Case studies

This collection of case studies from across the globe showcases practical, real-world examples of disaster risk management and disaster risk reduction in action.

The need to understand, adapt to, and mitigate disaster risks is greater than ever. These case studies are in-depth studies of a particular case in a real-world context. Each case study highlights unique challenges, innovative solutions, and impactful outcomes, providing insight into the strategies that communities, organizations, and governments have implemented to protect lives, livelihoods, and ecosystems.

Accédez à des cas d'études en français.

Uploaded on
Case study
Africa
The role of Indigenous knowledge in climate change adaptation in Africa
This study documents evidence of the potential of Indigenous and local knowledge in reducing vulnerability to climate change and/or improving the resilience of communities.
  • weADAPT
Case study
India
Transformative adaptation: The case of Jodhpur, India
This paper explores how transformative adaptation towards more sustainable and resilient urban societies can be achieved through the inclusion of traditional knowledge, indigenous practices, and the bearers of such knowledge – the communities.
  • Green Risk-Informed Resilient Development (GRRID) Corps
  • Confederation of Risk Reduction Professionals
  • International Centre for the Study of the Preservation and Restoration of Cultural Property
  • Urban Climate Change Research Network
Case study
United States of America Japan Europe
From policy to practice: Case studies in resilience and public warning
This report explores real-world applications of resilience and public warning strategies through in-depth case studies focused on the United States, Japan, and the European Union.
  • UCL Hazard Centre, the
  • Everbridge
Case study
Inclusion of migrants and refugees in preparedness and response to biological disasters: Case study of the COVID-19 pandemic
This paper provides evidence, recommendations, and lessons about good practice that can inform and strengthen responses to COVID-19, a crisis that will continue, for the foreseeable future, to have complex impacts on migrants and migration worldwide.
  • Migrants in Countries in Crisis Initiative
  • International Organization for Migration (IOM)
  • Council of Europe (COE)
Case study
Mexico
Navigating the “dog days:” Experience of the Mexican Red Cross during 2023 heatwaves
This case study explores the preparedness and response efforts by the Mexican Red Cross (Cruz Roja Mexicana) during the 2023 heat waves where temperatures climbed close to 50°C (122°F) in parts of the country.
  • Global Disaster Preparedness Center (GDPC)
Case study
Italy
The weather of hell: Experience of Italian Red Cross during 2023 heat waves
This case study explores the preparedness and response efforts by the Italian Red Cross (Croce Rossa Italiana) during the 2023 heatwaves. It showcases effective strategies and draws insights from learnings to improve preparedness for future heatwaves.
  • Global Disaster Preparedness Center (GDPC)
Case study
United States of America
Taming wildfires in the context of climate change: The case of the United States
This paper provides an overview of the United States’ wildfire policies and practices and assesses the extent to which wildfire management in the country is evolving to adapt to growing wildfire risk under climate change.
  • Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development
Case study
India
Development and implementation of a heat early warning system for Jodhpur Heat Action Plan
The aim is to develop an early warning system for heat waves as part of the Jodhpur Heat Action Plan, with a special focus on protecting vulnerable groups (e.g. construction workers, miners, slum dwellers) who are at high risk of heat-related illness.
  • Mahila Housing Sewa Trust
Uploaded on
illustration
Knowledge base
Explore the latest on disaster risk and resilience from around the world: news, research, policies and publications.