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Global Network News
Ecosystem-based Adaptation Briefing Note Series - UNEP have expanded the Ecosystem-based Adaptation Briefing Note Series with four new publications that explore how the nature-based approach can protect coasts, forests, cities, and agricultural systems. The new briefing notes, which build on 7 previous briefing notes developed by UNEP and the World Conservation Monitoring Centre, contain case studies, lessons learned, infographics and the latest science.
Statement by UNEP’s Executive Director on Wildfires Across the World – “While wildfires are a normal and even essential process in nature, there is nothing normal or natural about the blazes we are seeing raging across Europe, North America and other parts of the world,” said UNEP’s Executive Director in a statement on the growing devastation of wildfires and what we can do in response to build resilience. A recent story by UNEP also looks at how wildfires in peatland habitats can be tackled.
5th Global Adaptation Network Steering Committee Meeting – On the 15th September, the Global Adaptation Network held its 5th Steering Committee Meeting to bring together partners, donors and stakeholders to provide an opportunity to discuss ongoing and planned GAN initiatives, its vision, and opportunities for further collaboration. During the meeting, UNEP, regional networks, and partners provided an update on key achievements and lessons of the network from its adaptation initiatives.
State of the World’s Mangroves 2022 - Healthy mangrove ecosystems play a key role in carbon storage and building resilience to climate impacts. In September, the Global Mangrove Alliance launched the State of the World’s Mangroves Report 2022. Compiled with the inputs of over 100 mangrove science, finance, and policy experts across 30+ organisations, this report highlights benefits, stories, and global trends based on the latest science and data.
US and Japan Release Joint Statement On Continued Environmental Cooperation – The US Environmental Protection Agency and the Ministry of the Environment of Japan met to discuss accomplishments, including historic climate investments from President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act. A joint statement was subsequently released, which includes an intention to “work closely with the UN Global Adaptation Network (GAN)” and GAN’s partner the EPIC Network.
8th EbA Knowledge Day – The documentation and recordings from the 8th EbA Knowledge Day is now available. The event, hosted by GIZ & IUCN under the Friends of EbA (FEBA) network, drew almost 300 registered participants from more than 135 countries. Participants discussed outlooks and priorities for EbA, identified opportunities for capitalizing on EbA action to date, and explored innovative avenues for maximizing adaptation benefits in the future.
UrbanShift: Transforming Cities for People & Planet - Funded by the Global Environment Facility and led by UNEP, UrbanShift is working to transform cities to adapt integrated approaches to urban development, helping shape cities that are efficient, resilient and inclusive. UrbanShift published their latest quarterly newsletter in August, which includes a special message from the director of ICLEI’s Bonn Center for Local Climate Action and Reporting.
It’s Time to Invest in Climate Adaptation - An article in Harvard Business Review argues that adaptation should be an equally urgent priority as mitigation. Adaptation initiatives “deserve far greater business investment, especially because they represent near-term opportunities at lower capital expenditures that offer faster paybacks.” The article refers to a Bloomberg report that estimates that, within the next 5 years, the adaptation market could be worth $2 trillion a year.
Adaptation Fund Climate Innovation Accelerator (AFCIA) – UNDP have announced they are now receiving proposals for the 2nd round of an AFCIA funding opportunity until 31 October, of which the main objective is to enhance local climate action and accelerate the delivery of targets outlined in the Paris Agreement and Sustainable Development Goals through innovative locally-led adaptation practices, tools, and technologies. The other AFCIA funding window is being administrated by UNEP and CTCN.
These 7 Cities Are Tackling Heatwaves With Innovative Solutions – Cities will be home to 68% of the global population by 2050, which makes them vital for building climate resilience. An article by the World Economic Forum looks at some innovative approaches to tackling extreme heat in cities, from Seville’s ‘policy of shade’ to Paris’ attempt to create 800 ‘cool island’ spaces. The article also looks at green rooftops in Rotterdam and a white paint experiment in Los Angeles, US.
Online Courses For Nature-based Adaptation to Climate Change – An edX course, titled Ecosystem-based Adaptation: Working With Nature To Adapt To A Changing Climate, has been launched by GIZ, the IUCN, and the IISD. This comes as the Global Resource Centre also announce their new course on Nature-based Infrastructure for Climate Adaptation and Sustainable Development. Protecting forests and mangroves could prevent economic losses from climate change by up to US$534 billion annually by 2050.
