Pillars of Resilience: Assessing Loss and Damage at the Local Level

The chapter discusses the emergence of ‘Loss and Damage’ at COP13 in 2007 and the subsequent adoption of various mechanisms to address it in vulnerable developing countries. The chapter presents a methods toolbox for the local-level assessment of Loss and Damage resulting from climate-related stressors, which was applied in three South Asian countries. It identifies six key elements of local resilience that must be integrated into rural adaptation planning. It includes impacts on livestock, agriculture, human health, micro-enterprises, migration, and infrastructure. The study explores the linkages of these elements of resilience with each other to demonstrate the importance of an integrated approach. Additionally, the chapter reviews Pakistan’s national and provincial climate policies and action plans to analyse if the resilience elements are addressed. The objective is to provide recommendations for the proposed National Adaptation Plan and possible development of policies and strategies to include Loss and Damage considerations.