Disaster and degradation: the impact of Tropical Cyclone Harold on Western Santo Island, Republic of Vanuatu
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Disaster and degradation: the impact of Tropical Cyclone Harold on Western Santo Island, Republic of Vanuatu
This
case study examines the climate-related L&D of Severe Category 5 Cyclone
Harold in 2020 on the people of remote Western Santo Island, and the
ecosystems and environmental services on which they depend. This study looks
at the non-economic toll of climate change by putting economic valuations on
these often-hidden services. Overall, L&D from Cyclone Harold on
environmental services and products in a small area of West Coast Santo
amounted to US$39.9 million. This included from forest services, crops,
building materials for homes and water supply ecosystem services. The case
study examines the pivotal role played by an indigenous grassroots network in
flling recovery gaps where government and international NGOs cannot. It seeks
additional finance, capacity and technology for developing countries to
address, minimise and avert the worst impacts of climate change.
