Our ability to create corridors and other mosaics of conservation will determine to a large extent how much biodiversity survives into the next century. Protected areas can serve as buffers for the adverse effects of climate change, such as hurricanes, floods and droughts, and may be utilized in carbon sequestration activities. With the World Commission on Protected Areas , IUCN is working to develop new guidelines for protected area management and planning to minimize and adapt to the impacts of climate change. Climate change issues will be addressed at the 2002 World Congress on Protected Areas. Social policy .
Extreme events highlight the intimate relationship between people and climate.
Hurricanes, floods and droughts devastate human settlements, displace communities and lead to deaths, cripple national and local economies, and lead to the loss of biodiversity. The poorest people and those most resource dependent, including women and children, are typically the ones most vulnerable to these extreme events. Through the Social Policy Unit , IUCN is working to develop approaches to address the vulnerability of these communities with a view toward enhancing their ability to cope with variations and changes in climate. Environmental Law . We also aim to deliver more legal services at the regional and country level through technical assistance, training and information exchange.