The Loss and Damage (L&D) discourse, initiated almost three decades ago by Small Island States worried about sea level rise, has given voice to concerns for climate change-related impacts that may be irreversible and beyond physical and
social adaptation limits.

The discourse has become institutionalised in international climate policy through the Warsaw Mechanism on Loss and Damages adopted in 2013 and was given firm consideration in the Paris Agreement in 2015. While expectations by policy advisors and civil society for the L&D discourse are looming large, the science has been trailing behind. This is impeding a step-change from debate to concrete policy deliberation and on-the-ground implementation.

This book provides science-based insight and inroads into the L&D discourse. The volume, made up of 22 chapters by experts and two forewords by L&D policymakers and negotiators, articulates the multiple concepts, principles and methods as well as place-based insight relevant for L&D. It additionally identifies a number of propositions that may serve as a foundation for improved policy formulation. The volume is the first comprehensive outcome of the “Loss and Damage Network”, a partnership effort by scientists and practitioners bringing together members from more than twenty-five institutions around the globe.

This book series is devoted to the growing body of studies that provide analytical insight for policy-making and implementation for bridging climate change adaptation, disaster management and development sectors. It is reflective on all aspects of the climate risk management process, including assessment, mapping, identification, communication, implementation, governance and evaluation of climate risks and management responses.

Topics may span across global, national, regional, sectoral and local scales. The series invites multi-disciplinary and transdisciplinary approaches, combining insights from natural science, engineering and social sciences; emphasizing
existing gaps, particularly in the area of decision-making, governance and international relations.

The series furthermore offers both theoretical and practical contributions, with the aim to further academic study and thinking, as well as advancing policy making and implementation of climate risk management processes and tools.