This document provides an overview of a training module on climate change adaptation. The module contains 5 sections that cover: conducting vulnerability assessments; identifying and selecting adaptation options; linking adaptation and development planning; and international support initiatives for adaptation. Key topics discussed include definitions of adaptation, vulnerability and resilience; sectors impacted by climate change; methods for assessing vulnerability; a range of adaptation options; and criteria for selecting options. Case studies are presented on vulnerability assessments in Kenya, the Netherlands and Jamaica.
1. Module 3
Introduction to Climate Change
Adaptation
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2. Learning Objectives
1. Explain the importance of
adaptation in preparing for and
coping with climate change
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2. Outline key elements of a
vulnerability assessment
By the end of the
4. Analyse linkages between
climate change adaptation and
development planning
3. Identify adaptation options
module
participants will be
able to:
Module 3: Introduction to Climate Change Adaptation
2
3. Overview
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Over
view
Section 1
Introduction to
Climate
Change
Adaptation
Section 2
Conducting a
Vulnerability
Assessment
Section 3
Identifying and
Selecting
Adaptation
Options
Section 4
Linking
Adaptation and
Development
Planning
Section 5
International
Initiatives to
Support
Climate
Change
Adaptation
Module 3: Introduction to Climate Change Adaptation
3
4. One UN Training Service Platform
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Introduction to Climate
Change Adaptation
Section 1
Module 3: Introduction to Climate Change Adaptation
4
5. What is Climate Change
Adaptation?
“Adaptation to climate change refers to
adjustments in human and natural
systems in response to actual or
expected climatic variation, with a view
to moderating harm or exploiting
beneficial opportunities.”
(Source: Based on IPCC 2001)
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Source: UNDP & UNEP-PEI 2001
Section 1: Introduction to Climate Change Adaptation
5
6. Types of Adaptation
Type Action
Anticipatory adaptation Taking action in preparation of
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climate change
Reactive adaptation Taking action when climate
change effects are
experienced Source: IPCC
Section 1: Introduction to Climate Change Adaptation
6
7. Definitions of Related Concepts
Vulnerability to Climate Change
“The degree to which a system is susceptible to,
and unable to cope with, adverse effects of
climate change, including climate variability and
extremes. Vulnerability is a function of the
character, magnitude, and rate of climate
variation to which a system is exposed, its
sensitivity, and its adaptive capacity.”
(IPCC 2007)
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Adaptive Capacity
“The whole of capabilities, resources and
institutions of a country or region to implement
effective adaptation measures.”
(IPCC 2007)
Climate Risk
“The combination of the likelihood (probability of
occurrence) and the consequences of an
adverse event (e.g. tropical cyclone, drought,
flood).”
(UNDP 2011)
Resilience
“The ability of a social or ecological system to
absorb disturbances while retaining the same
basic structure and ways of functioning, the
capacity for self-organisation, and the capacity
to adapt to
stress and change.”
(IPCC 2007)
Section 1: Introduction to Climate Change Adaptation
7
8. Key Sectors Affected by Climate
Change
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Disaster
Risk
Reduction Educatio
Key Sectors
n
Energy
Fisheries
Food And
Agricultur
e
Forestry
Health
Infra-structure
Nature &
Ecosystem
Conser-vation
Waste
Transport
Tourism
Spatial
Planning
Water
Section 1: Introduction to Climate Change Adaptation
8
9. Examples of How Temperature
Rise Effects Different Sectors (I)
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*Significant is defined here as more than
40%
Source: IPCC 2007 as used in UNDP 2009
p17
Section 1: Introduction to Climate Change Adaptation
9
Global mean temperature change relative to 1980-1999 °C
10. Examples of How Temperature
Rise Effects Different Sectors (II)
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** Based on average rate of sea level rise of 4.2mm/year from 2000 to
2008
Source: IPCC 2007 as used in UNDP 2009
p17
Section 1: Introduction to Climate Change Adaptation
10
Global mean temperature change relative to 1980-1999 °C
11. Estimates of Annual Adaptation
Costs
in Developing Countries, 2010-
2015
Source: Reproduced from IFAD
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Section 1: Introduction to Climate Change Adaptation
11
Source
USD billion
per annum
World Bank (2006) 9 – 41
Stern (2006) 4 – 37
UNDP (2007) 86 – 109
UNFCCC (2007) 27 – 67
12. Key Elements of an Adaptation
Process
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Observation
Assessment
of climate
impacts and
vulnerability
Select
adaptation
options
Monitoring &
evaluation of
adaptation
actions
Implementatio
n of adaptation
measures
Section 1: Introduction to Climate Change Adaptation
12
Source: Based on UNFCCC
2011
13. Data Requirements for Effective
Adaptation
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Climate Data
• National and local
weather data
• Seasonal forecasts
• Future projections
from climate
models
• …
Other
Environmental
Data
Forest cover
Water resources
Biodiversity
…
Socio-Economic
Data
• Population
dynamics
• Urbanization
trends
• Economic
development
forecasts
• Gender and age
• …
Planning
Information
• National
development plans
• Sub-national and
municipal
development plans
• …
Section 1: Introduction to Climate Change Adaptation
13
14. Importance of Stakeholder
Engagement
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Section 1: Introduction to Climate Change Adaptation
Source: IPA Netzwerk
15. Case Study: Community-Based
Adaptation Initiatives in Samoa
Adaptation to flooding and
sea-level rise
Protection and
conservation of
mangroves, eco-systems,
and coral reefs
Community awareness
programmes inform local
stakeholders about
the connection between
ecosystems, their
livelihoods, and climate
change
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Source: UNDP Adaptation Learning
Mechanism
15
Section 1: Introduction to Climate Change Adaptation
16. Challenges of Adaptation
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Video: Achim Steiner, Executive Director
of the UN Environment Programme
(UNEP) talks about the challenges of
adaptation
URL: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LEyh0U81ErU
Section 1: Introduction to Climate Change Adaptation
16
17. One UN Training Service Platform
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Conducting a Vulnerability
Assessment
Section 2
Module 3: Introduction to Climate Change Adaptation
17
18. The Components of Vulnerability
Exposure
Sensitivity
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Adaptive
Capacity
Potential
Impact
Vulnerabilit
y
Source: Reproduced from Midgley, Davies & Chesterman 2011 p3
Section 2: Conducting a Vulnerability Assessment
18
19. Why Conduct a Vulnerability
Assessment?
Vulnerability
assessments help to
identify who is most
vulnerable, where they
are located, and what
risks they face. They
are an important input
to planning for
adaptation.
