Skip to main content
  • Book
  • Open Access
  • © 2019

Loss and Damage from Climate Change

Concepts, Methods and Policy Options

  • First comprehensive stocktaking exercise highlighting the state of the art of research, political debate and policy options on Loss and Damage and the debate on risks "beyond adaptation"
  • Articulates principles and definitions of Loss and Damage, and highlights ethical and normative issues central to the discourse
  • Identifies practical and evidence-based policy and implementation options for its operationalization

Part of the book series: Climate Risk Management, Policy and Governance (CRMPG)

Buy it now

Buying options

Hardcover Book USD 59.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Durable hardcover edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Other ways to access

Table of contents (22 chapters)

  1. Front Matter

    Pages i-xxii
  2. Setting the Stage: Key Concepts, Challenges and Insights

    1. Front Matter

      Pages 1-1
    2. Science for Loss and Damage. Findings and Propositions

      • Reinhard Mechler, Elisa Calliari, Laurens M. Bouwer, Thomas Schinko, Swenja Surminski, JoAnne Linnerooth-Bayer et al.
      Pages 3-37Open Access
    3. The Ethical Challenges in the Context of Climate Loss and Damage

      • Ivo Wallimann-Helmer, Lukas Meyer, Kian Mintz-Woo, Thomas Schinko, Olivia Serdeczny
      Pages 39-62Open Access
  3. Critical Issues Shaping the Discourse

    1. Front Matter

      Pages 111-111
    2. Attribution: How Is It Relevant for Loss and Damage Policy and Practice?

      • Rachel A. James, Richard G. Jones, Emily Boyd, Hannah R. Young, Friederike E. L. Otto, Christian Huggel et al.
      Pages 113-154Open Access
    3. The Politics of (and Behind) the UNFCCC’s Loss and Damage Mechanism

      • Elisa Calliari, Swenja Surminski, Jaroslav Mysiak
      Pages 155-178Open Access
    4. Legal Responses to Climate Change Induced Loss and Damage

      • Florentina Simlinger, Benoit Mayer
      Pages 179-203Open Access
    5. The Impacts of Climate Change on Ecosystem Services and Resulting Losses and Damages to People and Society

      • Kees van der Geest, Alex de Sherbinin, Stefan Kienberger, Zinta Zommers, Asha Sitati, Erin Roberts et al.
      Pages 221-236Open Access
    6. Displacement and Resettlement: Understanding the Role of Climate Change in Contemporary Migration

      • Alison Heslin, Natalie Delia Deckard, Robert Oakes, Arianna Montero-Colbert
      Pages 237-258Open Access
  4. Research and Practice: Reviewing Methods and Tools

    1. Front Matter

      Pages 259-259
    2. The Role of the Physical Sciences in Loss and Damage Decision-Making

      • Ana Lopez, Swenja Surminski, Olivia Serdeczny
      Pages 261-285Open Access
    3. Integrated Disaster Risk Management and Adaptation

      • W. J. Wouter Botzen, Laurens M. Bouwer, Paolo Scussolini, Onno Kuik, Marjolijn Haasnoot, Judy Lawrence et al.
      Pages 287-315Open Access
    4. Exploring and Managing Adaptation Frontiers with Climate Risk Insurance

      • Laura Schäfer, Koko Warner, Sönke Kreft
      Pages 317-341Open Access
  5. Geographic Perspectives and Cases

    1. Front Matter

      Pages 363-363
    2. Understanding Loss and Damage in Pacific Small Island Developing States

      • John Handmer, Johanna Nalau
      Pages 365-381Open Access

About this book

This book provides an authoritative insight on the Loss and Damage discourse by highlighting state-of-the-art research and policy linked to this discourse and articulating its multiple concepts, principles and methods. Written by leading researchers and practitioners, it identifies practical and evidence-based policy options to inform the discourse and climate negotiations.


With climate-related risks on the rise and impacts being felt around the globe has come the recognition that climate mitigation and adaptation may not be enough to manage the effects from anthropogenic climate change. This recognition led to the creation of the Warsaw International Mechanism on Loss and Damage in 2013, a climate policy mechanism dedicated to dealing with climate-related effects in highly vulnerable countries that face severe constraints and limits to adaptation.  Endorsed in 2015 by the Paris Agreement and effectively considered a third pillar of international climate policy, debate and research on Loss and Damage continues to gain enormous traction. Yet, concepts, methods and tools as well as directions for policy and implementation have remained contested and vague.


Suitable for researchers, policy-advisors, practitioners and the interested public, the book furthermore:


•         discusses the political, legal, economic and institutional dimensions of the issue
•         highlights normative questions central to the discourse

•         provides a focus on climate risks and climate risk management.

•         presents salient case studies from around the world.

Reviews

“Loss and Damage from Climate Change is a very welcome addition to the continuously growing body of work on L&D. More than a review of the state-of-the-art, the book also acts as a positive heuristic for L&D scholarship, pointing the way forward for new comers and seasoned veterans alike. The editors and contributing authors are all to be commended for producing such a comprehensive, thought provoking and accessible guide … .” (Chad S. Boda, Climatic Change, Vol. 156, 2019)

“Though highly specialized, the text is well written and stands as the best compendium yet written on the topic. … Recommended. Graduate students through faculty and professionals.” (R. E. O'Connor, Choice, Vol. 57 (2), October, 2019)

Editors and Affiliations

  • International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis, Laxenburg, Austria

    Reinhard Mechler, Thomas Schinko, JoAnne Linnerooth-Bayer

  • Deltares, Delft, The Netherlands

    Laurens M. Bouwer

  • London School of Economics, London, UK

    Swenja Surminski

Bibliographic Information

Buy it now

Buying options

Hardcover Book USD 59.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Durable hardcover edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Other ways to access