ALM UNDP

Summary:

Proceedings of the Training Conducted under the APN Project "Capacity Development on Integration of Science and Local Knowledge for Climate Change Impacts and Vulnerability Assessments" (CIA2009-02-Pulhin)
26-29 April 2010

Climate change impacts and vulnerability in the Philippines vary depending on the area’s geographic location, climate system (the country has four climatic classification), and socio‐economic condition. As such, while assessments at the national level give a picture of the overall impacts of climate change in the country, which may thereby result in enabling policies for appropriate plans and actions, responses on the risks and threats need to be area‐specific in order to effectively address the climate change related concerns. Furthermore, with the decentralization policy, the Philippine local government units, particularly at the provincial level, are at the forefront of actions for responding to climate change impacts and risks. It is therefore necessary to familiarise them on how to conduct climate change impacts and vulnerability assessment in their respective jurisdictions to enhance their preparedness strategies. A close collaboration among the scientists/researchers, local government units and the local communities, with the aid of a computer modeling system, is crucial to ensure a comprehensive assessment of the risks, threats and needs.

Climate simulation models are important for enhancing our understanding on past and present climate creating scenarios of future climate change, and examining risks attributed to predicted changes in climate. Results of climate model simulations are useful for improving plans and developing preparedness strategies that aid in increasing resilience on risks posed by the changing climate. This training will use SimCLIM as the climate modeling system for conducting an integrated assessment of the vulnerability to and impacts of climate change in the province of Albay.

SimCLIM is a computer model system for examining the effects of climate variability and change over time and space. This model system has an “open‐framework” feature which allows users to customize the model for their own geographical area and spatial resolution and to attach impact models. It has the capacity to assess baseline climates and current variability and extremes. Aside from these, SimCLIM can also be used to: a) assess present and future risks; b) investigate present and future adaptation; c) create scenarios of climate and sea‐level change; d) conduct sensitivity analyses; e) project sectoral impacts of climate and sea level change; f) examine risks and uncertainties; and g) facilitate integrated impact analyses. SimCLIM is designed for bridging the gap between science and policy/planning, particularly to support decision making and climate proofing in a wide range of situations where climate and climate change pose risk and uncertainty.

Source: www.climsystems.com/simclim/about.php

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