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Source: WeAdapt
19
Section 2: Conducting a Vulnerability Assessment
20. Variety of Assessment Tools and
Methods
Various methods
and tools available
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Summarized in
UNFCCC
compendium on
methods and tools
to evaluate
impacts of, and
vulnerability and
adaptation to,
climate change
Select
tools/methods in
accordance with
national
circumstances
20
Section 2: Conducting a Vulnerability Assessment
21. First Generation of Assessments
Climate
scenarios
Biophysical
impacts
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Socio-economic
impacts
Adaptations
to impacts
Residual or
net impacts
Source: UNFCCC 2006 p103
21
Section 2: Conducting a Vulnerability Assessment
22. Climate
Science
Social
Science
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Current
Vulnerability
Future
Exposure
Future Adaptive
Capacity
Future
Vulnerability
Second Generation of
Assessments
Source: UNFCCC 2006 p103
Current
Exposure
Current Adaptive
Capacity
22
Section 2: Conducting a Vulnerability Assessment
23. Vulnerability ― Example 1:
Changing Rainfall Patterns in Kitui,
Kenya
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• The arid area of Kitui likely to receive less
water in the future
• Rains are no longer reliable and droughts
may last longer
Potential
Impact
(Exposure)
• Reduced crop productivity due to lack of
irrigation systems and drought resistant
crops
• Loss of income and increased poverty
Potential
Impact
(Sensitivity)
• Travelling large distances to collect fresh
water not viable
• Moving of population to other areas not
possible
• Effective irrigation technology not available
Adaptive
Capacity
23
Further info: IPCC
website
Section 2: Conducting a Vulnerability Assessment
24. Vulnerability ― Example 1:
Changing Rainfall Patterns in Kitui,
Kenya
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Case Kitui,
Kenya
Exposure High
Sensitivity High
Adaptive
Capacity
Low
Vulnerability High Source: guide2kenya
24
Section 2: Conducting a Vulnerability Assessment
25. Vulnerability ― Example 2:
Coastal Zone Management in the
Netherlands
• The Netherlands are already below sea
level
• Increased sea level creates risks of coastal
inundation & erosion
Potential
Impact
(Exposure)
• Existing dykes may no longer be effective
against higher sea levels
• A breach of dykes would result in loss of
land, and damage to crops and habitats
Potential
Impact
(Sensitivity)
• Funds available to implement adaptation
measures (e.g. increase height of dams)
• Skills and equipment available
Adaptive
Capacity
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Further info: WMO
website
Section 2: Conducting a Vulnerability Assessment
26. Vulnerability ― Example 2:
Coastal Zone Management in the
Netherlands
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Case Netherland
s
Exposure High
Sensitivity High
Adaptive
Capacity
High
Vulnerability Low Source: Wikipedia/Rens Jacobs
26
Section 2: Conducting a Vulnerability Assessment
27. Vulnerability ― Example 3: The
Case of Tropical Storms in
Jamaica
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• The Caribbean already exposed to tropical
storms
• Storms projected to increase in intensity and
frequency
Potential
Impact
(Exposure)
• Increase of intensive storms may result in
additional damage to the population and the
natural and built environment
• Areas with poorly constructed buildings
particularly sensitive
Potential
Impact
(Sensitivity)
• Limited technology to prevent damage
• Availability of labour and some financial
resources
Adaptive
Capacity
27
Section 2: Conducting a Vulnerability Assessment
28. Vulnerability ― Example 3: The
Case of Tropical Storms in
Jamaica 28
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Case Jamaica
Exposure High
Sensitivity Medium
Adaptive
Capacity
Medium
Vulnerability Medium
Section 2: Conducting a Vulnerability Assessment
29. Gender Vulnerability to Climate
Change
Source: UnWomen Watch. Further info: UNFCCC
Website
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Section 2: Conducting a Vulnerability Assessment
30. One UN Training Service Platform
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Identifying and Selecting
Adaptation Options
Section 3
Module 3: Introduction To Climate Change Adaptation
30
31. Range of Adaptation Options:
From Vulnerability to Impact Focus
Vulnerability Focus Impacts Focus
Addressing the
drivers of
vulnerability
• Activities seek to
reduce poverty
and other non-climatic
stressors
that make people
vulnerable
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Building response
capacity
• Activities seek to
build robust
systems for
problem-solving
Managing climate
risks
• Activities seek to
incorporate
climate
information into
decision-making
Confronting
climate change
• Activities seek to
address impacts
associated
exclusively with
climate change
Traditional Development Funding New & Additional Adaptation
Funding
Source: Reproduced from Mcgray et al 2007
Section 3: Identifying and Selecting Adaptation
Options
31
32. Examples of Adaptation Actions
with Different Foci
Source: Reproduced from Mcgray et al 2007
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Section 3: Identifying and Selecting Adaptation
Options
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33. Different Methods for Selecting
Adaptation Options
Analysis Context Advantages/ Strengths Disadvantages/
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Weaknesses
Cost-benefit Costs and benefits can
be quantified in
monetary terms when
the necessary data are
available
Monetizing allows
quantitative comparison
between diverse costs
and benefits
Non-market costs and
benefits (e.g. Ecological
and cultural values) as
well as distributional
aspects are difficult to
include
Cost-effectiveness Objectives of adaptation
measures have been
identified, and the lowest
cost option is sought
It allows an analysis to
be carried out on non-monetary
costs and
benefits such as health
and ecosystem services
It cannot evaluate
whether a measure is
justified
Multi-criteria Data are not fully
available, factors are not
easily quantified and
monetary benefits may
be only one of many
criteria used
Criteria can be optimized
to national and local
priorities; allows for
stakeholder engagement
Lack of monetary terms
may weaken economic
case for the justification
of measures
Source: Reproduced from UNFCCC 2011 p31
Section 3: Identifying and Selecting Adaptation
Options
33
34. Range of Criteria for Selecting
Adaptation Options
Sustainability
Mitigation Co-benefits
Environmenta
l Impacts
Equity
Implementatio
n Costs
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Effectiveness
Robustness
Reliability
Risk and
Uncertainty
Urgency
Degree of
Risk or
Impacts
Precautionary
Opportunity
Ancillary
Benefits
No-regret
Option
Window of
Opportunity
Implemen-tation
Public
Acceptability
Funding
Sources
Individual and
Institutional
Capacity
Source: Reproduced from IISD, UNITAR & UNEP 2009 p37
Section 3: Identifying and Selecting Adaptation
Options
34
35. Example of Selecting Adaptation
Options
Source: Ranger & Garbett-Shiels 2011 p15
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Section 3: Identifying and Selecting Adaptation
Options
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36. One UN Training Service Platform
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Section 3: Identifying and Selecting Adaptation
Options
Sector Focus ― Agriculture:
Examples of Possible Adaptation
Measures
Development of tolerant/resistant
crops (to drought, salt, insect/pests)
Diversification of crops
Changes in fertilizer use and
application
Changes in planting and harvesting
times
Soil-water management
Erosion control
Development of early warning
systems
Related policy measures, such as
subsidies, and training and outreach
programmes
36
37. In Focus: FAO Online Learning
Package on Climate-Smart
Agriculture
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Section 3: Identifying and Selecting Adaptation
Options
37
