Impacts of extreme weather events in Bao Lam, Vietnam. With ideas for future adaptation to climate change

Climate change means more extreme weather events to which local societies around the world will have to adapt. This report describes a study of the impacts of extreme weather events today, conducted with the aim of providing a platform for climate change adaptation in the future. The study area was the district of Bao Lam, in the province of Cao Bang in north-eastern Vietnam. The method used was Local Climate Impacts Profile (LCLIP) and data on the current impacts of extreme weather in the district were collected by a media trawl and through interviews with representatives of Bao Lam district authorities. In all, data on the impacts of 21 extreme weather events were collected and categorised. These events ranged from heat, drought, whirlwinds and hail to cold spells and heavy precipitation leading to flash floods and landslides. Damage was substantial, ranging from loss of lives and injuries to damaged private and public property and interrupted communications systems. Such impacts are serious in view of the need for socio-economic development in the district at present and increasingly so in the future with more extreme weather. The survey also showed that extreme weather today affects men and women differently due to e.g. differences in division of labour. Ideas for future adaptation actions are presented based on what is known about the district's ambitions, local climate change and impacts of extreme weather. While there already is an effective rescue organisation in the district, pro-active adaptation measures are currently lacking and should be included in future plans. Within the fields of education, forestry, agriculture and infrastructure, some such measures are proposed.