Update

To help developing countries make sense of the multitude of funds and instruments available for climate finance a landmark website: www.climatefinanceoptions.org was launched on the second day of the United Nations Climate Conference in Cancun...

The UN Climate Change conference in Mexico, kicked off this week with calls for commitment and compromise. According to COP President Espinosa, governments meeting in Mexico can reach a deal to launch action on adaptation, technology transfer and forests; along with the creation of a new fund for long-term climate finance...

Krista Mahr reports for Time on one of the most earthquake-prone countries in the world, Japan, which is equally one of the best prepared for natural hazards. Once again the country has emerged unscathed from a recent 6.9-magnitude earthquake that hit the southern coast...

One of the most important tests of a successful agreement is its achievability. Through the Chief Executive Board, the highest level coordination mechanism in the UN system, over 50 UN organizations have advanced a common agenda in Cancun to show how adaptation could work.

'This unique online adaptation database provides a much needed practical and user-friendly tool for local communities and decision makers who are at the forefront of delivering on climate change. Through international best practice examples, the database illustrates the processes around how to deliver adaptation strategies at a variety of different scales' said TCPA Chief Executive, Kate Henderson...

'Basically, what we're going to discuss is adaptation' said President Felipe Calderon, at the climate summit in Cancun, insisting that the Cancun summit must address ways of coping with a warmer world, reports James Murray for Business Green...

Dachi Maduako reports that many of the country's buildings are not built to resist natural hazards and highlights the need for laws to be enforced in the construction industry...

'The humanitarian catastrophes again showed how important prevention and post disaster management are for protecting the lives and health of people affected by natural hazards' said Thomas Hess, Chief Economist of Swiss Re...

The shadow of the global economic recession looms over Cancun, Mexico, where signatories to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) will meet for the 16th time from 29 November. IRIN has been following climate-change policy developments since the countries last met in Copenhagen, Denmark in 2009. In this collection of reports, it attempts to provide a humanitarian guide, and bit more...

With 23 active volcanoes across the Philippines, many communities in this archipelago nation are preparing for the next big eruption. 'Areas where there are frequent explosions are naturally more prepared than others' said Renato Solidum, director of PHIVOLCS, in a report by IRIN 'Local officials appreciate the importance of being ready.'...