38. Sector Focus ― Water: Examples
of Possible Adaptation
Interventions
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Interventions
Institutional
/
Policy
• Providing drinking water to coastal communities to combat enhanced salinity due to sea
level rise (Bangladesh)
• Mobilisation and integrated water resource management project (Cape Verde, Vanuatu)
• Implementation and management of water management associations (Madagascar)
• Contribution to better knowledge of surface water regimes (Mauritania)
• Institutional strengthening of water resources sector (Sierra Leone)
Technical • Rainwater harvesting (Bhutan, Burundi, Mali, Sierra Leone)
• Groundwater recharge for irrigation wells (Eritrea, Mauritania)
• Use of spate, drip irrigation and range land development (Eritrea, Mauritania)
• Stabilisation of river dynamics and water courses (Burundi, Mauritania, Mozambique)
• Coastal protection infrastructure (maldives)
• Increased water supply (Cambodia, Comoros, Djibouti, Burkina Faso, Gambia, Guinea
Bissau, Kiribati, Maldives, Mauritania, Niger, Samoa, São Tomé&Príncipe, Sierra
Leone, Tanzania, Tuvalu)
• Development and improvement of small-scale and community irrigation systems
(Cambodia, Ethiopia, Guinea Bissau, Rwanda)
Market • Water resource adaptation project (Kiribati)
Source: Overseas Development Institute
2009
Section 3: Identifying and Selecting Adaptation
Options
38
39. One UN Training Service Platform
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Section 3: Identifying and Selecting Adaptation
Options
Sector Focus ― Health: Examples
of Possible Adaptation Measures
Establishment of climate
change and environment and
health information systems
Strengthening of disease and
weather early warning
Cost-effective technology for
water treatment for hospitals
Education and training of
environment and health
professionals
39
Further info: WHO
website
40. WHO Documentary on Climate
Change & Health
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Section 3: Identifying and Selecting Adaptation
Options
Video: WHO documentary about climate
change adaptation to protect human
health in the European and Central
Asian regions
URL: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z5gtjhwj-3m
40
41. One UN Training Service Platform
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Section 3: Identifying and Selecting Adaptation
Options
Sector Focus ― Education:
Examples of Possible Adaptation
Measures
Review of curricula to integrate
climate change issues
Development of relevant
quality learning materials
Training on climate change for
teachers and curriculum
developers
Protection of learning facilities
to meet the worst impacts of
climate change and disasters
41
42. One UN Training Service Platform
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Linking Adaptation and
Development Planning
Section 4
Module 3: Introduction to Climate Change Adaptation
42
43. Climate Change ― A Development
Challenge
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Section 4: Linking Adaptation and Development
Planning
43
Source: UNDP & UNEP 2011
44. Potential Impact of Climate
Change on the Millennium
Development Goals (I)
Source: Adapted from OECD 2009 p 29
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Goal Potential Impact of Climate Change on Achievement of Goal
Eradicate
extreme
poverty and
hunger
• Climate change is projected to reduce the assets and livelihoods
of many poor people, for example health, access to water,
homes, and infrastructure.
• Climate change is projected to alter regional food security. In
particular in Africa, food security is expected to worsen.
Promote
gender
equality
• In the developing world in particular, women are
disproportionately involved in natural resource-dependent
activities, such as agriculture, which are particularly vulnerable to
climate change.
Section 4: Linking Adaptation and Development
Planning
45. Potential Impact of Climate
Change on the Millennium
Development Goals (II)
Source: Adapted from OECD 2009 p 29
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Goal Potential Impact of Climate Change on Achievment of Goal
Combat
major
diseases
• Direct effects of climate change include increases in heat-related
mortality and illnesses associated with heat waves
• Climate change may increase the prevalence of some vector-borne
diseases (for example malaria and dengue fever), and
vulnerability to water, food, or contagious diseases (for example
cholera and dysentery).
Ensure
environ.
sustainabili
ty
• Climate change is likely to alter the quality and productivity of
natural resources and ecosystems, some of which may be
irreversibly damaged, and these changes may also decrease
biological diversity and compound existing environmental
degradation
Section 4: Linking Adaptation and Development
Planning
46. Importance of Integrating
Adaptation within Development
Planning
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Close relationship between climate change
adaptation and development issues
To be effective, climate change adaptation needs
to be mainstreamed in existing development
policies and processes
Adaptation considerations can also improve
quality of development policies and projects and
make them more sustainable in the long term
Section 4: Linking Adaptation and Development
Planning
47. Entry Points for Integrating
Adaptation within Development
Planning
Source: Reproduced from UNDP & UNEP 2011 p 18
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Planning Level Entry Points
National
government and
cross-sector
ministries
• Poverty reduction strategy paper
• National development plan
• MDG-based national development strategy
• National budget allocation process or review (e.g. medium-term
• expenditure framework, public expenditure review)
Sector
ministries
• Sector strategies, plans and policies (e.g. agricultural
sector plan)
• Preparation of sector budgets
• Public expenditure reviews
Subnational
authorities
• Decentralization policies
• District plans
• Preparation of subnational budgets
Section 4: Linking Adaptation and Development
Planning
48. Climate Change Adaptation and
Disaster Risk Reduction Strategies
Source: Oxfam 2009 p 5
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Section 4: Linking Adaptation and Development
Planning
49. Meeting the Implementation
Challenge
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Budgeting and financing climate change
adaptation measures
Ensuring overall coordination by a central body
Strengthening multi-sector coordination
Building capacities of institutions and individuals
at the national, sector and sub-national level
Integrating adaptation in national monitoring
system
Section 4: Linking Adaptation and Development
Planning
50. One UN Training Service Platform
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International Initiatives to Support
Climate Change Adaptation
Section 5
Module 3: Introduction to Climate Change Adaptation
50
51. Adaptation Support: Brief Overview
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Nairobi Work Programme
National Adaptation
Programmes of Action
(NAPAs)
National Adaptation Plans
(NAPs)
Programme on Loss &
Damage
Cancun Adaptation
Framework (CAF)
Section 5 : International Initiatives to Support Climate
Change Adaptation
51
52. Nairobi Work Programme
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Expected Outcomes
• Enhanced capacity at international,
regional, national, sectoral and local
level
• Improved information and advice to
the Conference of the Parties (COP)
of the Climate Change Convention
• Enhanced dissemination and use of
knowledge from practical adaptation
activities
• Enhanced cooperation among
parties, relevant organizations,
business, civil society and decision
makers
• Enhanced contribution of adaptation
action to sustainable development
Section 5 : International Initiatives to Support Climate
Change Adaptation
52
The Nairobi work
programme disseminates
knowledge and
information on adaptation
as widely as possible
through a variety of
knowledge products and
publications.
