Moderation of extreme events

In recent years, increasing climate variability has caused even more serious and frequent drought spells, which influence agricultural systems in all stages of growth and consequently the crop yields. Diversification and adjustment of cropping patterns are among ways to reduce losses, thus mitigating the impact of droughts on the lives of the rural poor.

Livestock is extremely affected by events such as drought. In a world threatened by climate change, breeds that are resistant to drought, extreme heat or tropical diseases are of major potential importance. It is important to keep these traditional breed diversity alive to resist to extreme events. Diversified systems (mixed crop-livestock, sylvo-pastoral) are also more resilient to extreme events. Through vegetation control, livestock also contribute to fire or avalanche control.

Healthy mangroves and coral reef systems are important elements to protect coastal populations from extreme weather events. Fisheries and aquaculture can support the moderation of extreme events through, for example, integrated mangrove-aquaculture ponds, sustainable direct use of mangroves in the sector, and reduction of harmful practices impacting coral reef systems.

Extreme weather events and natural disasters are posing an increasing threat to the world's forests. The condition of forests themselves can have an influence on the extreme events. For example, deforestation or poor management can increase flooding and landslides during cyclones. . However, the extent of large scale flooding in the lower parts of major river basins does not seem to be linked to the degree of forest cover and the management practices in the catchment area. Similarly, forests cannot prevent large scale landslides and mass movements which are triggered by tectonic or extraordinary rainfall events.