Climate Change Risk Assessment for Kurunegala, Sri Lanka: Water and Heat Waves

• Published in: Climate (Basel) Vol. 8; no. 12; p. 140
• Main Author: Hanna Cho
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: MDPI AG 01-12-2020
• Subjects: climate change adaptation; climate change risk assessment; climate resilience; heat waves; Kurunegala; risk factors of water
• ISSN: 2225-1154
• DOI: 10.3390/cli8120140

Sri Lanka is experiencing various social and environmental challenges, including drought, storms, floods, and landslides, due to climate change. One of Sri Lanka’s biggest cities, Kurunegala, is a densely populated city that is gradually turning into an economic revitalization area. This fast-growing city needs to establish an integrated urban plan that takes into account the risks of climate change. Thus, a climate change risk assessment was conducted for both the water and heat wave risks via discussions with key stakeholders. The risk assessment was conducted as a survey based on expert assessment of local conditions, with awareness surveys taken by residents, especially women. The assessment determined that the lack of drinking water was the biggest issue, a problem that has become more serious due to recent droughts caused by climate change and insufficient water management. In addition, the outbreak of diseases caused by heat waves was identified as a serious concern. Risk assessment is integral to developing an action plan for minimizing the damage from climate change. It is necessary to support education and awareness in developing countries so that they can perform risk assessment well and develop both problem-solving and policy-making abilities to adapt to a changing climate.