Current knowledge on relevant methodologies and data requirements as well as lessons learned and gaps identified at different levels, in assessing the risk of loss and damage associated with the adverse effects of climate change
The paper aims at supporting decision makers and adaptation practitioners in understanding the challenges of assessing loss and damage and providing an overview and analysis of some of the key existing methods and tools that can be employed. The paper assesses 18 selected approaches, methods and tools in terms of their data and information requirements, strengths, weaknesses, lessons learned, gaps at different levels and relevance for social and environmental impacts, as well as discussing capacity needs for applying risk assessment methods in developing countries. The paper is divided into four main sections: (i) section one introduces the goals, scope, and structure of the paper; (ii) section two presents an overview of existing approaches to loss and damage assessment; (iii) section three explains how to apply the knowledge gained from loss and damage assessments; and (iv) section four concludes the paper, emphasizing a holistic approach to loss and damage assessments because all societies cannot be measured in the same way.