Situation Analysis of Disasters and Climate Change Impacts to Children in West Java
In December 2014 to January 2015, RDI earned the confidence of Save the Children to conduct a research project titled "Situation Analysis of Disaster Risk and Climate Change Impact on Children in West Java: Learning from Save the Children's Existing Projects." This research endeavor aimed to achieve several key objectives:
1. Generate a comprehensive report on the analysis of the prevailing situation concerning Risk Reduction, Climate Change Adaptation, and Household Resilience within the project areas where Save the Children operates in West Java, Indonesia.
2. Identify and present the primary challenges, needs, opportunities, trends, and recommendations for Save the Children Indonesia Country Office, particularly in terms of potential programs addressing these needs. This would involve providing both a problem tree and a solution tree to enhance the resilience of children and their families.
The rationale behind this research stems from Indonesia's unique geographical position, situated at the convergence of three tectonic plates, rendering it one of the most seismically active regions globally. Additionally, Indonesia faces a multitude of disasters, including climate-related ones. Furthermore, inadequate knowledge about risks, disasters, behavioral practices, and environmental degradation contributes to the increased occurrence and severity of disasters like urban floods and landslides.
While climate change has become a significant challenge for Indonesia in recent years, it has relatively recently gained prominence within the Government of Indonesia's focus. In this context, Save the Children has been actively engaged in West Java since 2003, making it one of their key operational areas. Notably, children and their families emerge as the most vulnerable and affected groups in the face of climate change and disasters.
Similarly, women, alongside children, bear the brunt of climate change and adverse disaster impacts. Nonetheless, both children and women possess the potential to act as catalysts in countering and adapting to the effects of climate change, as well as in mitigating the negative consequences of disasters. Children can assume roles in disseminating knowledge and skills among their peers, taking on responsibilities for disaster preparedness, while women can promptly mobilize family members, secure food for children, seek shelter, and provide assistance during crises.
