-planning tool that helps users design activities that support climate adaptation at the community level.
This brochure presents the specific work of international organizations and institutions regarding the prevention, preparedness and response to chemical and industrial accidents.
A Wetlands International report on the situation of wetlands and human migration in the Sahel.
Project led by LSE Students which investigates the environmental issues associated with cash transfer programming.
The Joint Emergency Management Plan of International Organizations (Joint Plan) describes the inter-agency framework of preparedness for and response to an actual, potential or perceived nuclear or radiological emergency.
A research paper exploring how technological advances can improve inter-organizational information sharing during disaster relief coordination.
A report by PAX for Peace regarding Syria۪s oil industry, the rise of makeshift oil refining and the issues arising from these practices.
The second addendum to the OECD Guiding Principles for Chemical Accident Prevention, Preparedness and Response, which outlines considerations for natural-hazard triggered technological accidents.
A mission report from the Joint Research Centre of the European Commission mapping of dam failure scenarios for Mosul Dam in Iraq.
A case study providing analysis and assessment of the extent to which environmental concerns have been mainstreamed in humanitarian action in Haiti.
This safety requirements publications by IAEA aims to strengthen preparedness and response for nuclear or radiological emergencies.
A case study of the disastrous environmental and public health impacts due to the ongoing conflict in Syria.
The 2015 Myanmar's Initial Flood Response Plan by OCHA, which called for $75.5 million to cover the needs of over 580,000 people in six regions that were affected by floods in summer of 2015.
A Topic Guide examinining complex, multi-faceted relationship between climate change, environment and humanitarian action.
This article explores the need for greater linkages and coordination between humanitarian disaster relief organisations and military organizations.
The MINERVA Portal is a website providing a collection of technical Information and tools supporting EU policy on control of major chemical hazards.
A joint editorial from the UN Environment magazine "Our Planet: Healthy Planet, Healthy People"…
A technical brief by ACAPS on improving coordinated needs assessments to improve the quality and accountability of humanitarian response in urban areas.
A film about the UNECE Convention on the Transboundary Effects of Industrial Accidents.
A UNHCR publication covering topics such as the impacts of climate change on displacement, climate change, armed conflict as well as the role and challenges of the work of UNHCR.
A UNHCR report providing guidance and information regarding planned relocation in relation to disasters and climate change, with the aim to consolidate good practices and preparing for the future.
This article provided by the American Security Project summarizes the key outcomes of the Environmental Dimensions of Sustainable Recovery event.
INFORM is a global, open-source risk assessment for humanitarian crises and disasters. It can support decisions about prevention, preparedness and response.
Challenges for Concerted International Actors - A White Paper directed to the United Nations and International Organizations.
This study highlights the major factors contributing to the increased vulnerability of countries and communities to environmental emergencies…
A brochure provided by the International Social Security Association (ISSA) offering practical guidance on where and how chemicals should be kept, in particular for small and medium-sized enterprises.
This policy document describes the twenty-sixth session of the Governing Council of the United Nations Environment Programme, themed around environmental emergency response and preparedness.
APELL multi-hazard training kit for local authorities for community vulnerability reduction, prevention, and preparedness.
The Rosersberg initiative, created by the Advisory Group on Environmental Emergencies, aims to improve the international environmental emergency response system.
Understanding the current and potential future environmental conditions of a region is essential for an efficient and sustainable response
Risk analysis provides a common understanding and prioritization of risks, and should include existing environmental conditions and threats
Addressing environment as part of preparedness planning lays the foundation for its integration into humanitarian action.
Communicating risks effectively to populations and communities is essential for people to be able to be better prepared and to reduce the damaging impacts of hazards.
Policies supported by institutional frameworks and legal arrangements make up the disaster risk management framework. In order to systematically integrate environmental concerns in humanitarian action, one must consider the institutional arrangements governing disaster preparedness, response, recovery and emergency funding.
An understanding of evolving risks is fundamental to a timely and effective response. The analysis of disaster risks informs the planning of a response, while monitoring ensures that the process is responsive to changing contexts
Information management services support humanitarian actors in gathering, analyzing and disseminating key information about a humanitarian situation.
It is important to identify and close gaps between existing resources and anticipated emergency response needs. In preparedness, this entails an assessment of the current disaster risk management system and its available resources as well as capacities.
Environmental actors are assigned specific roles and responsibilities within the response, and interact with other responders within existing coordination mechanisms.
Including environmental considerations in disaster response exercises and trainings encourages exchange among actors and lays the foundation for a sustainable response.