GAN Newsletter

Global Adaptation Network

NEWSLETTER

AUGUST - SEPTEMBER 2024

Global Network News

AUG-SEP

RESILIENCE: The Global Adaptation Podcast – In October, a new series of UNEP’s climate adaptation podcast will bring you inspiring stories from people all over the world who are adapting to climate change in practical, creative and innovative ways. In RESILIENCE, we discuss how award-winning African architects are shaping the future of climate-resilient buildings, what inspires the CEOs of the major multi-billion-dollar environment funds, and how storytelling can stir us into ‘climate-proofing’ our world.

The role of think tanks in climate adaptation – A key obstacle to climate adaptation in Least Developed Countries is the lack of in-country capacity to develop fundable proposals and manage climate finance, resulting in a reliance on costly international experts. By establishing university-based think tanks, the UNI-LEAD project builds local expertise, engages young students, and fosters sustained technical services. Learn more.

$8 trillion opportunity in sustainable cooling solutions for developing economies – The cooling market in developing economies is expected to grow from around USD 300 billion to at least USD 600 billion, per year by 2050, according to a report released today by the UNEP-led Cool Coalition and International Finance Corporation. The fastest growth in cooling is expected in Africa, which will see the market multiply by a factor of seven.

Online Training Course: National Adaptation Plans and Nature-based Solutions - Did you know that protecting the world’s forests and mangroves could prevent a loss of around USD 500 billion every year from the impacts of climate change? In November, UNEP and UNEP-WCMC will launch an online course on how we can adapt to the impacts of climate change by emphasizing nature-based solutions in National Adaptation Plans. Stay tuned for more updates!

Half the world’s countries have degraded freshwater systems, UN finds – A UN-Water and UNEP report reveals widespread degradation of freshwater ecosystems in half of the world’s countries, including rivers, lakes, and aquifers. Freshwater quality has been declining, with poor monitoring in many regions, especially in Africa and Asia. The report calls for urgent action, improved monitoring, and increased investment in water infrastructure and management.

How three islands are working with the private sector on climate resilience – A new UNDP story highlights how the SCALA programme’s Private Sector Engagement Facility supports the Solomon Islands, Belize, and São Tomé and Príncipe. These Small Island Developing States are using the facility to encourage private sector involvement in agriculture and land use, unlocking investment opportunities and enhancing climate resilience to advance their climate goals.

How stories can teach young people about life in a changing climate – An article in The Conversation shows how storytelling can teach young people about climate adaptation in an engaging way. Through personal stories and creative arts, the Suitcase Stories project connected UK students with peers in Nigeria and the US, fostering global perspectives on climate challenges. Students shared local experiences and reduced climate anxiety by focusing on adaptation solutions through mutual learning and storytelling.

Coastal mapping holds the key to climate adaptation for the world's island nations - One of the most important questions for Small Island Developing States worldwide – how high are our islands and how soon will waves and rising sea levels overwhelm them – remains poorly answered. Accurate sea-level data, combined with an understanding of the depth and shape of coastal terrain, is crucial for effective coastal protection and adaptation, especially for low-lying Pacific Island countries.

Why Denmark is ramping up its support for UNEP and building resilience – A key aim of Denmark’s development cooperation strategy is to protect nature and help countries build their resilience to climate change. To achieve that goal, Denmark has partnered closely with UNEP and is one of the organization’s strongest financial supporters. Danish Environment Minister Magnus Heunicke explains the reasons why this collaboration is so important.

Youth Climate Innovation Programme launches call for applications – Are you ready to transform your ideas into real-world solutions? If you're between 18-35 and passionate about driving change, now’s the time to act! Don’t miss this opportunity to access mentorship, funding, and the chance to showcase your climate innovation on global stages. The Climate Technology Centre and Network are calling for applications by 20 October.

Factsheets: Sectoral Solutions To Climate Change – To keep the 1.5°C temperature target alive, the world needs to cut emissions by 42 percent by 2030. This must be done in tandem with climate adaptation. National Adaptation Plans, in particular, are crucial for ensuring climate resilience is built into each of the sectors. By 2025, every country must commit to new Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), and these NDCs must cover all emissions and sectors.