53. National Adaptation Programmes
of Action (NAPAs)
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Section 5 : International Initiatives to Support Climate
Change Adaptation
53
NAPAs are country-driven
processes to identify
activities that respond to
urgent and immediate
needs of Least
Developed Countries
(LDCs) in order to reduce
their vulnerability
Steps include:
• Information synthesis
• Assessment of vulnerability
and potential risk areas
• Identification of key priority
adaptation measures
Further info: UNFCCC website. GEF
website
54. National Adaptation Plans (NAPs)
Objectives of the NAP process:
(a) To reduce vulnerability to
the impacts of climate change,
by building adaptive capacity
and resilience
(b) To facilitate the integration
of climate change adaptation
into relevant new and existing
policies, programmes and
activities, in particular
development planning
processes and strategies,
within all relevant sectors and
at different levels.
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Section 5 : International Initiatives to Support Climate
Change Adaptation
54
Further info: UNFCCC
website
55. Comparing the NAPA and the NAP
Processes
Source: GSP 2012
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Section 5 : International Initiatives to Support Climate
Change Adaptation
55
56. Work Programme on Loss and
Damage
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Section 5 : International Initiatives to Support Climate
Change Adaptation
56
Relatively new work
programme established in
2010
Objective: consider
approaches to address loss
and damage associated with
climate change in vulnerable
developing countries
Challenge: lack of empirical
evidence of scope and
significance of loss and
damage associated with
climate change
Further info: UNFCCC
website
57. Loss and Damage in The
Gambia
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Change Adaptation
57
Video: Interview with Dr. Sidat Yaffa
about the findings of a case study on
loss and damage in The Gambia
URL: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KeCCWGnykAU
View the
other
interviews
58. Cancun Adaptation Framework
(CAF)
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Section 5 : International Initiatives to Support Climate
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58
Objective of the CAF:
Enhance action on
adaptation, including
through international
cooperation and coherent
consideration of matters
relating to adaptation
under the Convention.
Five CAF Clusters:
• Implementation
• Support
• Institutions
• Principles
• Stakeholder engagement
Further info: UNFCCC
website
59. Annex Additional Resources
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Module 3: Introduction to Climate Change Adaptation
59
60. Module Summary
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Additional Resources
60
Adaptation is any action taken to reduce the impacts or even
benefit from the effects of climate change.
Assessing the vulnerability of a locality is the first step to plan and
undertake adaptation action. Components of vulnerability include
exposure, sensitivity and adaptative capacity.
Adaptation actions need to be designed to suit the circumstances
and needs of different sectors and countries/regions.
There is a strong link between adaptation and development
planning. Integrating adaptation and development planning can
bring additional benefits beyond reduced vulnerability to climate
change.
61. Useful Links
CDKN WeAdapt
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Adaptation
Learning
Mechanism
PreventionWeb
CGIAR
Research
Programme
Africa
Adaptation
Knowledge
Network
World Bank
Climate Risk
and Adaptation
Country Profiles
UNISDR
National
Platforms for
Disaster Risk
Reduction
FAO e-Tool
Community-
Based
Adaptation
IFAD e-
Learning on
Smallholder
Agriculture and
Climate Change
NAPAs
Received by the
UNFCCC
Secretariat
UN CC:Learn
Additional Resources
61
62. Recommended Readings
IPCC (2007). 4th Assessment Report, Working Group II:
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Additional Resources
Impacts, Adaptation and Vulnerability
OECD (2009): Guidance on Integrating Climate Change
Adaptation into Development Co-operation
PROVIA (2012). Guidance on Assessing Vulnerability,
Impacts and Adaptation (VIA)
UNDP (2010). Designing Climate Change Adaptation
Initiatives: A UNDP Toolkit for Practitioners
UNDP (2012). Africa Adaptation Programme: Handbook on
Capitalisation of Experiences
UNEP & UNDP (2011). Mainstreaming Climate Change
Adaptation into Development Planning: A Guide for
Practitioners
USAID (2012). Climate Change Adaptation Manual
62
63. Main References
OECD (2009): Guidance on Integrating Climate Change
One UN Training Service Platform
on Climate Change: UN CC:Learn
Additional Resources
Adaptation into Development Co-operation
IISD, UNITAR & UNEP (2009). IEA Training
Material:Vulnerability and Climate Change Impact
Assessment for Adaptation
UNEP & UNDP (2011). Mainstreaming Climate Change
Adaptation into Development Planning: A Guide for
Practitioners
UNFCCC (2008). Compendium on Methods and Tools to
Evaluate Impacts of, and Vulnerability and Adaptation to,
Climate Change
UNFCCC. CGE Training Materials: Vulnerability and
Adaptation Assessment, Chapter Two
UNFCCC. Official Website
63
Notas do Editor
Section 1 starts out with a definition of climate change adaptation and related concepts. It further highlights the importance of adaptation by presenting climate change impacts on key sectors and global costs estimates. The section also presents key elements of an adaptation process, highlighting two critical parameters for effective adaptation, namely data availability and stakeholder engagement.
Climate change may be more rapid and pronounced than expected and will have wide-ranging impacts on ecological systems as well as various other aspects of our lives and human systems. Ecological, social and economic systems have to adjust to the changing climate and the expected effects or impacts thereof in order to minimize potential negative effects. This “adjustment” by both natural and human systems is commonly referred to as “adaptation”. While the impacts of climate change can impose serious threats to lives and livelihoods, particular in developing countries, climate change adaptation may also result in non-climate related co-benefits, such as fostering social-learning and more resilient societies.
Definition source: IPCC (2001). Third Assessment Report.
Various approaches to climate change adaptation exist. Approaches can range from modifying threats (building a dam for flood control) to preventing effects and impacts (introducing drought resistant crops) to accepting the loss (when an adaptation measure is too costly). Generally the distinction is made between two groups of adaptation options: anticipatory or reactive adaptation. Examples of anticipatory adaptation include development of new building codes to better protect human settlements. Reactive adaptation examples include changes in farm practices such as additional irrigation measures in case of dry-spells.
The vulnerability of systems, including geophysical, biological and socio-economic systems to climate change differs substantially across regions and across populations within regions. Vulnerability to climate change deals with the extent to which climate change may damage or harm both natural and human systems. In addition to climate vulnerability, countries have different capacities to adapt to the impacts of climate change. Resilience is an indication of the ability of a system to absorb changes and is thus closely related to the concept of adaptive capacity. Climate risk refers to the probability of occurrence of the impacts of climate change, such as drought and flooding.
UNFCCC (2006). UNFCCC Handbook, p94
IPCC (2007). Fourth Assessment Report, Annex i synthesis report.
UNDP (2011). Improving access, understanding and application of climate data and information.
