Whether or not countries should be prepared to cope with a changing and more unpredictable climate is not in question: extreme weather events such as devastating wildfires, catastrophic droughts and apocalyptic floods are making life increasingly difficult in all parts of the world (or even, as the inhabitants of sinking Pacific island states are discovering, impossible).
There are many examples of effective measures that countries can take to adapt to this new normal, from high dykes to cyclone warning systems, houseboats and planting drought-tolerant crops.
However, everything costs money. Packet. Estimates by the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) put the figure between $160 billion and $340 billion, but only a small fraction of that amount actually reaches developing countries.
Climate-related disasters such as flooding, as shown in Madagascar, can lead to a variety of health problems.
Destroyed livelihoods
On Tuesday, UN Climate Change published a new report detailing the progress countries are making on their national climate adaptation plans (NAPs). It confirms that the persistent funding shortfall risks derailing the plans many are trying to implement.
During the launch in the Brazilian capital, Brasilia, Simon Stiell recalled that the climate crisis is destroying lives and livelihoods in all regions of the world, especially in the most vulnerable countries, and that “adaptation is not optional; It is absolutely essential.”
The UN climate chief said adaptation would not only protect lives but also help empower communities and countries to prosper.
The National Adaptation Plans, he stated, are “key to unleashing the epic transformative power of investing in climate resilience.”
Children in Timor-Leste Residents of the village of Orlalan, in Timor-Leste, participate in a climate disaster drill.
Plans in motion
Aside from the funding challenge, progress is being made: 67 developing countries have submitted plans – including 23 from least developed countries and 14 small island developing States – with a focus on engaging more women, youth, indigenous peoples, local communities and the private sector.
These efforts spell out what the priorities and needs are and should, Stiell suggested, make it easier for investors and financial institutions to finance climate adaptation.
The report comes 19 days before the opening of the UN climate conference COP30 in the Amazonian city of Belém, where adaptation and the financing gap will be a central issue for negotiators, with the goal of mobilizing $1.3 trillion in climate finance.
Looking ahead to the UN summit, Stiell said it was a “key test of global solidarity” that must “connecting climate action to real life everywhereto spread the vast benefits.”