News from the Regions

AFRICA

Africa’s Environment Ministers call for legally binding protocol on drought management – Meeting at the 10th Special Session of AMCEN in Abidjan, environment ministers expressed concern over land degradation, drought, and desertification, which threaten socio-economic stability and food security. Ministers urged Africa to strengthen its climate action ahead of international COP meetings, linking land restoration to climate pledges and biodiversity strategies.

Banana farmers in Uganda get photo-based insurance solutions against their crop disasters - A climate adaptation project in Bushenyi, Uganda, offers photo-based insurance to banana farmers in Shuuku and Bumbaire cooperatives. Funded by the Adaptation Fund Climate Innovation Accelerator and implemented by UNEP, it addresses rainfall and drought impacts. The initiative aims to enroll 930 farmers, including 50% women, and eventually expand to 50,000 farmers nationwide.

In the DRC, sustainable agroforestry bolsters finance, climate adaptation – As countries prepare to update their national climate action plans in 2025, experts are urging them to include targets to end deforestation and restore forests. Ahead of the International Day of Clean Air for blue skies, celebrated annually on 7 September, learn more about how the Democratic Republic of the Congo’s sustainable agroforestry framework is helping to adapt to climate change.

NDC Action in Uganda: Climate goals translated into action – In late August, the NDC Action project's validation workshop in Uganda brought together high-level stakeholders to discuss the implementation of Uganda’s NDCs. Key presentations highlighted the results of the NDC Action project, including innovative climate technologies such as solar irrigation, picture-based insurance, and a blended finance tool to support low-carbon development goals.

WMO: Africa faces disproportionate burden from climate change and adaptation costs – Africa bears an increasingly heavy burden from climate change and disproportionately high costs for essential climate adaptation, according to a new report from the World Meteorological Organization. On average, African countries are losing 2–5 percent of Gross Domestic Product and many are diverting up to 9 percent of their budgets responding to climate extremes.

News from the Regions

ASIA PACIFIC

UNEP and Maldives partner to address climate change and other environmental threats – To counter that threat, UNEP is helping Maldives develop a national plan to adapt to climate change, one of several UNEP projects in the country. The nation is also among the first to benefit from a UN push to roll out early warning systems for climate-change-related disasters, such as superstorms and floods. Learn more about UNEP's work in National Adaptation Plans.

How early warning systems are saving lives in Central Asia - In Central Asia, heavy rains and melting glaciers are causing landslides, damaging infrastructure, and threatening lives. Rising temperatures and droughts are also impacting food security and health. Early warning systems are essential for alerting communities to natural hazards, giving them time to prepare. UNDP and Japan are modernizing meteorological infrastructure and investing in community education to advance these systems.

Clean energy boosts climate resilience for farmers in Sri Lanka - More than half of Sri Lanka’s population relies on farming for their income and livelihoods, which makes agriculture a cornerstone of the country’s economy. Over the years, however, repeated droughts, floods and erratic weather patterns have led to crop failures and extensive damage to infrastructure, resulting in financial losses for farmers. One way to address these complex challenges is to expand the use of green agri-technologies, powered with solar energy.

News from the Regions

LATIN AMERICA & THE CARIBBEAN

Antigua at the forefront of the climate litigation push – Antigua and Barbuda has backed a UN General Assembly resolution requesting the International Court of Justice to weigh in on the obligations of states in respect of climate change. Later this year, advisory opinions are set to be delivered by the Inter-American Court of Human Rights and the International Court of Justice. A UNEP video explains why the country is using the international court and tribunal system to gain redress.

How indigenous knowledge is revitalizing Colombia’s La Mojana wetlands - The La Mojana wetlands in Colombia are experiencing more prolonged dry periods and more intense episodes of flooding due to stronger and more unpredictable La Niña and El Niño weather patterns. Efforts are now being made to restore and adapt traditional water management techniques, integrating them with contemporary approaches to build climate resilience.

Women in Costa Rica are Leading Livestock Sustainability - In this interview-style article, FAO explores insights from SCALA Costa Rica's gender focal points. The article highlights the SCALA programme’s work in advancing gender equality and climate resilience, focusing on how SCALA supports rural women in Costa Rica by addressing barriers, enhancing their roles in livestock management, and shaping inclusive policies.