Climate change in the form of higher maximum temperatures, changing precipitation patterns, melting of snow and ice, sea level rise, changes in the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, etc. will impact nearly all social and economic sectors. For example, it is likely that future typhoons and hurricanes will become more intense, with major impacts for spatial planning and disaster risk reduction. The global average surface air temperature is estimated to increase between 1.1°C and 6.4°C by 2100, with significant consequences for sectors such as agriculture, health, water, forestry, etc.
IPCC (2007). Fourth Assessment Report
For more detailed information about climate change science, including observed and projected trends and impacts see Module 1.
The following tables provide examples of how different levels of temperature rise would affect different sectors. Temperature change is, for example, impacting the water sector (decreased water availability in mid and low latitudes leading to increased water stress for hundreds of millions of people), as well as ecosystem conservation (loss of species).
Source: UNDP (2009). Gender and Climate Change, p17
Higher temperatures will also impact the food and agriculture sector (decreased cereal productivity in low latitudes, increased cereal productivity in high latitudes), coastal management (increased damage from floods and storms), as well as the health sector (increased mortality from heat waves, changing distribution of disease vectors like mosquitos).
Source: UNDP (2009). Gender and Climate Change, p17
Estimations vary, but there is a general agreement that adaptation needs in developing countries are in the order of billions USD per year. Donors have agreed at the 2009 Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen that 100 billion USD per year should be provided by 2020.
In addition to considering the costs of adaptation, it is also important to consider the costs of not taking any adaptation action, or a delayed response. While adaptation actions may often be costly, inaction or delayed action can cause serious and irreversible damages to both natural and human systems with ultimately even higher financial implications.
The first element of any adaptation initiative is the observation of climatic and non-climatic, socio-economic and environmental variables. These variables can then be used to assess climate impacts and related vulnerabilities. Based on this assessment adaptation options can be selected taking into account different factors such as cost-effectiveness, potential co-benefits and public acceptability. Once an adaptation activity or action is selected it needs to be implemented. Monitoring and evaluation of adaptation actions can help to provide feedback to ensure that adaptation activities are appropriate, effective and revised where necessary.
UNFCCC (2011). Highlights of the Contribution of the Nairobi Work Programme: Assessing Climate Change Impacts and Vulnerability, Making Informed Decisions, pp 18, 29, 33 & 36
Availability of climate data and other data on the environment is vital in assessing potential climate change impacts and plan adaptation activities. Socio-economic data and scenarios are also important since they provide information about the vulnerability and adaptive capacity of a certain region or country. Information about relevant policies, plans and strategies at various levels is also essential to make sure adaptation activities are aligned with other planning processes.
While effective adaptation planning requires reliable and high quality data, this information is often difficult to access, especially in developing countries. However, many things can be done in the form of ‘no regrets’ activities; i.e. things that would make sense doing with or without the impact of climate change.
UNFCCC (2011). Highlights of the Contribution of the Nairobi Work Programme: Assessing Climate Change Impacts and Vulnerability, Making Informed Decisions, p18
UNDP, UNEP, GEF. National Communications Support Programme: Applying Climate Information for Adaptation Decision-Making, p22
For more detailed information about climate data see Module 1.
Stakeholders play an essential role in designing and implementing adaptation activities. They can, for example, provide important information about local circumstances and thereby contribute to more effective planning. Effective stakeholder engagement is also likely to enhance the acceptance of decisions taken. Key stakeholders range from community members, policy-makers, researchers and experts to non-governmental organizations.
Small communities are likely to be the most severely affected by climate change impacts and yet are least equipped to cope and adapt. Community-based adaptation projects seek to enhance the resilience of communities, and/or the ecosystems on which they rely, to climate change impacts. This slide provides an example of a community-based adaptation project in Samoa supported by the UN Development Programme (UNDP).
UNDP Adaptation Learning Mechanism
Achim Steiner, Executive Director of the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) answers key questions such as: which regions will be most affected by climate change; what is the role of adaptive capacity in responding to climate change; and what measures are needed to finance adaptation in developing countries.
Section 2 presents main elements of climate change vulnerability assessments and explains the evolution of assessment methods over time. The section also provides a number of examples to illustrate the different components of vulnerability. A special emphasis is put on gender vulnerability.
Various components contribute to climate vulnerability. The exposure to climate-risk related factors, as well as the degree to which a system is affected by a climate stimuli (“sensitivity”), both contribute to the potential impacts that climate change will have on a system. For example, if climate change leads to heavy rainfalls in a certain region (exposure) and the crops traditionally planted in this region are not resistant to high amounts of precipitation (sensitivity), then this will lead to decreased crop productivity (potential impact). If, however, the adaptive capacity of the region is very high (farmers are able to switch to more resistant crop varieties) then vulnerability is reduced, despite high exposure and sensitivity. In sum, climate vulnerability is determined by the potential impacts of climate change and the capacity of natural and human systems to adapt thereto. Vulnerability can be identified at different levels or scale (regional, national, local) for different sectors (agriculture, water, health, etc.), and for different population groups (women, children, urban poor, landless rural laborers, etc.).
Midgley, S.J.E., Davies, R.A.G. and Chesterman, S. (2011). Climate Risk and Vulnerability Mapping in Southern Africa: Status Quo (2008) and Future (2050), p3
Assessing the various components that contribute to climate change vulnerability is an important part of adaptation planning, and one of the first steps. Vulnerability assessments can assist in (1) determining the extent that climate change is likely to damage or harm a system and (2) adapting to the impacts of climate change. They provide hence a basis for identifying the most appropriate adaptation options. Vulnerability assessments are also important as they can provide evidence of the linkages between climate and development, improve understanding of specific risks and vulnerabilities in different localities, provide the opportunity for capacity building, and serve as a baseline analysis to monitor how risks may be influenced by a changing climate over time.
The Secretariat of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) publishes a compendium of available tools and methods to assist countries in selecting the best available methods in accordance with their particular national circumstances. The most recent compendium dates from 2008.
UNFCCC Compendium
Assessment approaches evolved from first generation to second-generation studies.
First generation assessments focused more on what the impacts of climate change will be rather than adaptation itself. Impact assessments were driven by the goal to understand long-term consequences and followed a “scenario-based approach” that was often derived from Global Climate Models (GCMs). These climate scenarios were then applied to models of ecosystems or to a component of the bio-physical environment (sea level, coastal zones, mountains, etc.). The results of these assessments were further carried forward to the modeling of socio-economic impacts and only then was adaptation considered. Since the first generation studies, the methodology for vulnerability and adaptation assessments has gone through a significant evolution.
