FAVAIA - Formal Approaches to Vulnerability Assessment that Informs Adaptation
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FAVAIA is made up of three related activities that aim to improve and apply methods of estimating vulnerability and information about adaptation. Initially, a formal vulnerability framework has been developed, which uses mathematical concepts that are independent of specific areas of knowledge and can be applied to different systems.
This activity is intended to make it easier to obtain a systematic assessment of vulnerability across different sectors and geographical scales, increase the clarity of communication on vulnerability and provide a basis for computer-based modelling. For example, DIVA is a model that can be used to assess the vulnerability of coastal regions throughout the world to rising sea levels (see DINAS-COAST).
As a subsequent activity in the project, DIVA is being enhanced, applied and converted into an appropriate form to become one component of a distributed integrated model. In addition, empirical policy analyses are being performed to evaluate the extent to which it is desirable and feasible to integrate adaptation needs due to climate change into development aid and planning and into ongoing local and sectoral decision making processes as an interdisciplinary issue. This activity involves both analysis of the institutions that shape the international political landscape on adaptation issues and evaluation of local and regional studies on barriers and opportunities for this kind of integration. The PIK contribution is based on research from the EVA (Environmental Vulnerability Assessment) project.
coastal regions
For example, the climate effects of rising sea levels will be analysed (see DINAS-COAST).
The central focus of the project is to develop methods to assess vulnerability. The following three activities are carried out:
Assessment of vulnerability aims to improve and support adaptation.
Directorate-General for Research of the European Commission, German Research Foundation, World Bank, Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation (Norad), International Institute for Environment and Development (IIED) and the Secretariat of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC)
Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK: field of research IV - transdisciplinary concepts and methods) and Stockholm Environment Institute (SEI: Risk and Vulnerability Programme)
Politehnica University of Bucharest, Romania;
Freie Universität Berlin;
Mekong River Commission (MRC), Laos;
Madras School of Economics, India;
University of Oslo, Norway;
Boston University, USA;
Alterra, The Netherlands.
The FAVAIA project is a joint project run by the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research and the Stockholm Environment Institute. It is a partner in the VulnerabilityNet.org Internet initiative.
PIK – Potsdam-Institut für Klimafolgenforschung
Telegraphenberg A 31
D-14473 Potsdam