The COP28 event, a pivotal gathering in the global climate change dialogue, has brought some much-needed optimism. The operationalization of the loss and damage fund, a significant milestone at COP28, signifies a turning point in our climate response. Yet, amidst these advancements, concerns loom. The COP28 president’s recent remarks about the absence of scientific backing for fossil fuel phase-out and reports of covert meetings and Adnoc deals serve as reminders of the intricate challenges ahead.
Climate Adaptation
Today, I want to draw your attention to a critical yet often overshadowed aspect of climate action: Climate Adaptation. While the conversation around climate change often focuses on decarbonization, adaptation is equally vital. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) defines adaptation as the process of adjusting to actual or expected climate changes to mitigate harm or seize beneficial opportunities. Similarly, the United Nations views adaptation as adjustments in various systems in response to climatic stimuli and their effects. In simpler terms, adaptation encompasses the solutions, strategies, and policies that need immediate implementation to respond to ongoing and future climate change impacts. A few months ago I looked at London’s preparedness in the event of a flood. Preparing for scenarios that are likely because of climate change is Climate adaptation.
Adaptation actions vary significantly, tailored to the unique contexts of communities, businesses, organizations, countries, or regions. These range from building flood defenses and early warning systems to redesigning communication systems and government policies. Dr. Parag Khanna founder and managing partner, Futuremap, emphasizes the importance of infrastructure investments and proactive measures in various sectors to combat climate challenges. In his response to a recent CNN interview, Dr. Khanna who wasn’t very keen on the term global stocktake GST, focuses on actionable solutions to current climate challenges, advocating for either moving people to resource-rich geographies or bringing technologies to where they are needed.
Climate Apartheid
The urgency of adaptation cannot be overstated, particularly for communities most vulnerable to climate change effects yet lacking resources for implementation. These communities, often contributing the least to greenhouse gas emissions, face the direst consequences like droughts and sea-level rise. Ndileka Mandela, Nelson Mandela’s granddaughter, at COP28 poignantly highlighted the disparity between the global north and the global south in what she termed “Climate Apartheid”. Speaking with BBC’s Laura Kuenssberg, she condemned “Climate Apartheid” where the global north wields economic and legal power over poorer nations who are bearing the brunt of climate change impacts. Mandela pointed out that Africa and the global south contribute the least to carbon emissions yet suffer the most from climate change’s devastating effects.
The Paris Agreement acknowledges this disparity, committing to strengthening the global response to climate change by enhancing adaptation and resilience capabilities. Despite the pressing need, adaptation efforts have not received the attention or funding they deserve. Currently, only 21% of climate finance provided by wealthier countries to assist developing nations is directed towards adaptation and resilience, amounting to roughly $16.8 billion a year. This is starkly inadequate when considering the estimated adaptation costs in developing countries, which could reach $300 billion annually by 2030.
Adaptation Investment a Moral Imperative
Investing in adaptation is not only a moral imperative but also makes financial sense. According to the UN, a global investment of $1.8 trillion in various adaptation measures could yield $7.1 trillion in benefits through avoided costs and social and environmental gains. Universal access to early warning systems alone can offer returns up to ten times the initial investment. Moreover, adaptive measures in agriculture could prevent a significant drop in global yields by 2050. While I fully support decarbonization and the reduction of emissions, my focus here is to emphasize the equally crucial need for investment in adaptation strategies. This is not to downplay the importance of decarbonization but to highlight that adaptation is an indispensable part of our comprehensive response to climate change.
The Glasgow Climate Pact, adopted at COP26, underscores this by calling for a doubling of finance to support developing countries in adapting to climate change impacts. This move signifies global solidarity and the recognition that the climate crisis requires collective action.
Funds need immediate deployment
For those in Africa and other developing regions, the stakes are high. The impacts of climate change are not a distant threat but a present reality. Their roads, bridges, cities, and agricultural practices must evolve to withstand the challenges posed by a changing climate. In some cases, entire communities may need relocation, a reality already faced by some island nations.
In light of these challenges, the call for effective and immediate deployment of the loss and damage fund becomes crucial. This fund represents more than financial aid; it symbolizes a commitment to equitable and just climate action. As we move forward, wealthier nations must fulfill their commitments under the Paris Agreement, ensuring that at least half of the promised $100 billion a year goes towards adaptation.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while the drama at COP28 and of course, some serious negotiations continue, the path to a resilient future lies in early and substantial investment in adaptation strategies. By acting now, we can safeguard not only our current generation but also those to come. As a climate change advocate, my commitment is to continue raising awareness and pushing for effective adaptation measures, both in my African ancestral home and in the UK where I raise my kids. The journey is long, but with collective effort and global solidarity, we can build a future that is resilient, equitable, and sustainable.