UNFCCC (2006). UNFCCC Handbook, p103
UNFCCC (2008). Compendium on Methods and Tools to Evaluate Impacts of, and Vulnerability and Adaptation to, Climate Change, p2
CGE Training Material: Vulnerability and Adaptation Assessment, Chapter II
The “second generation” of assessments focuses on the question on “how to adapt” rather than on modeling climate change impacts. The new approach integrates the concept of vulnerability while undertaking assessments and it also distinguishes between current and future vulnerabilities. These types of assessments integrate socio-economic factors and data (household surveys, census data) more adequately with biophysical assessments and also tend to address shorter-term concerns.
CGE Training Material: Vulnerability and Adaptation Assessment, Chapter II
Droughts have increased in frequency and intensity in Eastern Africa, where frequent droughts have occurred in each decade over the past 50 years. The increased occurrence of prolonged dry periods affects in particular the climate-sensitive agriculture sector. Adaptive capacity in the region is low due to poverty, limited access to technologies, as well as poor policy and institutional frameworks. The combination of high potential impact and low adaptive capacity makes the region highly vulnerable to climate change and climate variability. The slide provides an example of changing rainfall patterns in Kitui county, Kenya.
IPCC website
AMCEN (2011). Addressing Climate Change Challenges in Africa - A Practical Guide Towards Sustainable Development
Exposure to climate-related risks and sensitivity to changing climate conditions in Kitui is high, while adaptive capacity is low. Vulnerability to climate change and climate variability is hence high.
Global mean sea level is projected to rise between 0.09 and 0.88 m above the 1990 level by 2100. This rise is due primarily to thermal expansion of the warmer oceans combined with melting of glaciers and ice sheets. Rising sea levels are expected to have severe effects on many low-lying areas. Some countries are particularly vulnerable to sea-level rise, such as small-island developing states (SIDS). Others have higher capacity to adapt, such as the Netherlands.
WMO website
Exposure to climate-related risks and sensitivity to changing climate conditions in the Netherlands is high. However, adaptive capacity is also high. Therefore, vulnerability to climate change is rather low.
Over the past several decades the sea surface temperatures over most tropical ocean basins have increased in magnitude by between 0.25 – 0.5 degrees Celsius. Some researchers argue that ocean warming has caused a substantial increase in the probability and intensity of tropical cyclones, even though no consensus has been reached on this issue. It is likely that tropical cyclone intensity will further increase if the climate continues to warm and countries such as Jamaica are taking measures to prevent potential damage.
WMO International Workshop on Tropical Cyclones (November 2006). Statement on Tropical Cyclones and Climate Change
Exposure to climate-related risks in Jamaica is high, while sensitivity and adaptive capacity is medium. Therefore, vulnerability to climate change can be rated as rather medium.
While the impacts of climate change affect everyone, they also reinforce existing inequalities, including gender inequality. In the agricultural sector, for example, rural women in developing countries are the primary producers of staple food, a sector that is highly exposed to climate risks such as drought and uncertain rainfall. In many countries, climate change means that women and young girls have to walk further to collect water, especially in the dry season. Already today, women in sub-Saharan Africa spend 40 billion hours per year collecting water. Moreover, women will contribute much of the unpaid labor that will go into coping with climate risks through, for example, soil and water conservation, or the building of anti-flood embankments. Therefore it is important that gender considerations are taken into account in both medium- and long-term adaptation.
UNDP (2009). Gender and Climate Change, p III
Further information:
Inefficient representation of women in the international climate change decision-making processes also further contributes to inequalities. The 18th Conference of the Parties (COP 18) to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) (Doha, 2012) therefore adopted a decision to promote gender balance and to improve the participation of women during UNFCCC negotiations as well as the representation of women in bodies established under the UNFCCC and the Kyoto Protocol.
UNFCCC website
Section 3 first presents the range of adaptation options that are available and then discusses different methods and criteria for selecting the most adequate option. The section also provides a sectoral perspective highlighting possible adaptation measures in a number of key sectors.
After conducting a vulnerability assessment it is important to identify possible adaptation options. A variety of options are available, ranging from traditional development activities to more specific adaptation measures. At one end of the continuum a focus is placed on vulnerability. Here adaptation efforts are vulnerability-oriented and there is an overlap with traditional development support. At the other end, activities target climate change impacts and are more `impact focused’. These adaptation activities fall outside the scope of traditional development aid. Funding for activities on the left usually needs to be sought from traditional development funding sources while activities on the right can more easily benefit from new adaptation funding measures. Vulnerability-focused activities often represent the foundation of climate change adaptation.
World Resources Institute (2009). A Continuum of Adaptation Activities: From Development to Climate Change
McGray et al (2007). CGE Training Materials V & A Frameworks Presentation, slide 50, p18
Further information:
The above diagram and explanation gives a clear indication that adaptation is not something that can be seen separate from development. Many adaptation options are linked to sustainable development practices such as maintaining ecosystems, integrated water resource management, and disaster risk reduction.
This table provides examples of the different foci of adaptation actions (from reducing vulnerability to addressing climate change impacts) explained in the previous slide.
McGray et al (2007). CGE Training Materials V & A Frameworks Presentation, slide 51 p18
Given the range of possible adaptation actions, different options need to be evaluated and compared to ensure that the best option is selected. This table identifies some of the most commonly used methods to evaluate adaptation options, including cost-benefit, cost-effectiveness, and multi-criteria analysis.
UNFCCC (2011). Highlights of the Contribution of the Nairobi Work Programme, p31
Further information:
A proper analysis of different adaptation options is also important to avoid the duplication of activities and prevent “maladaptation”. An example of maladaptation could be an agricultural project that supports monoculture of a high-value crop, with the objective of maximizing irrigation system efficiency, water productivity and yields (“more crop per drop”), and, ultimately, boosting income generation. Although such a project might be designed taking into account the effects of climate change, it would lower the adaptive capacity of farmers by making their income generation base more volatile. In the case of a bad harvest, farmers’ income would be greatly affected, i.e., the ultimate impact of the project would be one of increased vulnerability to climate risks.
World Bank (2010). Economic Evaluation of Climate Change Adaptation Projects, p5
As mentioned in the previous slide, multi-criteria analysis looks at a range of factors that could influence the selection of an adaptation option. This table provides an overview of possible criteria to be considered. The criteria should be customized depending on national/local circumstances. For example, other criteria could be added such as `political leadership’ and `political context’. It is also important to bear in mind that, rather than identifying one best option, the goal is to develop a `portfolio’ of options that can be implemented in shorter and longer time scales.
IISD, UNITAR, UNEP (2009). IEA Training Material - Vulnerability and Climate Change Impact Assessment for Adaptation, p37
In this graph, findings from two recent studies on adaptation to flood risk in Guyana and Mozambique illustrate the relationship between the economic cost-benefit ratio and the robustness of measures to climate change uncertainties, two of the various important factors in selecting an adaptation option. Both Guyana and Mozambique have experienced damages from flooding and in accordance with climate models it is predicted that climate change could alter flood risk in the future. `Hard adaptation options’, such as drainage systems were the focus of the Guyana study whereas ‘soft adaptation options’ such as reducing social vulnerability were explored in the Mozambique study.
