This publication is a completely revised, second edition of the popular book of the same title. Aside from being fully updated, this new edition includes the dimension of adaptation to climate change and new risks resulting from climate change. The text provides and combines practical examples from Africa, Asia, the Americas and Europe with theoretical and conceptual frameworks. It is key reading for all those interested in improving risk reduction and adaptation strategies to extreme events and gradual changes in the context of climate change and natural hazards. Measuring vulnerability and evaluating adaptation are essential prerequisites to strengthening the capacities of communities in building resilience through knowledge-based approaches.