Copyright infringement not intended

Picture Courtesy:  DOWNTOEARTH

Context

The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) published "Adaptation Gap Report 2025: Running on Empty" warns that global climate change adaptation efforts are falling far behind the increasing pace of climate impacts.

What is the UNEP Adaptation Gap Report?

It is an annual assessment that evaluates global climate change adaptation progress, highlighting gaps in planning, financing, and implementation. 

Key Findings of the UNEP Adaptation Gap Report 2025

Deepening Adaptation Finance Gap

Developing countries are expected to need $310-$365 billion annually for adaptation by 2035.. 

• However, in 2023, international public adaptation finance to these nations was only $26 billion, a decrease from $28 billion in 2022.

Unmet Glasgow Climate Pact Goal

Developed nations are unlikely to meet the Glasgow Climate Pact's goal of doubling adaptation finance from 2019 levels to approximately $40 billion by 2025.

Insufficient New Collective Quantified Goal (NCQG)

COP29 adopted an NCQG for climate finance, urging developed nations to provide at least $300 billion annually for climate action by 2035. 

• However, this amount is insufficient to close the current adaptation finance gap.
• Developing countries like India have advocated for a much higher annual target of $1.3 trillion by 2035.

Lagging Private Sector Contribution

The private sector could contribute $50 billion annually to adaptation efforts with targeted policy and blended finance, but currently contributes only $5 billion.

Implications of Widening Adaptation Gaps

Escalating Humanitarian Crises

Inadequate adaptation leads to increased human suffering, displacement, and food insecurity as extreme weather events intensify.

Economic Devastation

Climate-induced disasters result in massive economic losses, destroying infrastructure, disrupting supply chains, and hindering development progress. 

The United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) stated that the cost of climate change due to high emissions could be higher at 35% of India’s GDP.

Projected economic losses avoided by limiting warming to 1.5°C by 2100 are estimated to be five times greater than the climate finance needed by 2050 to achieve this goal. (Source: Climate Policy Initiative).

Exacerbated Inequalities

Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and Least Developed Countries (LDCs) are most affected by climate change, even though they contribute the least to global greenhouse gas emissions.

Threat to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

Ineffective adaptation jeopardizes several SDGs, including poverty, hunger, health, water, and sustainable urban development.

Initiatives taken by India for Climate Adaptation

National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC)

Launched in 2008, NAPCC outlines eight national missions focusing on sustainable development pathways for mitigation and adaptation.

State Action Plans on Climate Change (SAPCCs)

States and Union Territories develop SAPCCs tailored to their specific vulnerabilities and priorities, integrating climate considerations into sub-national planning.

Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) Notifications

These regulations aim to protect coastal ecosystems and manage development in vulnerable coastal areas, thereby enhancing resilience against sea-level rise and extreme weather.

Disaster Management Framework

The Disaster Management Act of 2005 established the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and State Disaster Management Authorities (SDMAs). 

• It also created National and State Disaster Response Funds (NDRF and SDRF) to aid in disaster preparedness, response, and recovery.

Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI)

An Indian initiative, launched in 2019, to promote global infrastructure resilience to climate and disaster risks. 

It partners with Small Island Developing States (SIDS) to improve building codes and implement multi-hazard early warning systems.

Advocacy for Climate Finance

India advocates for developed nations to fulfill their climate finance commitments, emphasizing the principle of 'Common but Differentiated Responsibilities and Respective Capabilities' (CBDR-RC). 

Conclusion

The UNEP Adaptation Gap Report 2025 highlights finance shortfall, urging developed countries to honor pledges and increase adaptation finance, while developing nations enhance capacities and leverage partnerships, to collectively ensure resilient and sustainable development.

Source: DOWNTOEART