Climate and Disaster Resilience

The CDR program provides technical assistance to the University and its affiliates to support the integration of climate mitigation and adaptation options in policies, structures and operations. Mitigation initiatives involve the monitoring and reduction of GHG emissions, while adaptation initiatives include assessing and managing climate impacts and potential risks to avert disasters. Such initiatives also align and resonate with the Laudato Si’ Goals such as responding to the cry of the earth, adopting sustainable lifestyles, and practicing ecological economics.

The CDR program serves as a platform for interdisciplinary research connecting the different units of the University, its affiliates and other partners to broaden and deepen our understanding of climate and disaster resilience. Applying a systems approach is key towards better articulating root drivers and identifying leverage points, including where nature-based solutions can be prioritized. Insights from research are translated into development or planning tools, strategic materials/modules for education and capacity-building, and technical advisory services. These will help promote ecological education, in accordance with the Laudato Si’ goals.

The CDR program engages in consortia and networks across different sectors to help empower communities to articulate their visions of resilient futures. We espouse a principle of collaboration and co-production that is not prescriptive in terms of targets but instead allows stakeholders to actively shape their communities towards sustainability and resilience. This is aligned with the Laudato Si’ Goal on community engagement and participatory action. We bridge stakeholders and help distill insights and recommendations for future research as well as for policy-making.