As climate change hits harder, the need for intensified efforts to adapt becomes more urgent than ever. In 2020, amidst the tumult brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, climate change challenges ranged from soaring temperatures, droughts and wildfires to storms, floods and even locust plagues. Resolute action is needed now to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to meet the Paris Agreement goals of holding global warming well below 2°C, and pursuing the bolder target of 1.5°C. Reducing the vulnerability of countries and communities to climate change by increasing their ability to absorb impacts and remain resilient – otherwise termed adaptation – is a pillar of the Paris Agreement. This series looks at the findings and recommendations of the Adaptation Gap Report 2020 in more detail.
As climate change hits harder, world must increase efforts to adapt
2020 was not only the year of the COVID-19 pandemic. It was also the year of intensifying climate change: high temperatures, floods, droughts, storms, wildfires and even locust plagues.
Finance for adaptation
Annual adaptation costs in developing countries alone are estimated at USD 70 billion. This figure is expected to reach USD 140-300 billion in 2030 and USD 280-500 billion in 2050.
Implementation in nature-based solutions
Implementation of nature-based solutions has been growing and there is an urgent need to gather more evidence on the outcomes of adaption projects worldwide.
Planning for adaptation
The report found that 72 per cent of countries have adopted at least one national-level adaptation planning instrument, while a further 9 per cent are developing one.
State of the Planet Podcast
State of the Planet is a podcast produced and developed by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).
