Adapting to Climate Change: Addressing Inequalities and Investing in Resilience
Climate change is a global challenge that requires the whole world to adapt and prepare. However, lower-income and less developed countries often face significant barriers in doing so. The University of Notre Dame’s Global Adaptation Initiative Country Index reveals the double-bind faced by these nations: the urgent need to build climate resilience combined with limited resources, institutional capacity, and financing.
While the establishment of the Loss and Damage Fund at COP27 offers new funding opportunities, the gap between adaptation funding needs and available financing has grown significantly in recent years.
Notably, The University of Notre Dame’s ND-GAIN data shows that Chad is particularly vulnerable and unprepared for climate change, while Norway ranks among the most ready and least vulnerable.
Inequalities Amplify Climate Change Vulnerability
When it comes to climate change vulnerability and resilience, there are notable inequalities among individuals and social groups. Poor individuals and communities, with their limited economic means, often struggle to build resilience. Marginalized groups, including women, the elderly, young people, and Indigenous populations, are particularly vulnerable to climate change due to various economic, cultural, political, and institutional factors. Discriminatory laws and social norms exacerbate these vulnerabilities, limiting employment opportunities and hindering adaptability in the face of changing weather patterns.
The Vulnerability of Agriculture and Food Security
Groups dependent on agriculture are highly vulnerable to climate change. For example, rice farmers in Indonesia, India, and other regions face jeopardized livelihoods due to droughts caused by El Nino. Climate-related crop failures can also lead to food insecurity and malnutrition, especially in disadvantaged communities that have not yet implemented measures such as food diversification.
International Commitments Vs. Action
While international agreements acknowledge the importance of vulnerable groups in climate change action, national governments and international bodies often fall short of implementing inclusive strategies. The lack of National Adaptation Planning instruments in one out of every six countries is a significant concern, as these plans are crucial for climate resilience.
The UN Adaptation Gap report highlights that two-thirds of climate adaptation communications fail to address the needs of vulnerable groups. In some cases, countries submit comprehensive climate resilience plans that lack effective outcome tracking systems. For instance, Australia’s national adaptation plan, submitted to the UN in 2021, does not clearly outline progress mechanisms or assessment frequency.
The Role of Investment in Building Resilience
The inadequacy of investment is a major obstacle in achieving climate resilience. The UN Adaptation Report estimates an annual funding gap of US$194-366 billion for climate resilience initiatives. While the Loss and Damage fund agreed upon at COP27 is a step forward, additional innovative financing mechanisms like debt relief, taxation, and debt swaps must be embraced to meet the required investment scale.
Moreover, comprehensive climate resilience measures, like National Action Plans, must consistently evaluate outcomes, especially their impact on vulnerable groups. Engaging and integrating the experiences of disadvantaged populations is essential to meet their specific needs in resilience planning.
Diverse Solutions for Increased Resilience
Climate resilience efforts should involve a range of sectors, including agriculture, food and waste, health, energy, transport, and housing. Affordable housing can reduce the vulnerability of the poorest individuals to extreme weather events.
Healthcare systems must prepare for increased vulnerability to human ill-health caused by climate change, especially in low-income developing countries. Vaccines remain vital in reducing vulnerability to climate-related infectious diseases.
Mitigating displacement and migration resulting from climate change is crucial. Ensuring that the needs of the poorest residents are met when it comes to locating and receiving government assistance packages helps reduce vulnerability. The inclusion of migration strategies in National Adaptation Plans can further facilitate beneficial movements that support adjustment to climate change impacts.
In conclusion, without actively targeting the most disadvantaged and considering vulnerability, adaptation efforts can lead to maladaptation and jeopardize credibility. It is crucial to bridge the gap between commitments and action, recognizing the diverse needs of vulnerable groups and investing in comprehensive climate resilience.
This article was originally published on 360info™.
Editor’s Note: The opinions expressed here by the authors are their own, not those of Impakter.com — Featured Photo Credit: Ahmed Akacha.