Ranger & Garbett-Shiels (2011). How Can Decision-Makers in Developing Countries Incorporate Uncertainty about Future Climate Risks into Existing Planning and Policymaking Processes? Policy Paper, p15
Further information:
On the vertical axis, the blue bubbles indicate the relative costs and benefits of flood management options for Guyana and the green bubbles apply to Mozambique. (The grey bubbles are illustrative and are drawn from other case studies). Measures at the bottom of the figure have the highest benefits relative to costs, while measures at the top have the lowest benefits relative to costs. For example, in Guyana, improved building codes would have greater damage reduction benefits relative to costs, than upgrading the drainage system.
Another important factor to take into consideration is the robustness of adaptation measures. `Robustness’ measures how effective a measure could be for a diverse range of plausible future scenarios. The level of robustness is shown on the horizontal axis and can be thought of as the risk of mal-adaptation. On the left-hand side of the figure are `no-regrets’ options (i.e. high robustness), such as early warning systems, improved education, and health care, which have strong benefits in any climate. `Higher-regret’ options (i.e. low robustness) are shown on the right-hand side and include drainage systems and flood defenses, where the choice of measure (and the resulting benefits) is more dependent on assumptions today about the future climate.
Climate change has already significantly impacted agriculture and is expected to further impact directly and indirectly food production. Increase of mean temperature, changes in rain patterns, increased variability both in temperature and rain patterns, changes in water availability, the frequency and intensity of ‘extreme events’, sea level rise and salinization, perturbations in ecosystems, all will have profound impacts on agriculture, forestry and fisheries. The slide illustrates some examples of possible adaptation measures.
FAO (2013). Climate-Smart Agriculture Sourcebook
Further information:
Agriculture has to address simultaneously three intertwined challenges: ensuring food security through increased productivity and income, adapting to climate change and contributing to climate change mitigation. To address these three intertwined challenges, food systems have to become, at the same time, more efficient and resilient, at every scale from the farm to the global level. In this context, FAO has forged the concept of “climate-smart agriculture” as a way forward for food security in a changing climate.
This learning package, produced by the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) of the UN, explores the impacts of climate change on agriculture, as well as possible technical and policy considerations that can help building food security under current and future challenges. The technical and policy considerations explored are meant to contribute towards climate-resilient and environmentally sound or "climate-smart" agriculture — agriculture that increases productivity; enhances resilience to global change; stops ecosystem services deterioration; and produces economic and social benefits. The package was developed in the context of a climate change adaptation project in the Yellow River Basin in China.
The Overseas Development Institute (ODI) undertook an analysis of planned interventions in the water sector outlined in the National Adaptation Programmes of Actions (NAPAs) of Least Developed Countries (LDCs). Almost all of the interventions outlined in the NAPAs aim to address inter-annual variability (such as Bhutan, Burundi) or extreme weather events (Kiribati). There are only a few interventions that aim to address long-term climate change (including Bangladesh and Maldives). Very few interventions attempt to address issues of social and political access. Water supply and irrigation projects in Cambodia and Eritrea aim to establish water user communities. Others, like those in Guinea Bissau, São Tomé and Príncipe and Lesotho co-relate improved access to investments in physical infrastructure. Low-tech solutions such as water quality testing, filtration, school gardens and rainwater catchment systems, to name a few, are just as important to keep in mind when considering adaptation interventions.
ODI (2009). Adapting to Climate Change in the Water Sector: ODI Background Note
Climate change has multiple influences on human health. Direct impacts include the effects of rising temperatures and more intense heat waves and floods. However, potentially larger impacts may arise from indirect mechanisms. Warmer temperatures and a more variable climate can impact agricultural production and food availability, the availability of clean water and sanitation, and the transmission of vector and water-borne diseases. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that climate change may already be causing over 150,000 deaths per year and these risks are expected to increase substantially in the future. The slide presents possible adaptation measures to reduce health risks.
WHO & WMO (2011). Atlas of Health and Climate
WHO (2009). Protecting Health from Climate Change
WHO website
The video produced by the Regional Office for Europe of the World Health Organisation presents an initiative to pilot health adaptation across seven countries (Albania, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, the Russian Federation, Tajikistan, Macedonia and Uzbekistan). Each country is responding with a variety of adaptation actions - from safe water and sanitation to extreme weather events risk management.
On any given day, more than a billion children go to school. General education is the most common means by which societies prepare their youth for the future, including a changing climate. Therefore, many countries have embarked on integrating climate change in school curricula, developing relevant learning materials, and providing training for teachers. At the same time the education sector is also vulnerable to the impacts of climate change and facilities such as schools need to be prepared to extreme weather events (e.g. storms) which might become more intense in the future due to climate change.
UNICEF (2012). Climate Change Adaptation and Disaster Risk Reduction in the Education Sector - Resource Manual
Section 4 provides a short introduction to linkages between climate change adaptation and development. It further discusses opportunities for integrating adaptation within development planning, and highlights implementation challenges.
More detailed information on climate change adaptation planning processes is provided in Module 6 “Introduction to Climate Change Governance and Planning”.
The issue of climate change can seem remote compared with immediate problems such as poverty, disease and economic stagnation. Yet, the ability to successfully address these core development priorities risks being seriously undermined by climate change.
UNDP & UNEP (2011). Mainstreaming Climate Change Adaptation into Development Planning: A Guide for Practitioners
The negative impacts of climate change will disproportionately hit poor people and poor countries. For example, climate change is expected to bring greater water stress and scarcity and will pose a real threat to food security in many countries in Africa, Asia and Latin America. Also other impacts of climate change such as heat-related mortality, spread of vector-borne diseases like malaria, and access to natural resources, will have direct implications for the achievement of several of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and for related national poverty eradication and sustainable development objectives. The following tables illustrate some of the potential impacts of climate change on selected Millenium Development Goals (MDGs).
OECD (2009). Integrating Climate Change Adaptation into Development Cooperation
The slide illustrates some of the potential impacts of climate change on selected Millenium Development Goals (MDGs).
OECD (2009). Integrating Climate Change Adaptation into Development Cooperation
The previous slides have illustrated the close relationship between climate change adaptation and development. While in certain situations stand-alone adaptation measures can be effective, in most other cases, adaptation measures need to be implemented as part of a broader suite of measures within existing development processes and decision cycles. This is known as “mainstreaming”.
For example, adaptation responses to the risks posed by climate change on agriculture might need to be incorporated as part of existing farming practices, within irrigation and community development plans and projects, as part of sectoral policies in agriculture, and within donor countries’ assistance strategies as well as within national development and poverty alleviation strategies.
