Abstract

MONTIJO GALINDO, Abril  and  RUIZ-LUNA, Arturo. The role of institutional capacity as an adaptation measure in the face of extreme precipitation events in northwestern Mexico. Región y sociedad [online]. 2018, vol.30, n.73, 0003. ISSN 2448-4849.  https://doi.org/10.22198/rys.2018.73.a985.

Climate change increases the probability of occurrence of extreme precipitation events, and for this reason the role of response institutional capacity plays in coping with the negative effects of these events in northwestern Mexico was analyzed. Case studies were reviewed in order to identify the factors that influence the most the construction of institutional capacity, and to discuss the common elements used for evaluating it, as well as the importance of conducting local studies. It is concluded that institutional capacities are included in the same regulatory scheme, despite of regional differences in terms of development and exposure, reflected by the public policies implemented at national or state level, little considered by other orders of government, and where the lack of land-use planning which facilitate their strengthening is obvious.

Keywords : climate change; extreme precipitation; public policies; institutional capacity; adaptation; climate variability.