Glossary

Risk layering

Using different financial instruments for different disaster frequencies.

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This report offers an in-depth assessment of pre-arranged financing tools using seven key criteria for ensuring pre-arranged financing reduces the human and financial costs of disasters

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other key terms

Trigger

A predefined threshold that activates payments or actions within risk financing mechanisms.

Risk retention

When governments retain and finance disaster costs themselves.

Sustainable development

Meeting today’s needs without limiting future generations’ ability to meet theirs.

Catastrophe bond

A catastrophe bond (cat bond) is a risk-transfer financial instrument that allows governments or insurers to transfer disaster risk to capital market investors.

Disaster risk financing

Financial arrangements made in advance to pay for disaster prevention, response and recovery.

Contingent liabilities

Possible financial obligations that only become real if specific future events occur.