Good Governance is the Strongest Defence against Climate Disasters

Introduction: Governance Determines Disaster Outcomes

Climate change has increased the frequency and intensity of floods, cyclones, droughts, heatwaves, landslides, and wildfires across the world. While these hazards are often natural, the extent of damage they cause largely depends upon the quality of governance. Countries with robust institutions, effective planning, resilient infrastructure, and efficient disaster management systems recover quickly and minimise losses, whereas weak governance transforms natural hazards into humanitarian catastrophes. Therefore, the greatest defence against climate disasters is not merely advanced technology but good governance that anticipates risks, builds re