Climate Adaptation Platform

Developing member countries (DMCs) in Asia and the Pacific face significant risks from natural hazards, making them more vulnerable than other regions. The impact of disasters extends beyond fatalities, affecting communities and livelihoods and causing substantial economic losses. From 1970 to 2023, approximately 6.9 billion individuals were impacted by disasters in this region, a staggering figure nearly five times higher than that in the rest of the world. The total direct financial losses reached $2.50 trillion, representing 40% of global disaster-related losses, disproportionate to the region’s contribution to global GDP. Floods and earthquakes are the most destructive hazards, closely followed by storms. #ADBReport #climateadaptation #climatefinance #climateresilience https://lnkd.in/gBkTZhBm

Globally, agriculture, forestry, and land use account for around a quarter of GHG emissions. These emissions come from the cultivation of crops and livestock and deforestation. Therefore, keeping global warming below 1.5°C would include slashing emissions from agriculture and those linked to food production. However, so far, world governments’ emission reduction efforts have focused more on fossil fuels than on the agriculture sector. #climateadaptation #greenliving #netzero #Denmark #NewZealand https://lnkd.in/gh6dumpT

As world leaders and policymakers gather for the 29th Conference of the Parties on Climate Change (COP29), which will take place from 11 to 22 November in Baku, Azerbaijan, the spotlight will be on countries’ progress against their climate commitments and pledges. 2024 will be the hottest year since records began, breaking 2023’s heat record, and it will be the first year to breach the 1.5°C warming limit. Alongside record-breaking temperatures, 2024 has seen unprecedented weather events worldwide, while the countries’ Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) are massively off track to limit warming by 1.5°C. Instead, implementing them will lead to a catastrophic temperature rise of up to 3.1°C by the end of the century. #climatechange #climateadaptation #netzero https://lnkd.in/gdaVchK3

The United Nations (UN) is hearing its landmark case from 2 to 13 December 2024 in the Hague, Netherlands. The historic hearing will determine whether high-emitting countries are legally responsible for addressing climate change and their obligations to those reeling from its impacts. The International Court of Justice (ICJ), commonly called the World Court, will hear statements from 98 countries. This marks the most significant participation the ICJ has ever seen. The ICJ will deliver an advisory opinion on states’ responsibilities regarding climate change. #climatechange #climatefinance #climateresilience #climaterisk https://lnkd.in/grcnRCp5

From saving lives to securing livelihoods, nations worldwide are rising to the challenge with innovative climate adaptation strategies. India’s extreme heat alerts have saved over 2,000 lives, while Albania’s energy diversification efforts have successfully brought electricity to 66,000 homes. Enhancements to hydrometeorological services in Bangladesh have led to better climate and weather information, significantly reducing crop losses caused by adverse weather. #climateadaptation #climatechangereport #climateresilience https://lnkd.in/gtQqKMXB

Climate change’s consequences can sometimes seem overwhelming, with much news focusing on the alarming impacts. The science and data paint a picture of a planet under stress—rising temperatures, more extreme weather events, loss of biodiversity, and increased risk to human health and food security. These trends are often described as “doom and gloom” because they significantly affect ecosystems, economies, and societies. It is also vital that this information on climate change’s impacts is taken seriously and lead to action by reducing our emissions and implementing strategies to become more resilient to its impacts through climate adaptation initiatives. #climatechange #climatechangereport #climateresearch #climateadaptation https://lnkd.in/gw7R5UFi

The northern hemisphere’s summer 2024 temperatures have broken last year’s record. This summer’s average temperature of 62.2°F, or 16.8°C, is a tad higher than last year’s average by a narrow 0.05°F 0.03°C. The year 2023 recorded the highest temperature since 1850, surpassing the pre-industrial average by 1.35°C. Both years constitute the highest two summer averages in annals since pre-industrial times. However, a study of ancient tree rings suggests that the 2023 temperatures and, by extension, 2024 temperatures were the hottest in the past two millennia. In Japan, 70,000 people were treated for heat stroke in July and August alone. An unrelenting heat wave in Iran forced government agencies, banks, and schools to cut operating hours. The heat sent 200 Iranians to hospitals for heatstroke treatment. In the U.S., cities such as Phoenix, Arizona, and Las Vegas endured temperatures above 100°F or 38°C for weeks. #climateadaptation #infrastructure #nature_basedsolution #climatechange https://lnkd.in/g-9-m5Wk

Our current economic model uses a linear approach involving four processes: production, harvesting or extracting natural material; distribution; consumption; and disposal. While this model contributed to unprecedented growth and development, it has also led to the massive generation of waste, pollution, and environmental degradation that could affect natural sources and lead to resource scarcity. Growing demands from population growth, food production, and the effects of climate change are straining freshwater sources and increasing water scarcity. To protect our water resources and ensure sustainability for many generations, we need a new model—a circular economy in which waste is treated as a resource. #climatechange #greentechnology #zerowaste #climateadaptation https://lnkd.in/gDNQqm_n

Plant disease outbreaks are a critical concern for food security worldwide. A recent study from 2023, titled “Climate change impacts on plant pathogens, food security and paths forward,” highlights that rising temperatures due to climate change are likely to heighten these risks. This warming alters how pathogens evolve and interact with their plant hosts and paves the way for new pathogenic strains to emerge. As the geographical range of these pathogens shifts, we may see plant diseases spreading to new areas. Researchers are actively investigating how these changing climate conditions will affect plant disease pressures and, consequently, plant productivity. Another study, “Effects of Climate Change on Plant Pathogens and Host-Pathogen Interactions,” says that climate change can alter the dynamics of plant pathogens through changes in temperature, humidity, and precipitation patterns. This can enhance the virulence and spread of various plant diseases, posing a substantial threat to crop production, a pillar of global food security. #AdaptationStrategy #climatechange #naturebasedsolution #climateadaptation https://lnkd.in/gaUaDvbZ

A report from the Climate Change Commission assessing the progress of the New Zealand government’s first national adaptation shows that the country’s climate adaptation is not happening on the scale or at the pace needed. As mandated by the Climate Change Response Act, this report assesses the first national adaptation plan introduced in 2022, focusing on its implementation progress and effectiveness. The main takeaway is clear: adaptation efforts must catch up, both in scale and speed, with what is necessary to tackle the climate crisis effectively. #adaptationstrategy #climateadaptationNZ #NZ #climateresilience https://lnkd.in/g3PREQFh