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UNEP Adaptation Gap Report 2020

  • 15 Jan 2021

The UN Environment Programme (UNEP) has released the 2020 Adaptation Gap Report on 14th January 2021.

What is Adaptation?

  • Adaptation is adjustment in natural or human systems in response to actual or expected climatic stimuli or their effects, which moderates harm or exploits beneficial opportunities.
  • Adaptation is a key pillar of the Paris Agreement on Climate Change. It aims to reduce countries’ and communities’ vulnerability to climate change by increasing their ability to absorb impacts.

Overall Findings of the Report

  • Though countries have made progress in planning for climate change adaptation, there are significant financing shortfalls in getting them to the stage where they provide real protection against droughts, floods and rising sea levels.

Impact of the Adaptation Gap

  • Its impacts will intensify and hit vulnerable countries and communities the hardest, even if we meet the Paris Agreement goals of holding global warming this century to well below 2 degrees Celsius and pursuing 1.5 degree Celsius.

What can be done to close the Adaptation Gap?

  • According to the report, as temperatures rise and climate change impacts intensify, nations must urgently step up action to adapt to the new climate reality or face serious costs, damages and losses. Nations must take up the following steps:
    • Increase Adaptation Finance: Annual adaptation costs in developing countries are estimated at $70 billion, but the figure could reach up to $300 billion in 2030, and $500 billion in 2050. Almost three-quarters of nations have some adaptation plans in place, but financing and implementation fall “far short” of what is needed. Stepping up public and private finance for adaptation is urgently needed.
    • Strengthen Nature-based Solutions: Low-cost options reduce climate risks, restore and protect biodiversity, and bring benefits for communities and economies.
    • Pursue a green pandemic recovery and prepare to adapt.

Stepping up public and private finance for adaptation is, therefore, urgently needed.