OECD (2009). Integrating Climate Change Adaptation into Development Cooperation
UNDP & UNEP (2011). Mainstreaming Climate Change Adaptation into Development Planning: A Guide for Practitioners
Various ways to integrate adaptation in development planning exist and it is important to find the right entry points. Key processes include long-term (15–20 years) visions and national development strategies as well as shorter-term (3–5 year) national policies and poverty reduction strategies. Such documents have a high potential to foster adaptation at various levels since they set the stage for national plans and legislation, sector and subnational plans and policy measures. In addition to including adaptation considerations in strategies and policies, it is important to make sure that budgets and investment programmes provide adequate finance for implementation.
OECD (2009). Integrating Climate Change Adaptation into Development Cooperation
UNDP & UNEP (2011). Mainstreaming Climate Change Adaptation into Development Planning: A Guide for Practitioners
More detailed information is provided in Module 6 “Introduction to Climate Change Governance and Planning”.
An important planning element is to link adaptation efforts with disaster risk reduction (DRR) strategies. While DRR covers non-climate related disasters such as earthquakes, it also addresses climate-related disasters such as floods, droughts, cyclones and storm surges - all risks that are associated with climate change. It is therefore important, for example, to integrate the findings of climate change risk assessments into the planning process for disaster risk reduction. In this manner enhancing existing DRR plans and systems (e.g. early warning systems and emergency plans) will also be relevant to climate change.
Oxfam (2009). Introduction to Climate Change Adaptation
To successfully operationalize adaptation mainstreaming the following measures are relevant:
Accompanying adaptation policy measures with suitable budgetary allocations. This entails leveraging domestic and external funding sources.
Moving overall coordination functions into a central body with convening/decision-making power vis-à-vis line Ministries (e.g. office of the President, Planning Ministry, etc.).
Strengthening coordination through inter-sector mechanisms (existing or newly established).
Collaborating with national, sector and subnational bodies to build their capacities to implement policy measures for adaptation. The implementation of adaptation measures at various levels can thereby benefit from the involvement of non-governmental actors.
Integrating adaptation indicators in the national monitoring system to track emerging trends related to climate change as well as the implementation and impact of policies.
UNDP & UNEP (2011). Mainstreaming Climate Change Adaptation into Development Planning: A Guide for Practitioners
Section 5 provides an overview of international initiatives to support climate change adaptation.
This slide provides a brief overview of the adaptation work streams under the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). They will be discussed in more detail in the following slides.
The Nairobi Work Programme on Impacts, Vulnerability and Adaptation to Climate Change (NWP) was developed with the aim to assist all Parties in particular developing countries to improve their understanding of climate change impacts and vulnerability and to increase their ability to make informed decisions on how to successfully adapt to climate change. By providing information on the range of available adaptation options the NWP assists Parties to plan for adaptation. The first phase of the work programme was implemented during 2005 until mid 2008. The Second phase commenced mid 2008 until 2010. During 2010 parties to the UNFCCC decided to continue working under the NWP.
Work Areas of the NWP include:
Methods and tools
Data and observations
Climate modeling, scenarios and downscaling
Climate related risks and extreme events
Socio-economic information
Adaptation planning and practices
Research
Technologies for adaptation
Economic diversification
NAPAs provide an opportunity for LDCs to identify their urgent and immediate adaptation needs and to prioritize adaptation activities accordingly. This is to reduce climate change vulnerability, to strengthen capacity and to address adaptation needs for which delay will cause increased vulnerability or cost at a later stage. NAPAs are compiled at country-level and are flexible, action-orientated and based on national circumstances. NAPAs can also serve as a basis for national climate change policies and strategies. Once a NAPA is submitted to the UNFCCC a LDC is eligible for funding under the LDC Fund for its implementation. As of July 2013 USD 774.9 million had been pledged to the LDCF. The newly established Green Climate Fund will also provide support towards NAPAs. As of October 2012, 47 LDCs have prepared NAPAs.
UNFCCC website
GEF website
The National Adaptation Plan (NAP) process enables Parties to assess climate risks and vulnerabilities and plan adaptation actions. NAPs build on and complement existing adaptation planning. Support, by means of technical guidelines, papers, advice, training workshops, synthesis reports and knowledge sharing is provided to least developed countries to assist with formulating NAPs.
UNFCCC website
This slide compares the NAPA and the NAP processes. The NAPs can be seen as an evolution of the NAPAs, moving from a focus on urgent/immediate adaptation needs to a longer term perspective. While most NAPAs were developed under the lead of Environment Ministries, the NAP process engages Planning, Finance and sectoral Ministries to promote integration of climate change adaptation into development planning. While the NAPAs targeted Least Developed Countries (LDCs) only, the NAP process covers all interested developing countries.
Draft NAP Global Support Programme (GSP) (2012) - Submission to the GEF
Existing mitigation commitments and actions are not enough to prevent dangerous climate change related impacts. Therefore, developing countries are calling for international commitment to act on loss and damage. In this context, the Work Programme on Loss and Damage was established in 2010 as part of the Cancun Adaptation Framework. It considers approaches to address loss and damage associated with the impacts of climate change in developing countries that are particularly vulnerable to the adverse effects of climate change. Activities under this work programme are undertaken in three thematic areas. Thematic Area I assesses the risk of loss and damage that are associated with adverse effects of climate change. Thematic Area II looks at the various approaches to address such loss and damage. In addition to loss and damage associated with the adverse effects of climate change it also includes impacts that relate to extreme weather events and slow onset events. The third thematic area addresses the role of the UNFCCC in strengthening the implementation of approaches to address loss and damage.
UNFCCC website
UNU, CDKN & ACPC (2013). Fact Sheet - Pushing the Limits: Pioneering Study Shows Evidence of Loss & Damage in Vulnerable Communities
The video is part of a series of 15 interviews with participants of the conference “Perspectives on Loss and Damage: Society, Climate Change, and Decision Making”, hosted by the United Nations University Institute for Environment and Human Security (UNU-EHS) at the UN Campus in Bonn, Germany from 25 to 27 February 2013.
During the 2010 Climate Change Conference (COP 16), held in Cancun Mexico, Parties affirmed that adaptation should get the same priority as mitigation. In this context, Parties adopted the Cancun Adaptation Framework (CAF) as part of the Cancun Agreements.
Includes five clusters:
Implementation (including NAPs and Work Programme on Loss and Damage)
Support (including long-term, scaled-up, predictable, new and additional finance, technology and capacity building)
Institutions (including establishment of an Adaptation Committee)
Principles (a country-driven, gender-sensitive, participatory and fully transparent approach, taking into consideration vulnerable groups, communities and ecosystems)
Stakeholder engagement (including relevant multilateral, international, regional and national organizations, the public and private sectors, civil society and other relevant stakeholders)
UNFCCC website