Abstract
In this paper we present a conceptual framework for a climate risk assessment based on the so-called impact chains. The method follows a general assessment framework consistent with the IPCC AR5 concept on climate risk. This framework has been developed by Eurac Research within the context of various projects with the German Environment Agency and the German Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (German Corporation for International Cooperation)—GIZ. It has been applied in almost twenty national climate risk assessments worldwide (e.g., Burundi, Bangladesh, Thailand, Vietnam, Madagascar) and has been perceived as (1) an appropriate means for risk analysis, (2) a useful tool for communication of complex cause-effect relationships in climate change impacts and risks, and (3) a great approach to identify entry points for adaptation measures. For an operational risk assessment, impact chains serve as a basis for the selection of appropriate models, indicators or guide more qualitative, expert-based assessments.