Global Knowledge Review (Second Revision) TA to PDMA-Punjab in Incorporating Climate Compatibility Considerations into Reconstruction and Village Planning

This report provides a global and national knowledge review to assist the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) in Punjab, Pakistan, in incorporating climate compatibility and disaster risk reduction (DRR) into reconstruction and village planning. It synthesizes experiences from Europe and Asia, focusing on adaptation and low-carbon construction to improve resilience against flooding and extreme temperatures.

• In Pakistan, building codes are relatively new and primarily focused on urban structures and earthquake resilience, specifically the "Building Code of Pakistan (Seismic Provisions-2007)", leaving a gap in standards for rural village structures and climate-related risks.
• The report identifies a critical need for an overarching manual to guide the reconstruction of flood-damaged areas in rural Punjab, noting that existing manuals like the "Seismic Retrofitting and Repair Manual for Buildings for Earthquake Vulnerability Reduction Project (EVRP)" were designed for northern regions and masonry structures.
• Research in rural Punjab indicates that 'bottom-up' planning approaches, involving grassroots participation and local NGOs, are more effective and sustainable than 'top-down' approaches, particularly in 'bet' (floodplain) lands where top-down regimes often fail to create local self-reliance.
• Climate-related disasters are highly prevalent in Asia, with approximately 90% of all sudden-onset disasters in the region attributed to climatic factors. In 2010, 77% of people displaced by disasters globally were located in Asia.
• The report proposes a 'climate compatible' approach to reconstruction that combines adaptation (reducing harm from climate variability) and mitigation (reducing greenhouse gas emissions). This includes using passive design, locally sourced materials, and renewable energy technologies to lower operational carbon and increase energy security.
• For flood risk management in Punjab, the report suggests three primary strategies: Avoidance (not building in risk areas), Resistance (dry-proofing buildings to prevent water entry), and Resilience (wet-proofing to minimize damage and simplify reinstatement).
• To combat high temperatures and heat stress (defined as a risk above 35°C), the report recommends passive cooling techniques such as orienting buildings within 30° of due south, using thick heat-retaining outer walls, and implementing high ceilings to trap hot air.
• The report highlights that indigenous building practices can provide effective flood resilience, citing examples such as the 'dhani' in India (improved with cement blocks for water resistance), bamboo plantations in Assam to protect bunds, and 'Mizuya' elevated houses in Japan.
• Post-disaster reconstruction in Pakistan is managed through a devolved structure including the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), Provincial Disaster Management Authorities (PDMAs), and District Disaster Management Authorities (DDMAs).

APA

Climate and Development Knowledge Network (2012). Global Knowledge Review (Second Revision) TA to PDMA-Punjab in Incorporating Climate Compatibility Considerations into Reconstruction and Village Planning. http://cdkn.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/MMGLobaKNowledgeReview_REISSUE_Rev02-seh-2-2.pdf

Chicago

Climate and Development Knowledge Network. Global Knowledge Review (Second Revision) TA to PDMA-Punjab in Incorporating Climate Compatibility Considerations into Reconstruction and Village Planning. 2012. http://cdkn.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/MMGLobaKNowledgeReview_REISSUE_Rev02-seh-2-2.pdf.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |author=Climate and Development Knowledge Network |title=Global Knowledge Review (Second Revision) TA to PDMA-Punjab in Incorporating Climate Compatibility Considerations into Reconstruction and Village Planning |date=January 2012 |url=http://cdkn.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/MMGLobaKNowledgeReview_REISSUE_Rev02-seh-2-2.pdf |access-date=17 August 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{climateanddevelopmentknowledgenetwork2012global, author = {{Climate and Development Knowledge Network}}, title = {{Global Knowledge Review (Second Revision) TA to PDMA-Punjab in Incorporating Climate Compatibility Considerations into Reconstruction and Village Planning}}, institution = {Climate and Development Knowledge Network}, year = {2012}, month = jan, url = {http://cdkn.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/MMGLobaKNowledgeReview_REISSUE_Rev02-seh-2-2.pdf}, urldate = {2026-08-17}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }