The DHSUD classifies exposure units into six categories to assess climate change and disaster risks in land use planning, focusing on population, urban areas, natural resources, critical facilities, lifeline utilities, and other exposed elements.
The Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD), previously known as the Housing and Land Use Regulatory Board (HLURB), has established supplemental guidelines aimed at integrating climate change and disaster risk considerations into the Comprehensive Land Use Plan (CLUP). A key component of these guidelines is the classification of exposure units within the Climate and Disaster Risk Assessment (CDRA) framework. This classification is essential for understanding the various elements that are vulnerable to climate impacts and hazards.
The DHSUD identifies six primary categories of exposure units:
Each of these categories plays a crucial role in assessing the extent of exposure to climate-related risks.
Population exposure is a critical aspect of the classification. It provides insights into the spatial distribution and number of individuals who may be affected by climate hazards. This category also encompasses the demographic characteristics of local inhabitants, which can influence vulnerability and resilience to climate impacts.
Urban use area exposure pertains to the built environment that is currently utilized for various purposes. This includes commercial, industrial, and tourism-related activities, as well as facilities for sanitary waste management, cemeteries, and other land uses that are unique to specific localities. Understanding urban use areas is vital for planning and implementing effective disaster risk reduction strategies.
Natural resource-based production areas refer to regions that are utilized for agricultural activities, fisheries, and forestry. These areas are essential for food security and economic stability, making them particularly vulnerable to climate change impacts such as extreme weather events and shifting climatic conditions.
Critical point facilities are highlighted as a significant category due to their role in providing essential socio-economic support services. This includes infrastructure such as schools, hospitals, local government buildings, road ancillary facilities, bridges, air and seaports, communication towers, and utilities related to power and water. The resilience of these facilities is crucial for community recovery and continuity during and after disasters.
Lifeline utilities encompass the networks that are vital for the functioning of society, including transportation systems, water distribution, drainage, and power distribution networks. Disruptions to these utilities can have widespread effects on public health and safety, making their protection a priority in disaster risk management.
The final category, other exposed elements, includes any components that do not fall under the previous five classifications but are still susceptible to climate impacts. This broad category ensures that all potential vulnerabilities are considered in the planning process.
The classification of exposure units by the DHSUD is a comprehensive approach to understanding and mitigating the risks associated with climate change and disasters. By categorizing exposure into population, urban use areas, natural resource-based production areas, critical point facilities, lifeline utilities, and other exposed elements, the DHSUD provides a framework that can guide effective land use planning and disaster risk reduction strategies. This classification not only aids in identifying vulnerable areas but also supports the development of targeted interventions to enhance community resilience against climate-related hazards.