News From The Regions
Africa
How an Ecosystem-based Approach Can Help Africans Adapt to Climate Change – Come and join us on the 27 October for the Forum of the UN Ecosystem-based Adaptation For Food Security Assembly (EBAFOSA). EBAFOSA is a regional adaptation network that engages with stakeholders to inform the implementation of ecosystem-based adaptation for food security and livelihoods. Check out the brand-new video about EBAFOSA here to learn more about their work.
Can This Portable Dam Help Africa Counter Rising Waters? – Slamdam is an award-winning adaptation technology, composed of a water-filled portable flood barrier that can protect communities from flooding while also acting a warehouse for water during times of drought. Innovation is vital for climate adaptation, and through the Adaptation Fund Climate Innovation Accelerator, UNEP, CTCN, and UNDP are administrating grants to innovative adaptation technologies, such as Slamdam.
Debt-For-Climate Swaps in Africa – At the Africa Climate Week 2022, a fascinating side event explored the topic of debt-for-climate swaps, and how they can provide a solution to manage mounting public debt and climate change challenges, especially underfunded adaptation action. The side event was co-organized by UNEP, IIED, the Commonwealth Secretariat, and the government of eSwatini, bringing together government representatives and experts to exchange in-country experiences.
News from the Regions
Asia Pacific
Climate Change & Biodiversity Interlinkages in Asia-Pacific: From Science To Policy & Practice – In September, the Asia Pacific Adaptation Network (APAN) hosted a webinar to explore the scientific, policy and practice interlinkages between biodiversity and climate change. The webinar was attended by 256 participants, and you can watch the recording here. APAN's purpose is to equip key actors in the region with adequate knowledge for designing and implementing adaptation measures.
Pakistan Megaflood: Should Developed Nations Pay for ‘Loss and Damage’ from Climate Change? – The UN Secretary General has described the topic of ‘loss and damage’ from climate change as a “fundamental question of climate justice, international solidarity and trust”. Loss and damage payments in the context of Pakistan's recent megaflood was covered by a whole range of major media outlets – The Guardian, Washington Post, New York Times, and a highly informative interactive piece from Carbon Brief.
Newsletter: Asia Pacific Adaptation Network - Get updated about the latest climate change adaptation news, events, and initiatives in Asia and the Pacific region through the APAN Newsletter. This July-September edition covers a range of critical adaptation issues, such as the recent megaflood in Pakistan and efforts to secure water supplies in Bangladesh. Subscribe here to receive your quarterly copy. You can learn more about APAN's work on their website here.
National Adaptation Planning and Diversifying Livelihoods in Nepal – The government of Nepal has uploaded the draft version of their full National Adaptation Plan document on their website for public comment. You can find it here. This comes as UNEP publishes a new story about climate change in Nepal, and how a project is providing training to residents to diversify their incomes to cope with weather extremes. The same project has also developed an online course on the nexus between climate change, peace and security.
News from the Regions
Latin America & the Caribbean
Nature-based Solutions for Latin American and Caribbean Cities – UNEP has produced methodological guidelines for applying nature-based solutions to create resilient cities in the region, which are now available in English. The resource builds on the experiences of the CityAdapt project, which is being implemented by UNEP in 3 Latin American and Caribbean cities: Xalapa (Mexico), San Salvador (El Salvador), and Kingston (Jamaica). Learn more about the CityAdapt project on its website.
Video: The Gardens of Life – The city of Xalapa, Mexico, is building a new system of gardens to help reduce flooding on an important primary road in the city by facilitating the processes of infiltration, absorption and evaporation of rainwater. These gardens have also brought multiple co-benefits to citizens related to air quality, biodiversity and a space where people can relax and enjoy themselves. Watch the video to learn more about these nature-based solutions to climate adaptation.
Understanding Loss and Damage in Latin America and the Caribbean – UNEP’s Global Adaptation Network hosted a webinar on the 14th of September on the science, policy dimensions and existing mechanisms to avert, minimize and address Loss and Damages in the region. The event drew together more than 200 participants to discuss what is expected to be a major topic in negotiations at the upcoming COP27. Find the recording here (Spanish).
For more information, please contact Marcus.Nield@un.org
